Starting a degree is an exciting milestone. Starting a degree in a new country while raising a family comes with completely different expectations.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n As yet\u00a0another 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\u00a0wishes\u00a0she\u00a0had known\u00a0before coming to U\u00a0of\u00a0T in hopes of enlightening other student families on a similar journey.\u00a0Leslie\u2019s\u00a0reflection\u00a0serves as a thoughtful reminder that even though every family\u2019s experience is different, no one\u00a0has to\u00a0navigate it alone.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI wish I had known how valuable it is to become part of the\u00a0U\u00a0of\u00a0T\u00a0community 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.<\/em>\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The Family Care Office<\/a> 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: <\/p>\n\n\n\n Student Session: Registering Your Children in School in Ontario<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0– August 6<\/strong>\u00a0 CIE x FCO International Families Welcome Brunch and Garden Party<\/strong><\/a> – August 27<\/strong> FCO Kick-Off Student Family Social<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0– September 19<\/strong>\u00a0 \u201cI wish I had known that it is okay to ask for help. As an international student,\u00a0I often felt that I\u00a0had to figure everything out on my own because I\u00a0didn’t\u00a0want to bother anyone. Looking back, I realize I\u00a0didn’t\u00a0have to.<\/em>\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If healthcare is one of the many unfamiliar systems\u00a0you\u00a0are\u00a0learning, the\u00a0FCO\u00a0has an upcoming event that may be of interest to you:\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Navigating Healthcare and Insurance as a Student Family<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0– July 16<\/strong>\u00a0 Additionally, City of Toronto\u2019s Health Services for Newcomers<\/strong><\/a> <\/strong>is an excellent place to turn for guidance. This provides a starting point for newcomers to navigate the healthcare system. <\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/blogs.studentlife.utoronto.ca\/intersections\/files\/2026\/07\/Untitled-design.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nThe Importance of Building a Community from Day One.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
An overview of school registration,\u00a0including\u00a0required\u00a0documentation, and what families can expect when enrolling children in Ontario schools.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Meet other students and their\u00a0families, connect with FCO staff and peer mentors, and start the academic year by building community.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\nYou\u00a0Don\u2019t\u00a0Have to\u00a0Figure Out\u00a0Everything on Your Own.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Learn about Ontario\u2019s healthcare system, student insurance plans, and how to access healthcare for you and your family.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n