(7-minute read)
By: Kayal Mylvaganam, Communications and Information Assistant
Starting a degree is an exciting milestone. Starting a degree in a new country while raising a family comes with completely different expectations.
As yet another academic year slowly approaches, I had the pleasure of speaking to Leslie Lara Bustamente, an international student parent completing her MEd in Educational Leadership and Policy. We spoke about her experience of coming to Toronto with her family and balancing school with caregiving responsibilities. I asked her to reflect on three things she wishes she had known before coming to U of T in hopes of enlightening other student families on a similar journey. Leslie’s reflection serves as a thoughtful reminder that even though every family’s experience is different, no one has to navigate it alone.
The Importance of Building a Community from Day One.
“I wish I had known how valuable it is to become part of the U of T community beyond the classroom. I also wish I had joined more Family Care Office activities earlier. Through them, we met wonderful people from around the world, learned from their experiences, and built friendships that made Canada feel more like home. Those connections helped not only me, but also my partner and daughter build their own communities while navigating life far from home.”
It is always important to eradicate the isolation that comes with moving to a new country. The best way to do this is by building connections. It may take time, but small steps like attending an FCO event, visiting your local library or participating in community programming can make all the difference.
The Family Care Office offers a variety of opportunities throughout the year to help student families connect and learn about resources available both on and off campus. Here are some upcoming events:
Student Session: Registering Your Children in School in Ontario – August 6
An overview of school registration, including required documentation, and what families can expect when enrolling children in Ontario schools.
CIE x FCO International Families Welcome Brunch and Garden Party – August 27
Join staff and student leaders from both the FCO and the Centre for International Experience (CIE) in a warm welcome for international student families to the St. George Campus.
FCO Kick-Off Student Family Social – September 19
Meet other students and their families, connect with FCO staff and peer mentors, and start the academic year by building community.
You Don’t Have to Figure Out Everything on Your Own.
“I wish I had known that it is okay to ask for help. As an international student, I often felt that I had to figure everything out on my own because I didn’t want to bother anyone. Looking back, I realize I didn’t have to.”
Starting over in a new country often means learning entirely new systems, from healthcare and childcare to school and housing. Reaching out for support can sometimes feel difficult, but it can also be the first step toward finding a community that understands your experience.
If healthcare is one of the many unfamiliar systems you are learning, the FCO has an upcoming event that may be of interest to you:
Navigating Healthcare and Insurance as a Student Family – July 16
Learn about Ontario’s healthcare system, student insurance plans, and how to access healthcare for you and your family.
Additionally, City of Toronto’s Health Services for Newcomers is an excellent place to turn for guidance. This provides a starting point for newcomers to navigate the healthcare system.
The Centre for International Experience (CIE) is another valuable resource for international students at the University of Toronto. The CIE provides support with study and work permits, health insurance, transitioning to life in Canada, and connecting with campus and community resources. Students can also access workshops, social events, immigration advising, and programs that help them build community and make the most of their U of T experience.
Balance is Something You Have to Protect Intentionally.
“Balance doesn’t just happen; you have to create it intentionally. One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned at U of T is that making time for family, exploring Toronto, travelling, or simply taking a break is not separate from academic success. It is part of it.”
Each family’s version of balance will look different. What is important to keep in mind is that balance (in whatever form it comes in) can be an important part of making personal and academic success sustainable.
We hope these reflections offer encouragement as you go through your U of T journey. No single piece of advice can prepare someone for every challenge that comes with starting school in a new country, but one thing is clear: the communities you build along the way matter just as much as the degree you are working towards.