You envisioned "living your best life" as an international student. You had chosen your dream university in your dream country. But the dream abruptly stopped upon arriving in the host country. The selected program was far from what you had imagined, and nothing seems right. How do you face the year under these conditions? Is it possible to switch majors?
Consult your university's international counseling services
Whether you decide to switch majors or not, you will need to go through your university's counseling services. It is crucial to identify the causes of your disappointment. It could be due to the curriculum (lack of practical/theoretical elements), the subjects and their teaching methods, comprehension difficulties, or a significant discrepancy between the university you imagined and the reality.
Switching majors is one option to consider. However, it is not the only one. Determining the reasons for your disappointment and consulting with the counseling services will help you make the best choice. If your disappointment concerns the selection of elective courses, an adjustment is undoubtedly possible.
Consider reorienting during the academic year
You tried to persevere during the first few weeks abroad, attributing your disappointment to culture shock. But as the weeks pass, the frustration persists. If you feel that your choice of program undermines your entire expatriation project, it might be time to switch majors.
Explore various options with the university's counselors. Don't forget to contact immigration services to check if reorientation is possible and under what conditions. Depending on the university's rules, mid-year admission might not be allowed. To switch majors, you might then need to repeat the year. To avoid repeating, inquire about the possibility of joining a “bridging” course immediately. This allows you to start studying your chosen subjects right away and fully integrate into the new program once you validate your current year. You can also consider universities that offer staggered or multiple academic intakes per year.
The procedures for changing majors
Generally, you have two options: changing majors within your university or transferring to another university. But be mindful of your study permit. Your host university acted as your “sponsor” for immigration purposes. First, ensure that transferring universities will not affect your residency status.
For instance, Canada generally allows changing universities or programs, but under specific conditions:
- Provincial or territorial authorities must recognize your new institution as capable of hosting international students.
- You must commit to attending classes diligently.
- You must provide all information requested by immigration services. Failure to comply may result in the cancellation of your study permit and expulsion from the country with a reentry ban.
Changing majors: implications for international students
The first significant consequence is telling your family. More than local students, international students often feel they cannot afford mistakes. You might be in this situation. You endured a lengthy process to obtain your visa, and your family contributed financially. You might have incurred debt over several years and struggle to accept a wrong turn. Don't delay the inevitable. Remember that your parents will find out about your reorientation sooner or later. Explain the reasons for your decision and stand firm against their skeptical remarks. Instead, reassure them by positively presenting your new academic program.
Changing majors and repeating a year: Is there a risk to your residency permit?
The risk of repeating a year is another important point to highlight. If your transfer is approved, but your new university does not accept students mid-year, you will have to wait until the next academic year. Typically, repeating a year does not jeopardize your residency permit. However, the administration may view repeating a year (without valid reasons) as a sign of a lack of diligence in your studies. Diligence in classes and seriousness in studies are among the criteria examined for renewing or not renewing a residency permit. Hence, it is essential to consult with immigration services before taking any steps and to properly justify your desire for reorientation.
How to prepare for changing majors
If changing majors involves repeating a year, do not see this waiting time as wasted. Consider it additional time to prepare for your new academic program. You can:
- Ask to attend classes while waiting for your entry.
- Work to finance your studies.
- Join a student association.
- Explore your host city.
If the change of majors is “automatic,” prepare for a change of pace. Disappointed with your initial university choice abroad, you were probably less committed. You might have adopted a more “relaxed” lifestyle. Adopt good habits before starting your course at the new university. Put all the odds in your favor to succeed in your year.
Studying abroad: How to manage a course error
Avoid associating "course error" with "failure.” A change of majors does not indicate that you have failed. It's more of a sign that you know how to bounce back.
Don't consider the months or years spent finding your path as wasted time. Capitalize on the contacts made abroad, professional experiences, knowledge accumulated, etc. They might help one day.
International students are often considered more vulnerable. You still don't know the country, culture, or language well. The perfect move is a myth. Give yourself time to find your bearings and give yourself a chance to bounce back.
What if it were a matter of educational method?
Analysts believe that making a wrong choice is less a problem of ability than a problem of national education. Northern European and Anglo-Saxon countries tend to diversify children's education more. They do odd jobs, have school days divided between theoretical classes and practical activities (sports, arts, culture, etc.), engage in associations, and don't hesitate to take a break after high school.
Other countries, however, have an academic system. Children are not encouraged to accumulate experiences outside of school but stay in the system until the end of their higher education. This linear educational mode (with an internship only at the end of studies) makes children less creative. Those who already have a career in mind are more likely to succeed. But those torn between their parents' wishes and their teachers' recommendations may end up following a path that's not their own and thus choosing the inappropriate course.
More tips for thriving as an international student
To increase your chances of success, do not neglect language learning. Don't just stick to English (unless you are moving to an English-speaking country), but learn the host country's language.
Be open and curious. Learn your limits and ask for help. Successes are often discussed more than the challenges of expat and student life. But you are not alone in being disappointed with your studies abroad. Talk about it with others. Don't isolate yourself.
Be meticulous, especially concerning your procedures for changing majors. Submit all necessary documents to the right contacts. Respect deadlines.
Believe in yourself. Don't compare yourself to other students; believe in your capabilities. Open up to others. Take advantage of your student visa to explore your city. There are many free ways to become acquainted with your neighborhood and your city: walking in gardens, joining online networks for group activities, joining an association. It's also a way to make connections and blend into your new daily life.
