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A Guide for International Students

Moving to a new country can be challenging, please review this guide our department prepared to relieve any pressures that come with a new change.

1. Managing your Course Load

It is important to manage your course load, as the MA program is challenging but short. Remember to utilize your professor’s office hours and contacting them when you have difficulty with topics in your courses. Your professors are here to help you, and they won’t know you don’t understand topics in the course unless you vocalize it.

Our department has prepared some sample course plans. Please visit the course plans for MA Students page here. If you want a customized course plan or have difficulty and need some assistance with course planning, please email our department, economics@carleton.ca.

2. Resources and Tips for International Students

Check your email!
Our department regularly sends out important information via email. That could be from our department directly (economics@carleton.ca), our graduate administrator or the graduate supervisor. Emails vary but include workshops and conferences, information, job opportunities, and important program development.

International Student Services Office (ISSO)
The Global Opportunities & International Student Services Office (GO-ISSO) offers services and programs that contribute to positive international experiences for all Carleton students. We are dedicated to helping international and exchange students adjust to life in Canada and to helping them get the most out of their student experience.
The GO-ISSO supports and encourages Carleton students in gaining international exposure both locally and abroad through volunteer opportunities, international internships and co-op, and participation in exchange or study abroad programs. Please visit their website here: https://carleton.ca/isso/
 
Services Available on Campus
Please view the services to all Carleton students available on campus prepared by Campus Services:
https://carleton.ca/gradpd/campus-services/

3. Taking the time to sight see!

Remember to set aside dedicated time for studying, assignments, and projects. At the same time, it’s important to take breaks and enjoy your surroundings. Ottawa has many wonderful attractions—here are some highlights to explore:

Popular SitesAddress and Description
Rideau CanalA 200 km man-made waterway running from the Ottawa River to Lake Ontario. Experience a Rideau Canal Boat Cruise, an Ottawa River Cruise, or kayaking at Dows Lake.
Rideau Hall (Governor General’s Residence)1 Sussex Drive
The official residence and workplace of every governor general since 1867. Experience the grounds historic architecture, beautiful greenhouses, and a variety of free activities.
Mooney’s Bay Beach & Hogs Back Falls2926 Riverside Drive
Experience one of Canada’s capital city waterfalls at Hogs Back Falls. Mooney’s Bay beach is one of Ottawa’s popular summer destinations for swimmers, rowers and volleyball players.
Parliament Hill90 Wellington Street
Visit the nation’s Capital Hill. Experience the mesmerizing neo-gothic architecture of Canada’s parliamentary precinct.
Gatineau Park33 Scott Road, Chelsea, QC
Experience natural habitats and ecosystems, breathtaking views and unique natural features. Popular activities include hiking, cycling, swimming, boating, and geocaching. Visit the Mackenzie King Estate or Carbide Wilson Ruins for a unique historical experience.
Lansdowne Park1015 Bank Street
Lansdowne Park includes the stadium home to the Ottawa Redblacks of the Canadian Football League, the open-air Farmer’s Market, and is filled with exciting Ottawa eats and shopping. This is a great destination to check out, especially on a sunny Sunday morning. Located on Bank Street, adjacent to the Rideau Canal, you can walk or bike to this destination along the canal path
ByWard MarketThe ByWard Market is Ottawa’s number one tourist attraction and is the premier destination for shopping, dining, arts, and entertainment. Don’t forget to grab a Beaver Tail pastry from it’s iconic Beaver Tail stand!
MuseumAddress and Description
The Canadian Museum of Nature240 McLeod Street
Filled to the brim with artifacts of natural history this museum holds collections of fossils, mammals, and human heritage.
Click here to learn more.
The Canadian War Museum240 McLeod Street
Filled to the brim with artifacts of natural history this museum holds collections of fossils, mammals, and human heritage.
Click here to learn more.
The National Gallery of Canada380 Sussex Drive
A large, and varied collection of paintings, drawings, sculptures and photographs that celebrate past, present, and future.
Click here to learn more.
Canadian Aviation and Space Museum11 Aviation Parkway
Soar through the history of aviation from the earliest planes to high-powered jets, this museum offers a fascinating glimpse into aviation history.
Click here to learn more.
The Royal Canadian Mint320 Sussex Drive
See the facility produce handcrafted, collector, and commemorative coins, gold bullion coins, Olympic medals, and more. Click here to learn more.
The Canadian Museum of History1 Vimy Place
Presents Canada’s rich military history and how it has shaped the country from the battlefield to home.
Click here to learn more.
Canada Science and Technology Museum1867 St Laurent Boulevard
Discover and experience how people’s curiosity has shaped Canada. This immersive museum is fun for the whole family.
Click here to learn more.
Canada Agriculture and Food Museum901 Prince of Wales Drive
The worlds only working farm in the heart of a capital city, learn about Canada’s agriculture heritage, food literacy and more.
Click here to learn more.
The Ottawa Art Gallery50 Mackenzie King Bridge
Home of Art and Artist’s of the Ottawa-Gatineau region, this gallery is always free to visit!
Click here to learn more.

Important Pages to Regularly Visit

Please note that all graduate students should regularly check the Graduate Calendar (https://calendar.carleton.ca/grad/) for important deadlines per academic year.

Graduate Application Information and FAQs

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Scholarships and Funding

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Course Plans for MA Students

Please note these are only suggested course plans. It is the student’s responsibility to select their courses and manage their schedule. Students must also consult…

Seminars

During the academic year of 2024-2025, some seminars will be held in person and some online. If you have any questions regarding online access to…

Graduate Course Outlines

For information on class and tutorial locations, please log into Carleton Central to view them on your personalized timetable, or log in and view locations…