Preparing for Middle School in Canada

Preparing for middle school in Canada to a certain extent depends on which kind of middle school program you have chosen, and on the specific requirements of that school. In general, however, there are things you can do to prepare, both academically and personally.

Academic
International students entering middle school in Canada should begin planning early. As requirements or assessment tests may vary from middle school to middle school, the more time you give yourself to prepare, the easier your application, acceptance and other preparation processes will be.

Admission requirements may vary: some schools have minimum academic requirements, while others judge each application on a case-by-case basis. Because there is no universal standard, it's a good idea to try and get the best grades you can now, so that you will qualify for any school you might decide to apply to.

In addition to keeping your grades up, another thing you can do to prepare academically is gather information from the different middle school programs in Canada. Different schools will also have different application processes, different English or French language proficiency requirements and require different documentation. It is very important that you clarify these requirements early on, as that will affect what you need to do in your own country.

Personal
Personal preparation can be as important as academic preparation. There are many things you can do to prepare yourself for life and study in Canada.

Get more familiar with the language you will be studying in, whether English or French. You can do this by reading English- or French-language books, magazines, newspapers or even comic books, either in print or online. You can practice your conversation with any English- or French-speaking friends, and watch English or French TV or films.

Research the extra-curricular activities that are offered by the school you wish to go to, or that are available in the local community. You may find your favourite sport or other activity, or you may find something new that looks interesting. This way, you can start to get excited about life in Canada beyond your studies.

Get in contact with other international students already studying at the school you wish to attend. The school's administration may be able to put you in touch with current international students who can share their experiences and advice with you.

Make sure you find out how you can stay in contact your family regularly and easily once you arrive in Canada. This will help you with any homesickness you might experience.

All minors by Canadian law (anyone under 18) must have a designated guardian in Canada--someone who will be responsible for them while in the country. If you have no family in Canada, this may be a bit tricky, so be sure to contact Canadian Immigration officials to find out what you and your parents need to do to fulfill this part of the process.