The information in this section is meant to be read in addition to the other pages on study skills. If you think you may need help improving your study skills, the University offers free study skills workshops. To register, please call (902) 457-6567.
International students face some extra sources of stress at university, such as language barriers, homesickness, being unfamiliar with a new education system and adjusting to another culture. Although it may be hard at first, here are some suggestions to help make your transition easier:
1. ParticipateIn many classes, you will be expected to ask questions and take part in discussions. Don’t be afraid to share your experience and opinions.
2. Ask for help
At first you may find it hard to adjust to your professor’s accent and teaching style. It is OK to clarify information with your professor after class. It is a good idea to reread your lecture notes and the textbook chapter, then make an appointment with your professor if you are still confused.
3. Join a study groupDiscussing material from class may help clarify things you are unsure of, plus give you a chance to help other students by sharing your own insights. Study groups are also a great way to meet new people.
4. Stay motivatedUniversity will be tough at times. When you are far away from home, you might find difficult times even harder because you don’t have as much social support as other students. Homesickness may lead to a lack of motivation. For more information on motivation, click here. If you are feeling overwhelmed by the pressures of university, the Department of Student Affairs offers free counselling to Mount students. To make an appointment with a professional counsellor call (902) 457-6567 or contact the International Student Advisor at (902) 457-6130.
5. Seek academic advisingStudents are encouraged to meet regularly with an academic advisor to talk about their academic plans and progress. Advisors help students with course selection, program planning and other academic issues. Students who are registered in professional degrees and those who have declared a major should contact their department to determine whom to consult for academic advising. Other students should consult with the assistant to the deans for Academic Advising at (902) 457-6400 or msvu.ca.
6. Improve your writing skills
The Writing Resources Centre offers friendly, professional, writing advice free to all Mount students. Students can get help at any stage of their writing assignment, whether they are a struggling or a very good writer. Students taking English as a Second Language often find the Writing Resource Centre’s tutorials help lower stress. Click here for more information on the Writing Resource Centre or click here for more information on writing papers.
A note on plagiarism: In some cultures it is considered disrespectful to alter original words. In Canada it is illegal to copy information straight from a source. Mount Saint Vincent University has strict guidelines on plagiarism. Contact the Writing Resource Centre for more information on plagiarism.
7. Get individual tutoring
If you find yourself struggling academically, you may want to consider hiring a tutor. The fee will vary depending on the tutor, but you should expect to pay at least $7/hour. Many tutors charge between $12 and $15 /hour.
Here’s how you can find a tutor:
- Approach your professor and ask if she or he knows of a student who would be interested in tutoring.
- Scan the bulletin boards around campus looking for tutors advertising their services.
- Advertise that you want to hire a tutor. You can post the position with the Career Planning Centre and put up posters around campus.
- Meet with the International Student Advisor, who can help you find someone suitable.
8. Check out the Supplementary Instruction ProgramThe Supplementary Instruction Program offers group-tutoring programs in the following courses:
1. Introductory Accounting, Busi 2221/2222
2, Introduction Chemistry, Chem 1101/1102
3. Organic Chemistry, Chem 2401/2402
4, Introductory Physics, Phys. 1101/1102
5, Micro/Macro Economics, Econ 1101/1102.
These sessions are free and led by students who have achieved high standing in the course they are teaching. For more information about this program, please contact the assistant to the deans for Academic Advising at (902) 457-6400 or msvu.ca.
9. Improve your English Studying in Canada can be challenging for students whose first language isn’t English. Here are some tips to help you with reading English:
- Use “muscle reading”: Click here for more information on the muscle reading technique. Just as muscle reading can help you read textbooks, it can also help you read English. It is helpful to look for major ideas and read things more than once.
- Practice reading and speaking English: Reading what you have just read out loud in your own words helps you speak English and remember ideas easier.
- Get help: If you would like help developing practical language skills such as speaking, listening, reading and writing, the International Student Advisor can refer you to off-campus organizations that can help meet your needs.
Listed below are a few community resources available to help students with English as a Second Language (ESL) concerns:
East Coast School of Languages
1526 Dresden Row, fourth floor
Phone: (902) 491-1526
esclhalifax.com
www.ecslcanada.com
TESL
Saint Mary’s University
Phone: (902) 420-5691
tesl@stmarys.ca
www.saintmarys.ca
International Language Institute
5151 Terminal Rd., 8F
Phone: (902) 429-3636
ilihalifax.com
www.ili-halifax.com
MISA (volunteer tutor program)
2131 Gottingen St.
Phone: (902) 423-3607