Mistakes international students should avoid when studying in Canada

We know that you are in a new country and would have difficulty understanding other cultures initially! So, here’s help! Keep a track of these cultural taboos to avoid while living and studying in Canada.

Although it is a common choice for a person to tip at a restaurant. However, when in Canada it is imperative to tip the waiter at least 15% of the total bill. Under-tipping or not tipping at all is regarded as exceedingly impolite. If you are in doubt, tip more generously than you would otherwise, and your waiter would be more than happy. A little appreciation goes a long way.

Politics, religion, or sex, all three subjects are considered cultural taboos in Canada! To begin with, Canadians view politics as a very personal thing with differing ideas on governmental policies and initiatives including taxes, gun ownership, drug legalisation, and more, voicing one’s strong sentiments in public is seen as an inviting debate, which Canadians find inappropriate.

Like politics, sex is regarded as being very private, and in some situations, having sexually explicit communication can result in legal actions. Therefore, you should avoid talking about your own or other people's sexual preference.

Due to the huge disparity in religious perspectives in Canada, it is uncommon for people to discuss religion freely. Having said that, it's generally acceptable for Canadians to openly identify as followers of a particular religion.

However, it is annoying and self-righteous to defend your religious conviction in any unwanted contexts and practices.

Your index finger may occasionally be used to point at things, but when talking about someone or something in public it is better to avoid pointing or staring at strangers. This is because it is viewed as disrespectful and a kind of leering.

Additionally, although making a "V" sign with your index and middle fingers is seen as "peace" in certain nations, this is not the case in Canada. Be careful that making this sign could annoy some people even when you're posing for pictures!

Being fashionably late is not cool in Canada! Rather attending social events or professional meetings on time, or even a little early, is appreciated by Canadian people. This implies that you value other people's time and your own. One thing to keep in mind is that they take time very seriously, so when they say 5:00 pm, they really mean it on the dot, being early by more than 15 minutes is also considered presumptuous.

If you know you are going to be late, it's best to let people know and arrive no more than 15 minutes late. Anything further without a justification or an apology is considered impolite always. So, if you have a meeting or occasion to attend, it is best to avoid any delay.

Nobody (including yourself) likes dealing with an unpleasant or belligerent individual, as it hurts emotionally. If you find yourself triggered for whatever reason, take a moment to calm down and refrain from arguing or acting rudely.

Canadians are more inclined to interact with you and maintain respect when you approach anyone with calm and openness because kindness is the key, always works like a charm!

In general, Canadians give gifts for holidays like Christmas and birthdays. If you are invited to a celebration, birthday bash, dinner, or lunch at someone’s house make sure to bring flowers, a box of chocolates, or a bottle of wine.

As a tradition send flowers before the dinner party if you reside in Quebec. Additionally, if you choose to offer wine, it should be the best you can buy. The most important thing that you should avoid is both white lilies and cash at any cost.

In most nations, it is preferable to resolve conflicts in private rather than in a public setting. After all, making a scene can interfere with people's ability to go about their daily lives which can be very hard for an individual.

It’s the same for people in Canada, who often refrain from sobbing or raising their voices in public. Following suit and avoiding outward expressions of rage or any other emotions that can disrupt social interactions is therefore a win-win situation for everyone. There is no good in displaying anger in public or anywhere else.

If you are heading to a new chapter of pursuing your higher studies in Canada, then be aware of these taboos! Also, for queries regarding studying in Canada, you can get in touch with our international education experts. They will help you with the course selection, university selection, and admission procedure.