Ever wondered what it’s like to attend university in Canada? As an international student (or soon-to-be international student), you are most likely pondering what tips and tricks you’ll need to know to thrive in a Canadian University institution. Luckily, we here at TalentEgg have had our fair share of experiences and are excited to share some tips and tricks with you! Here are five key learning outcomes you can expect in your studies:
1. Critical thinking
Critical thinking refers back to carefully thinking through a problem to arrive at a rational working solution. Canadian arts, humanities, sciences, and business programs alike all require critical thinking skills. Why? Critical thinking encourages autonomy, especially since it involves the comprehensive ability to solve problems strategically and carefully.
In addition, critical thinking skills are one of the most desired skills in the current workforce. In fact, 60% of hiring managers across diverse fields report that critical thinking is the number one soft skill they desire in new graduates.
2. Creative thinking
In a tech-dominated world, creative thinking skills are increasingly important. Although algorithms and machine learning can replace some of our logical thinking skills, they cannot fully replace human creativity. As such, creativity is one of the top five skills that are in demand among job candidates. Canadian universities consistently encourage their students to apply creative thinking to prepare them for their innovative futures and the work that lies ahead.
3. Teamwork
Canadian universities emphasize collaboration rather than a purely independent approach to learning. Learning how to work and think in teams can be just as useful as the content being studied because it nurtures lifelong skills invaluable in the workforce. To this day, collaboration has consistently remained a top skill that employers are seeking among all applicants.
Canada aims to prepare post-secondary students for work with learning that requires students to work together to solve problems, analyze information and create mid and final assignments together. Classes that incorporate group work into their curriculum helps students further develop their teamwork and collaboration skills. This can help you build your professional set of soft skills to carry outside of the classroom and into your career.
4. Well-roundedness
Most universities require you to take electives outside of your program to help diversify your learning. For example, you might be required to obtain a certain number of course credits within the humanities faculty if you are a science student and vice-versa. These requirements allow students to gain a breadth of knowledge in university, rather than being limited to the knowledge and skills solely revolving around their specialty program.
By diversifying your learning, you have an exciting opportunity to explore different fields! Furthermore, you can apply more diverse thinking to the work you do in your chosen field.
5. Work-integrated learning
Many university programs in Canada offer work-integrated learning. Work-integrated learning entails internship opportunities that offer practical, hands-on work experience. Across Canadian universities, 55% of undergraduate students receive a career-forward active learning opportunity through work-integrated learning. With this practicum, you dive into your field in a three-dimensional, real-world way before you have even graduated.
…And there you have it! Studying in the welcoming, multicultural country of Canada is an exhilarating international experience that is sure to provide various learning outcomes. With helpful features provided by Canadian Institutions such as work-integrated learning, well-roundedness, teamwork, creative thinking, and critical thinking, you’ll be better prepared and develop a strong set of soft and hard skills required to succeed in today’s workforce. Happy learning!