Structure, grading, and cultural differences in schooling.
The Canadian education system emphasizes critical thinking and participation more than memorization. Group work is common, and speaking up in class is encouraged — which was intimidating at first.
Grading is transparent. Rubrics tell you exactly what you need to do. There's less ambiguity than I was used to.
Overall, the system trusts students to manage their own learning. That trust takes getting used to, but it's empowering once you embrace it.