'It's nothing like school back home': An Indian student shares the reality of studying at UBC Canada
For many Indian students, studying abroad is a dream tinged with both excitement and uncertainty. The prospect of navigating a new country, a different academic system, and an unfamiliar social environment can be overwhelming. Vedika Handa, a biology undergraduate at the University of British Columbia (UBC), shares her journey, offering insights that could guide prospective international students through the realities of pursuing higher education in Canada.
Choosing the right university
The process of shortlisting universities, according to Vedika, was guided by a clear set of priorities: “It has to be reputed for the programme I am looking at: bio life sciences. It has to have a ton of experience in undergraduate research. And it must have a positive and engaged community of students.” UBC met all these criteria, combining strong academic reputation with opportunities for hands-on research and a supportive student environment.
One significant aspect of UBC’s admissions process for international students is the personal profile. Unlike many universities that require standardized tests or a statement of purpose, UBC evaluates applicants based on their experiences, extracurricular involvement, and leadership: “All they wanted to see is how dedicated you are in experiencing new things in life,” Vedika notes. This holistic approach allows students to present a full picture of themselves beyond grades.
Navigating additional requirements
For international students, the journey involves certain prerequisites. English proficiency, verified through tests such as the International English Language Testing System ( IELTS ), is mandatory even for those from English-medium CBSE schools. Science students must also have completed mathematics, chemistry, and physics during their senior years.
Understanding costs
Studying abroad entails significant financial planning. Tuition for a biology student taking five courses per term ranges between 44,000 and 45,000 Canadian dollars, or approximately 22,000 Canadian dollars per four-month term. Living expenses vary depending on accommodation. First-year students at UBC are guaranteed on-campus housing, with options such as Vanier, Totem Park, and Orchard. Vedika recounts her experience: “I lived in Vanier in my first year and my fee was 15,000 Canadian dollars, which included food from the meal plan as well as rent. It had a single room with a communal bathroom.” In subsequent years, her housing costs fluctuated with location and living arrangements, reflecting Vancouver’s high cost of living.
The UBC experience: Jumpstart and community
Vedika highlights UBC’s Jumpstart program, which eases the transition for new students: “One week before your first day of class, you get paired up with a group and a bunch of mentors who are current students of UBC. They take you around the campus and tell you about their own experiences.” The program provides both guidance and an opportunity to connect with peers in the same field, easing social integration before the academic rigor begins.
Academic life
One of the most striking differences Vedika observed was the shift in academic expectations. Interactions with professors are informal, with students addressing faculty by first names. Vedika believes that the focus is on critical thinking rather than memorization, which differs significantly from CBSE methods: “In UBC it is more hands-on. If I am studying biology, there has to be lab work and structures that I am supposed to understand and predict actions. I am also supposed to explain concepts in a debate.” Assessments often include tools such as cheat sheets and calculators, but the underlying expectation is independent learning. Students must take ownership of their schedules, assignments, and understanding of concepts. Vedika emphasizes, “If you are someone who is not very academically motivated, if you aren’t prioritizing your academics, it is going to be super difficult. There are no reminders. Professors are there for everyone to access, and it is up to you whether you want to reach out for help.”
Lessons for international students
Vedika’s journey underscores that studying abroad is as much about personal growth as it is about academics. For international students, it involves adapting to new teaching methods, managing independent learning, and navigating logistical and financial considerations. Her experience demonstrates that careful planning, early preparation, and active engagement with both academic and extracurricular opportunities can make the transition smoother and more rewarding.
In a global education landscape that continues to shift, Vedika’s reflections provide a practical roadmap for Indian students aspiring to study abroad . Her insights affirm that success is rooted not only in academic competence but also in curiosity, and adaptability.
Ground Reality: Vedika’s Journey as an Indian Student at UBC, Canada
Choosing the right university
The process of shortlisting universities, according to Vedika, was guided by a clear set of priorities: “It has to be reputed for the programme I am looking at: bio life sciences. It has to have a ton of experience in undergraduate research. And it must have a positive and engaged community of students.” UBC met all these criteria, combining strong academic reputation with opportunities for hands-on research and a supportive student environment.
One significant aspect of UBC’s admissions process for international students is the personal profile. Unlike many universities that require standardized tests or a statement of purpose, UBC evaluates applicants based on their experiences, extracurricular involvement, and leadership: “All they wanted to see is how dedicated you are in experiencing new things in life,” Vedika notes. This holistic approach allows students to present a full picture of themselves beyond grades.
Navigating additional requirements
For international students, the journey involves certain prerequisites. English proficiency, verified through tests such as the International English Language Testing System ( IELTS ), is mandatory even for those from English-medium CBSE schools. Science students must also have completed mathematics, chemistry, and physics during their senior years.
Understanding costs
Studying abroad entails significant financial planning. Tuition for a biology student taking five courses per term ranges between 44,000 and 45,000 Canadian dollars, or approximately 22,000 Canadian dollars per four-month term. Living expenses vary depending on accommodation. First-year students at UBC are guaranteed on-campus housing, with options such as Vanier, Totem Park, and Orchard. Vedika recounts her experience: “I lived in Vanier in my first year and my fee was 15,000 Canadian dollars, which included food from the meal plan as well as rent. It had a single room with a communal bathroom.” In subsequent years, her housing costs fluctuated with location and living arrangements, reflecting Vancouver’s high cost of living.
The UBC experience: Jumpstart and community
Vedika highlights UBC’s Jumpstart program, which eases the transition for new students: “One week before your first day of class, you get paired up with a group and a bunch of mentors who are current students of UBC. They take you around the campus and tell you about their own experiences.” The program provides both guidance and an opportunity to connect with peers in the same field, easing social integration before the academic rigor begins.
Academic life
One of the most striking differences Vedika observed was the shift in academic expectations. Interactions with professors are informal, with students addressing faculty by first names. Vedika believes that the focus is on critical thinking rather than memorization, which differs significantly from CBSE methods: “In UBC it is more hands-on. If I am studying biology, there has to be lab work and structures that I am supposed to understand and predict actions. I am also supposed to explain concepts in a debate.” Assessments often include tools such as cheat sheets and calculators, but the underlying expectation is independent learning. Students must take ownership of their schedules, assignments, and understanding of concepts. Vedika emphasizes, “If you are someone who is not very academically motivated, if you aren’t prioritizing your academics, it is going to be super difficult. There are no reminders. Professors are there for everyone to access, and it is up to you whether you want to reach out for help.”
Lessons for international students
Vedika’s journey underscores that studying abroad is as much about personal growth as it is about academics. For international students, it involves adapting to new teaching methods, managing independent learning, and navigating logistical and financial considerations. Her experience demonstrates that careful planning, early preparation, and active engagement with both academic and extracurricular opportunities can make the transition smoother and more rewarding.
In a global education landscape that continues to shift, Vedika’s reflections provide a practical roadmap for Indian students aspiring to study abroad . Her insights affirm that success is rooted not only in academic competence but also in curiosity, and adaptability.
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