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Being an international student is not just about going to school. It’s about learning how to survive, adapt, and grow in ways you never expected.
Adjusting to a New Life
The first few months were overwhelming. New country, new weather, new culture, and new education system. Everything felt different from what I was used to back home in the Philippines.
Simple things suddenly became difficult. Understanding accents during lectures, keeping up with assignments, and learning new academic expectations were all challenges. Sometimes, I would spend extra hours just trying to understand lessons that others seemed to understand right away.
There were days when I felt confident and motivated. But there were also days when I questioned myself and wondered if I made the right decision.
Balancing School, Work, and Life
One of the biggest struggles during my studies was balancing everything. As an international student, working while studying is almost necessary. Bills don’t stop, and living expenses in Canada are not cheap.
There were times when I would go to work tired, then go home to finish assignments late at night. Some days, I barely had enough sleep. I remember drinking coffee just to stay awake while doing schoolwork. It was exhausting, physically and mentally.
There were moments when stress piled up so much that I quietly told myself, “I wanna go home - to the Philippines.”
Not because I hated Canada. But because I missed my family, my comfort zone, and the life that felt familiar. Being far away from loved ones during difficult moments is one of the hardest parts of studying abroad.
Emotional and Personal Struggles
Studying wasn’t the only challenge. There were personal struggles happening in my life at the same time. Trying to stay strong while dealing with emotional stress made the journey even heavier.
There were nights when I felt lonely and questioned if all the sacrifices were worth it. I saw my family only through video calls. Celebrating birthdays, holidays, and important moments without them never became easy.
But somehow, those struggles slowly made me stronger. I learned how to stand on my own, make decisions independently, and push forward even when things felt uncertain.
Support That Made a Difference
Despite the struggles, I wasn’t completely alone. I met classmates, coworkers, and mentors who supported me along the way. Small conversations, encouragement from instructors, and friendships helped me continue when I felt like giving up.
My program also helped me grow not just academically, but personally. Studying Human Services – Child and Youth Care taught me empathy, patience, and understanding. Ironically, while learning how to support others, I was also learning how to support myself.
The Moment Everything Felt Worth It
Fast forward to June 2025, I finally completed my program. Looking back, it feels surreal. The sleepless nights, the stress, the homesickness, and the self-doubt — they all became part of my story.
Graduating wasn’t just about finishing school. It was proof that I survived one of the toughest chapters of my life.
I didn’t just earn a diploma. I gained resilience, independence, and confidence that I never knew I had.
A Message to Anyone Going Through the Same Journey
If you are an international student or someone chasing a dream far from home, I want you to know that it’s okay to struggle. It’s okay to feel homesick. It’s okay to feel tired and overwhelmed.
Sometimes growth happens in the most uncomfortable moments.
There will be days when you feel like giving up. I had many of those days. But if you keep going, you might look back one day and realize those struggles helped shape the person you are becoming.
My journey from September 2023 to June 2025 was not easy. But it was one of the most meaningful experiences of my life — and it continues to shape the path I am walking today.
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