Do you dream about studying in Canada? You are not alone as millions of people have the same dream. Canada is a country with a developed economy and vibrant student community. It has become one of the most visited countries in the world today. Millions of students from around the world have applied to study at Canadian universities this year alone. Imagine a country like that opens its borders to international students. Such a country must have some amazing things to offer to everyone who finally gets a visa to study there.
If you want to know more about life in Canada for international students, here are 10 things you need to know about studying in Canada:
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Canada Values People with Global Views
While it welcomes students from all around the world, Canada values students who have traveled the world and have gained valuable global experience. This is because the country is focused on developing its economy further and creating a more accommodating environment for all. Little wonder most Canadian universities give their students the opportunity to study and work at the same time. This arrangement creates room for self-improvement and intercultural experience.
Canada Offers Postgraduate Opportunities
If you love to extend your stay in Canada, you might want to use this amazing opportunity. Canada allows graduates to stay back and work for a period of time in order to gain the required career experience. That’s why the government has provided the possibility of applying for postgraduate visas for interested students. So if you need to work after graduation, Canada has put everything in place for you.
Traveling Across Canada Can be Expensive
As the second largest country in the world with a landmass of over 9 million kilometers square, traveling around Canada is expensive. However, there are cheaper options to use when your budget is low. Since there is low competition in the aviation industry, airport taxes are high. Flying from one part of Canada to another is high too. For instance, a one-hour flight can cost up to $300. That’s huge, isn’t it? You can always find less expensive options, especially if you choose to use a public bus.
Working While Studying is Possible
As a student at a university in Canada, you have the unique option to work while you study your chosen program. This remains one of the attractive sides of studying in Canada. You are allowed to work for about 20 hours weekly while school is still in session. And you are free to work for more than 20 hours when school is on break or during vacation. Working while studying helps you to save up money for personal expenses. However, you need a social insurance number (SIN) before you can work as a student. Don’t worry, the process is simple and fast, and you can get your SIN within a few minutes of application.
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Provision of Student Community Experience
Most Canadian universities provide on-campus housing arrangements for first year students. However, many institutions offer accommodation to international students. In the student housing system, you have dorm rooms, shared houses, meal plans and private studio apartments. If you don’t want to live on campus, you are free to live outside the campus. There are provisions for students who wish to stay off campus. Although these housing experience are not under the supervision of universities, they still offer amazing student community experience. You will enjoy amenities such as entertainment centers, study spaces and cafeterias.
Canadian Universities Provide Students Support
All institutions of higher learning in Canada want the best for their students. To make this happen, they offer lots of support of various kinds and degrees. You will find offices that offer student services such as health insurance, life insurance, visa support, workshop upskilling and how to adjust to life on campus, especially for new students. Examples of support programs you will find at Canadian universities are:
- Employment support
- Housing support
- Language workshops
- Academic accommodations
- Mentorship programs
- Mental health services
Canada Offers Numerous Scholarships
Canada has lots of financial support and scholarships for both local and international students. You will find an option that suits your program and meets your financial needs on the website of the university you want to go. Most of these opportunities are offered by both the Canadian government and universities in Canada. However, requirements are based on academic performance, financial needs and the program you choose to study. Some provinces like Ontario support students in master’s programs with up to $15,000 per annum.
Tuition Fees are Generally Affordable
Compared to countries such as the US, tuition costs in Canadian universities are reasonable. They are lower than what you will find in other developed countries. Canadian colleges and universities accept fees between $1,800 – $20,000 CAD per year for bachelor degree programs. Colleges even charge less than the costs of universities.
Canada Recognizes Two Official Languages
There are two official languages in Canada and they are English and French. The part that speaks English is called anglophone, while the French-speaking part is known as francophone. It is important to understand this side of Canada so you prepare your mind for what to expect. Many students choose the province of Quebec and later realize that it has French as its official language. It is also worthy to note that over 100 Canadian universities and colleges use French to communicate. However, in federal institutions, both English and French are allowed.
Canada is a Country of Diversity
This is probably the most amazing thing about Canada. It is proof that the country warmly welcomes students from all around the world. It will interest you to know that out of 5 Canadians you meet, more than one person originates from outside of Canada. And this group of people come from Asia, Europe, and Africa. A large population of students studying at Canadian universities and colleges are international students. Indeed, Canada prides itself in its promotion of diversity and inclusion.
Conclusion
If you plan to move to Canada for study, keep these 10 things in mind. As long as you know what to expect, you have nothing to worry about. But remember, studying in Canada requires you to take a test of English proficiency. As long as you meet the bands, you will be allowed to study at the university of your choice.
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