What It’s Like to Study in Canada

As international students, we experience a totally new environment and, on top of that, we have to get to grips with a whole new educational system.

The teaching methods in the Indian subcontinent are very different from Canada; in this blog, I will discuss how they compare.

Curriculum

In the Indian Sub-continent, there is a decent proportion of private and public schools which follow the USA or UK curriculum. That being said, the majority of the country follows their local curriculum, which is sometimes not that up-to mark.

Differences in teaching methods 

The teaching methods are way different if we compare them with up here in Canada.

In India, students need to memorize the entire course material which seems pretty burdened and sometimes frustrating for students.

However, in Canada, the teachers follow the ‘break into sections’ approach, as I call it. They divide the same course material into different sections, which are composed of theory, practice and critical thinking.

Education in India is more focused on learning the theoretical aspects, but in Canada, teachers focus on a practical approach and creativity of work.

In short, the teaching style in Canada gives the practical side of education as much importance as it gives to the theoretical aspect.

Differences in teaching style

When it comes to the teaching style, I think teachers in Canada are friendlier.

In India, we address our teacher with ‘sir’, ‘madam’ or ‘mam’ instead as a sign of respect;  teachers in Canada prefer to be called by their first name – which is something really new and I like that as well.

The use of technology

Most schools in the Indian Sub-continent, are not technically and technologically well equipped, except in some particular communities.

As a matter of fact, students don’t have that much access to technology as compared to Canada; still, they are able to somehow manage their work.

As a result, teachers are still following traditional methods and ways of transferring knowledge.

In conclusion

All things considered, my conclusion is that sub-continental countries like India are still way behind Canada or other Western countries.

Schools and government are definitely trying their best to improve the education system as much as they can. They have improved and are still doing a remarkable job in making the institutions better and preparing them for meeting future challenges; labs are being upgraded, the curriculum is being revised and necessary changes are being made.

I am pretty hopeful that one day our countries will be at the same level as any other Western country.