Dear teachers:
My name is cedar, I am a grade 12 student studying BC program in china. I am considering going to Canada for further study.
I think my burning problem is the cultural thing, I mean the cultural shock; I don’t know anything about Canadian rules or laws. In addition, I am a foreigner; I may have some conflicts between my classmates because of the different cultural. Therefore, I want to know what cant I do in Canada, how to satisfied western people and how to make friends with them.
Furthermore, I have some problems in English, I may go to a foundation courses to better deal with my papers. Can you give me some more suggestions about how to mastering English and how to speak authentic English, does watch America TV opera work?
I hope I can get used to it as soon as possible when I get there.
Hi! Cedar. Thanks for sharing your sincere and honest feeling. I also encourage you to have confidence on your future. I think you already did great start for your future. As a Korea, I also suffered cultural difference between Korea and Canada. For example, Canadian regard keeping time is very important things in human relation comparing to my culture. Also, you need to keep the time to hand in paper or class. I always need to check schedule and time.
Secondly, honest is the best policy in Canada. If you have any problem or worries in Canada, you need to have honest attitude in dealing the problems. I think Canadian more value on contents than form or rule.
Concerning learning English and speaking, I think you already have great qualification to do that well. You are young and so passionate, I think. One of my suggestions is not to be afraid of making mistakes. You can learn from mistakes. Cheer up^*^
thank you teacher~ i think i should develop my habits of be on time and be honest now, cause sometime i will late for school. i hope i can get well with my classmates in Canada. you know, some Chinese parents tell their kids to be away from Chinese kids. does Chinese really so bad in Canada?
i have my doubts.
Hi, Cedar! Thanks for sharing your worries and doubts. I'm glad to see your worry about studying in Canada because it shows that you really want to learn and you have a very positive attitude in learning. Actually, you do not have to worry that much because you come to Canada to learn means there is something you do not know and you want to learn, like cultural differences, English, etc; if you come here to learn, you do not need to be perfect and do not be afraid of making mistakes because it is normal and evitable for anyone who is learning. What you can do is to be who you are and study hard; also, do not be afraid to ask questions. As I know, most Canadians are very nice and I think they will be glad to help you with your English and explain their culture to you.
When I first came to Canada, I was eighteen (probably as the same age as you right now), I did not know any canadian culture at all and my English was not very good. At that time, I lived in a homestay, and I pretended I was not shy and not afraid of them at all, even though I was very nervous when I was talking to them. I chatted with them everyday after school and I asked them questions about anything I did not know. They were very nice and patient so that I learned a lot from them.
Cedar, all you can do is to be brave and confident! I believe you can do it!