Study in Canada: What do Indian Student Associations do?

Indian Students Associations are created by students at foreign universities so that all the current and incoming Indian students can get together, explore and share the rich and diverse Indian culture. Indian Students Associations are non-profit organizations and they organize several events throughout the year. These could be fun or cultural events. Anyone who is interested can attend or take active participation at these events, as these are not limited only to students of Indian origin. It enables new and existing Indian students to enjoy cultural events which they might otherwise miss, and also to help others appreciate the rich culture of India by raising awareness about the region.

What do these associations do

• They might help an incoming student by picking him up at the airport at the time of arrival
• Organizing the fresher's party
• Arranging and organizing Diwali Night
• Arranging and organizing India Night
• Celebrating Holi, Dussehra and other festivals
• Indian Independence Day celebration
• Screening Cricket matches during match season
• Showcasing Bollywood Movies

These are the people who will take care of you when you land in Canada. These will be your first friends and your point of contact with the new country, and your mentors on how to survive the initial few months on your own.

What help can you get with ISA

• Before you get a VISA, ask them about your chances of getting in the university
• Financial aid available for your course
• Answer your questions about major, an area of interest, research interests etc.
• Provide you information about professors
• After you get a visa, you can ask their help in making travel plans
• Help you decide the better accommodation choice among room, apartment, and find roommates etc.
• You can ask beforehand which textbooks might be required, so you can buy them for lesser prices in India.
• Coordinate and arrange for airport pick up
• They can give you financial advice and help you understand and adjust to the dollar currency system

Some advice from Indian Student Associations (ISA)

1. Learn how to drive - It is helpful to know driving even though you will have to learn left side driving again in Canada. Anyway, you won't be buying a car right away, but rental cars are affordable means of transport for quick trips.
2. Learn to cook, while you are in India.
3. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months more than your stay as indicated on your I-20 form.
4. Get prescriptions and medicines for all common ailments. Get the generic name of the medicine written in the prescription along with Indian and Canadian brand name for that. Medicines are not sold in Canada without valid prescriptions.
5. Get your eyesight checked in India - Get a new prescription from an ophthalmologist and buy at least one extra pair of glasses and lenses, as they are cheaper in India.
6. Get the required immunization done, especially MMR. Fill the Health and Immunization record form that is included with the I-20 packet.
7. While packing bags, keep a photocopy of your passport, tickets, I-20 form and contact info of your college in every piece of baggage.
8. Keep original copies of your certificates, bank statements, sponsor's affidavit, passport and admission letters in your cabin baggage. The immigration officials may ask you to present them at the airport.
9. Any traveler can bring $500 in cash to Canada. So keep $1000 in traveler’s checks and a personal draft of the amount equal to one semester's expenses. You may check your I-20 to determine this amount.