I came (to Toronto) for the first time during my last year of high school to practice my English. I was a little scared to talk in English, but I loved it here. It was so much fun!
After high school, my parents wanted me to try the U.S. for six months to see if I liked it there, so I went to Boston. I don’t want to say Boston was boring, but I liked Toronto so much better.
Unfortunately, I applied to U of T a bit late. I didn’t get in that time, and I was so sad. I ended up going to the University of Washington, but I missed Toronto. My dad told me, OK, if you don’t like the University of Washington you can transfer next year, because you want to be in a place you feel good since you’re so far from your family.
I reapplied after three months, and received my acceptance to U of T. I was so happy! Now I’m in the life sciences program and my goal is to go to dental school.
I remember when I was in Washington, I was walking around with my pepper spray, but here I feel so safe, and the people here are so friendly.
For me it was easier to make friends here because there are so many international students, so there are a lot of people who understand my situation that I’m so far from Bolivia. We understand each other.
Generally when I ask people what their first impression of Toronto is, they don’t really like it the first month or two, but then they fall in love with the city. For me it was the first day and I was like, Wow this is so great!
Feels like home
Toronto ranks as one of the top choices for international students due to its diverse population, high quality education, and cultural variety. In fact, Toronto has been named the world’s most multicultural city by the United Nations Development Program. Some of the features that international students highlight as integral in their choice to study here include:
- Cultural festivals: ranging from the Toronto International Jazz Festival to summer street festivals representing a spectrum of communities.
- Restaurants: Sampling cuisines from any country you can imagine.
- Volunteer opportunities: The chance to practice English, get involved, and make a difference through a host of sponsored volunteer programs.
