As an international student at Ivey, I believe it is my sacred duty to prepare future students coming from different parts of the world on what they can expect during their time here. While there are undoubtedly many different blog posts available on the program curricular and the student life at Ivey, today I want to talk about something that is a little more light-hearted, and yet important all the same: culture shocks in Canada and at Ivey Business School.
Full disclaimer before we dive in: Ivey Business School is extremely diverse–which means what is considered the norm in your home country may be something completely new and unexpected for others. What’s important is to refrain from judgement, and embrace the differences in good spirit.
1. Accessibility Is At The Heart Of Every Thing
One of the first culture shocks in Canada that really took me by surprise is how accessibility is so brilliantly incorporated in the design of every day things. I was already aware of Canada’s diversity and inclusivity before even getting on the plane, but I had no idea of the extent to which accessibility is held as a top priority here.
Ivey’s campus is a testament to this. Not only are there valuable resources available for those who need it, but the architecture of the main building of Ivey Business School is designed with accessibility in mind.
And as many experts have said it, accessibility does not just make life easier for those it is ended for–it makes life easier for everyone.
2. People Hold Doors For You And Let You Walk First
Just as I was aware of Canada’s diverse and inclusive culture, I was also aware that people here are extremely polite and considerate of others. And yet, I was not prepared for what may seem very fundamental and basic to those brought up here: people here will hold doors for you and they will respect your space. When you are out in public, it’s very common to see people pausing to let you walk first. It’s a very small gesture, but it’s so wholesome and polite that it made me feel very welcome here.
3. Lots Of Angry Geese Everywhere
If there’s one thing I absolutely was not expecting in Canada, it would be the geese. And how everyone stays clear of them. In Bangladesh, the country where I was born and raised, migrating birds are a beautiful sight to behold, and they are relatively friendly–at the very least you don’t need to be afraid of being swarmed by them when you try to feed them.
The situation with the geese in Canada is very much different. Future Ivey students, consider yourself warned: Ivey and the Western Campus is full of these angry geese. The people here might be nice, but the geese? Not one bit.
4. The Weather Changes At least 5 Times A Day
I have a whole new appreciation for the accuracy of my iPhone’s weather app because the weather in Canada changes dramatically several times in one day. It literally feels like living through 4 seasons in 24 hours. While I understand this might not exactly fall under the category of “culture shocks in Canada”, I did have to get used to carrying sunscreen, an umbrella, and a waterproof hoodie on me at all times.
One great thing about this ever-changing weather? You get to see gorgeous sunsets like this almost every other day. And Ivey is gorgeous during both sunrise and sunset, no matter the season.
5. The Doors On Ivey’s Campus Are Great For An Arm Workout
Remember how I said accessibility makes life better for everyone? I send a silent prayer of gratitude all the time for whoever invented the push door operator buttons because Ivey’s doors are SUPER HEAVY. I might even go on a limb and say they are the heaviest doors in all of London.
Now, if you really wanna get in that daily arm workout for yourself and build some nice bulky biceps or whatever, by all means, push open those Ivey doors by yourself–I, for one, am grateful for the accessibility features that swings open the doors for me without me having to shove it open with the full force of my body.
Jokes and light humor aside, settling in a new country and a new school can be challenging. To all future international students, this is my advice to you: don’t worry too much about the culture shocks and just embrace things the way they come. If something feels too strange to you, or too confusing, always remember that you are not the only one who feels that way–chances are, half of your classmates are wearing the same shoes as you. All it takes is one friendly conversation with a peer to feel more at home.