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BlogLearn about Canadian culture and education direct from our experts at Study Canada Now.
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 More than fifty countries use English as their official language. Learning one of the world's keystone languages isn’t an easy task, but becoming fluent certainly has its benefits. It’s relevant for any professional field and employment opportunities start to open up when someone is able to confidently greet an interviewer or a company representative at a job fair and say, “Nice to meet you.”
Universities, private language schools, centers, and other organizations offer English language classes throughout Canada. Private tutoring sessions are also an affordable option. Additionally, if a student can find a mentor who speaks English, their trip away or permanent relocation from their home country may be smoother. A good command of basic English skills is important for the journey to Canada. Seize every opportunity to practice spoken English, and if possible, written English too. Many students choose to do an intensive English language program with the goal of pursuing studies in an undergraduate or graduate program. Schools provide a path to develop in several aspects of English, but it’s recommended to study before starting the program. Beginner-level learners may find the courses more difficult. This can be done without creating extra work. Participate in activities with other international students and Canadian faculty members or locals. Involvement can help speed up the growth process and lead to better communication and cultural understanding. Find an English program that's the right fit Consider the goals for the experience when debating how long to go. If the reason is to travel to somewhere new and exciting, a summer or winter term or short program could be appropriate. A semester or even a year might be the best approach. Make sure that your English program has a reputation for quality instructors and a strong curriculum. English language programs are as short as four weeks and some are as long as 13 weeks. A generous variety of ESL programs can be found in most Canadian cities. Intensive English-learning programs are designed to develop language fluency and skills to succeed in a university classroom. Classes have a small amount of students, many of whom are from other countries. Programs are divided into skill levels to assist students with different needs. After taking an initial placement test, students are assigned coursework related to their skill level. Applicants who have previously obtained scores on accepted standardized language proficiency tests (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL, or CAEL) may not be required to take the placement test. The cost of an intensive program generally includes an application fee and placement testing fees which tend to range from $50 to $100, on average, and tuition for a full-time program ranges from $3,000 to $6,000 per 7- to 14-week term. Textbooks may cost between $200 and $300 each term. Full-time students should also factor in the cost of medical insurance if the school requires them to carry it. Community ESL courses are college programs which often have classes that meet for just four to five hours each week and are taught in the evening, with prices ranging from $300 to $500 per class, and textbooks usually cost about $60-$100 each. Some private companies offer regular ESL programs. Urban school boards offer low cost English instruction to immigrants, both during the day and in the evenings, covering basic English to English for business. If you’re in school and English is not your first language, there are also special ESL programs for students after school. Community colleges and universities have ESL programs on campus, and non-resident students are frequently referred to these as part of their studies. If you’re a permanent resident or a protected person, you can take language classes at no cost, through the LINC government-approved program. Take an online self-assessment language test before you arrive in Canada. This is an excellent way to measure a baseline level of language. The results of the test are not official. Tips for Studying English for the First Time Take deep breaths, think deeply. Rehearse common phrases and responses during conversations. Study after class and ask questions. Listen to English-language music. Watch TV with translated terms. Read books, even if they are children's books. Make relationships to practice English. Go to the speech lab after school. These activities will help to express thoughts well. Immersion with native people can lead to improved pronunciation and develop a cadence for casual or formal conversations. If it seems impossible to understand something, ask people, “Try to explain it to me like to a five-year-old," and this may clear up any confusion. During the first three months after arriving in Canada, students may be faced with “culture shock" which causes homesickness and anxiety. This should not be a major problem for the overall mission, but it can be a potential roadblock and cause an emotional strain, and shouldn't be underestimated. How can students avoid the worst effects of culture shock? Communicate with friends or go for a walk to reduce stress. Follow student blogs or video blog diaries where other international students talk about their experiences and how they're dealing with major cultural differences. The StudyUSA website and Facebook page contains many such student blogs and articles about getting used to new environments and adapting to different social, academic, and financial systems. Use university resources like ESL administrative staff members who are available during office hours. Don’t hesitate to take advantage of these hours; the money spent on the program guarantees being able to use the resources. Other resources include tutoring centers, the library, on-campus employment events, volunteer work, extracurricular activities, and study groups. Be patient. Feeling frustrated is part of the process, so practice and make mistakes, and learn from them. Clubs and organizations at college or university give plentiful opportunities to practice English language skills, while at the same time make friends with Canadian and international students. English language programs
Byline: Erik Moshe is a freelance writer based in Virginia.
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 English or French? The short answer is both. English and French are both Canada’s official languages, with 56.9% of the population considering English their first language and 21.3 considering French their first language. However, that doesn’t mean you have to know both languages to study in Canada. And who cares about short answers, anyway? For a little context, both English and French became the official languages that could be used on Parliament and all Canadian courts in 1867. A little later, in 1969, the first Official Languages Act recognized the equal status of both of them throughout the federal administration. Even after the Constitution Act of 1982, this means that in any institution of Parliament and government, for any legal/official issue, it doesn’t matter where you are in Canada, you can get help in both languages. Well, the only thing is this doesn’t apply for local governments and private institutions. That explains why when you look at Quebec, for example, it only names French as the official language. So… What does this mean if you want to study in Canada? It means you might have the option of studying in an English-speaking university or a French-speaking university, though you will find that most are English-speaking ones. Just to think about your odds, let’s see Times Higher Education’s rank for Canada’s Top 5 Universities:
Among these, while both McGill University and University of Montreal are in Quebec, the only francophone is the University of Montreal. However, on 11th place in this same list is Laval University, also situated in Quebec, and also mostly a French-speaking university. You would expect that you need to be a hundred percent proficient in French to be admitted to these universities, but they actually have different sets of requirements on their websites. University of Montreal (Université de Montréal) The University of Montreal claims that though it is French-speaking, it is also open to English-speaking students for some of its graduate level programs. Their research departments in the graduate-level programs embrace and encourage bilingualism. Some of the Master’s Degrees offered this way include Business Law in a Global Context, Insurance Medicine and Medicolegal Expertise, and Optometry. For Doctorates, they have Biochemistry, Geography, Virology and Immunology, among others. Moreover, their English studies programs do require you to be able to speak and understand English pretty well. The number of students who apply to this university that are mainly English-speakers grows every year, and “Thanks to them, UdeM can boast about being as multicultural and bilingual as Montreal.” UdeM offers some “success stories” from some of their english-speaking students on their website, so prospective students can feel a bit more comfortable hearing their perspective. Last but not least, UdeM has many tools and services such as workshops and tutoring to help such students improve in French if they wish to do so. Most of these resources are free upon admission, and if you need help in other personal, social, or financial matters, the university can help you in either language. One Grad student in Microbiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Gustavo Balduino Leite, even claims that if you need to, you can take some courses in an English-speaking university and transfer the credits to UdeM. Laval University (Université Laval) For ULaval, being able to speak French is a must. On their admission requirements, they list “French Proficiency” because as a French-language institution, all assignments and exams are written in French. Therefore, if you didn’t complete primary or secondary school in French, you will have to take the TFI. TFI stands for Test de français international, which is literally just an international French test to make sure you will be able to get by in a French-speaking environment. It is much like the TOEFL for international students applying to American universities, and ULaval says it should be taken “at an institution that is a part of the Educational Testing Service. However, even if you don’t think you have perfect proficiency in French, you still have a shot. If your score is only a little behind from what ULaval expects your level to be, you will be placed in one or two French courses for non-francophones. ULaval School of Languages offers programs and courses at different levels as well if you’re just looking to, in general, improve your French. So, while Laval University seems to have a lot less opportunities for English-speakers than University of Montreal, ULaval does offer some English courses through the Faculty of Business Administration. The Faculty of Letters also offers programs in English Studies and teaching English as a Second Language. As you can see from these examples, whether you want to study in English, in French, or mostly in French even though you haven’t mastered it yet, there are definitely options for you in Canada. Also, even when it comes to adapting in a country with more than one official language, the opportunities are endless and will depend on where you go. Since Canada is one of the most multicultural countries in the world, according to the Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages, a lot of people speak more than one language. Even University of Montreal mentions in their student stories that while it is a French university, most of their students will know English anyway. Also, a fifth of Canadians speak another language other than both English and French as their mother tongue. Mandarin is the third most spoken language in Canada, commonly spoken in major metropolitan areas. After Mandarin, Cantonese is also popular in large cities. Finally, the fifth most spoken language is Punjabi. This last one, the Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages explains is “the most frequently reported immigrant language in Vancouver, Calgary, and Edmonton.” With the two most spoken languages in the world being Mandarin and English, it’s nice to see that Canada’s population, which takes pride in its openness towards foreigners, reflects this in its most common languages besides the official ones. Like I said, opportunities are endless, so if you’re looking to study in a different environment, get involved with different cultures and maybe even learn a new language just from living there, Canada will be an extremely interesting option to look into. Wendy is an international student from Ecuador who just graduated from Seattle University with a double major in Creative Writing and Theatre. She’s excited to share some of the stories of things she’s learned in her time in the U.S.   The Canadian Bureau for International Education says there are three main reasons international students choose Canada:
Not only does Canada have one of the best education systems in the world, with The Master Portal ranking it in 7th place, but Canada is also, not surprisingly, one of the most educated countries. This may in part be due to the efforts the Canadian government puts into education. During a speech to the World Economic Forum in Davos, Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau said, “We need to give people the tools and ability to help them succeed. [...] We need education to enable people to learn, think, and adapt. [...] We need policies that encourage science, innovation and research.” Education is considered a priority, and public education is well-funded. Canada spends more than the average, and the results show. The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development states that the average percentage of adults (between 25 and 64 years old) that completed any sort of tertiary education is 36.9 percent. Canada, at the top of this list, has 56.29 percent. CNBC names some other countries in the Top Ten including Japan, Israel, Korea, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Australia. But how does the system work? Because it’s mostly managed by each province, there may be some variations but here is the general idea for each level. Elementary Education This is basically elementary school, and runs until grade 8, which is usually up to ages 13 or 14. The academic year starts in late August or September and ends in June, like in the United States. Just Landed’s guide to Canadian Public Schools says that Elementary Education is for the basic skills like reading, writing, mathematics, history, geography, science, art, among others. Intermediate and Secondary Education Here’s where there are some variations depending on schools and provinces. Most provinces consider grade 7 to 9 as junior high, or intermediate education, while others take grade 6 through 8 as “middle school.” Grades 9 to 12 are generally just known as high school, or secondary education. The most notable differences are with Quebec. Quebec school only goes up to grade 11, and students only attend high school until around age 16. However, then they would transfer to a general or vocational college. On the other hand, Ontario also has a grade 12+ Again from Just Landed’s guide, there may be a little more specialisation in secondary education, academic and vocational. Larger schools would also have more electives especially after grade 9, around the same time at which students would start to receive career guidance counseling. For both of the above, parents can choose to place their kids in free public schools, paid private schools, educate them at home, and in most areas choose whether they want the children to learn in English or French. Post-Secondary Education Since education is only mandatory up to age 16 (or 18 in some provinces), this is where the choices become both more specific and more diverse. This is where we have universities, colleges, and institutes that can grant degrees, diplomas, certificates and other qualifications. The Government of Canada’s website has a very detailed page on post-secondary educational options, but to summarize, universities are where one would get a bachelor’s, master’s or doctorate degree. Colleges and institutes have programs that run from one to three years in areas such as business, health, agriculture, computer and mechanical technologies, etc. Some recognized colleges offer bachelor’s degrees and some even master’s as well. But, while this is the more basic structure of it, there are more details that make the Canadian education system interesting. According to Bright Hub Education, “it starts with teachers.” In itself, teaching is a competitive area, so a lot of teachers decide to start with ESL in different countries (teaching english as a second language) before returning to teach in Canada. The pay is also quite good, as teachers “earn 85 percent of the GDP per capita.” Moreover, Canada tries to help students by going further than just inside the classroom. Bright Education Hub says a clear example is Canada’s Student Success Strategy, which includes programs, learning opportunities, and going as far as assigning a special teacher to assist those at risk of dropping out. BBC even talks about migrant students as one of the reasons for Canada’s outstanding reputation in terms of education. Canada sees international students as people who can be included in the conversation more than an “other,” or at least that’s how most perceive this. It claims that “despite the different policies in individual provinces, there is a common commitment to an equal chance in school.” (Coughlan) Internationally, Canada is recognized as sort of an educational superpower, and within Canada, they constantly try to maintain this stance. In the way it is prioritized, the political efforts, and even the ways in which the system varies, students will be able to find what works best for their personal and academic goals. Wendy is an international student from Ecuador who just graduated from Seattle University with a double major in Creative Writing and Theatre. She’s excited to share some of the stories of things she’s learned in her time in the U.S.  For students interested in studying abroad, Canada is a safe, open and tolerant multicultural society with a unique education system that offers a rich variety of academic programs.
Canada’s Education System A country with a highly diverse cultural blend (more than 200 ethnic origins and 200 first languages within its borders), Canada does not have a national system of education or federal department. The federal government has given territorial governments the responsibility to run their own education systems, which cooperate with the 13 Canadian provinces (Alberta, New Brunswick, Northwest Territories British Columbia, Manitoba, Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, Nunavut, Ontario, Quebec, Yukon and Saskatchewan) to delivery postsecondary programs. The Federal Government
Easy Residency and Promising Employment International students are regarded as great candidates for becoming permanent residents because of their language skills, education credentials and work experience in Canada. Policy changes have helped to increase the allowable number of hours of paid work for international students and the length of post-graduation work permits. These changes have also helped develop specific immigration programs in provinces directed at international students. A CBIE research report found that 52% of prospective international students plan to apply for permanent residency because Canada has better job opportunities than their home country, and 59% of prospective international students plan to apply for permanent residency because Canada has a better standard of living than their home country. With a study permit, students can work on campus if the institution they are attending is publicly funded and offers degree programs. Students can also work as a graduate, research or teaching assistant for an off-campus employer that has a formal affiliation with the institution, such as a teaching hospital or research institute. Full-time students may also be eligible to work off-campus for any employer. These permits usually allow up to 20 hours per week during the term, and full-time during holidays. As of February 14, 2019, the Canadian federal government published changes to the Post-Graduation Work Permit program, making employment in Canada after graduation much easier for international students. A Post-Graduation Work Permit allows an international graduate to work anywhere in Canada at any job for up to three years after finishing a degree or diploma at a Canadian university or public college. The application time is now six months and students can now apply for the permit up to 180 days after finishing their degree or diploma. However, to qualify, students must attend a public post-secondary institution. Canada is Safe The Bureau of Diplomatic Security at the U.S. Department of State reports that the overall violent crime rate is lower in Canada than the U.S. Despite the increase in tourism in 2017, the police reported that the overall city crime rate in Montreal, Canada decreased and that homicide rates are the lowest in the past 45 years. The majority of crimes occurring in Vancouver are non-violent in nature. Street crime targeting individuals for robberies is rare. The crime level in Halifax has a minimal impact on the work and life of the community. A 2017 Calgary Police Commission Report said 95% of citizens agreed Calgary is a safe place to live. The Institute for Economics & Peace ranked Canada as the eighth most peaceful country in the world in 2016 and 2017 and sixth in 2018. The first country to officially adopt multiculturalism as a policy, Canada follows a set of principles outlined in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. A Quality, Affordable Education Worth Leaving Home for Canada’s education systems are rated among the best in the world and are responsive to the needs of diverse populations and age groups. There are more than 10,000 undergraduate and graduate degree programs offered in Canadian universities, as well as professional degree programs and certificates. In the Times Higher Education’s World University Rankings list, three Canadian universities are ranked in the top 50, and the highest -- the University of Toronto -- ranks at 22nd. While international students pay more than Canadian citizens to go to school because they are out of state, it is still less than they would pay in other countries such as the United Kingdom, the United States or Australia. Some universities in Canada charge low tuition fees for international students and fees are usually between $5,000 to $10,000 per year for undergraduate, master and doctorate degree programs. According to a recent study by the Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE), in 2017 there were 494,525 international students in Canada at all levels of study -- a 17% increase over 2016, and a 34% increase between 2014 and 2017. Over 1.5 million new jobs were created for university graduates between 2008 and 2017– almost three times those created for graduates of all other types of postsecondary education combined. More than half of undergraduates benefit from co-ops, internships and service learning as part of their university education, and 78% of universities promote intercultural engagement through events, activities, and training. At the University of Alberta, graduates have the highest employment rate in Canada and one of best in the world, according to university rankings. Canadian universities are putting extra effort into internationalizing their campuses and seek to offer students opportunities to have unforgettable experiences that will help enhance their career and interpersonal skills. For example, McGill University’s Buddy program has helped thousands of international students settle into McGill and Montreal by pairing international students with current students who offer linguistic support, cultural guidance, and more. Dalhousie University in Nova Scotia has a diverse community of students from over 110 countries, and offers an International Learning Champion Award to recognize Dalhousie faculty and staff members who have made a significant impact in promoting and supporting international learning experiences for Dalhousie students. Erik Moshe is a freelance writer based in Virginia.  University is the best time to grow in all aspects of life. It’s a time of change, challenging your beliefs, and experiencing life as a more independent person for the first time, for many of us. When deciding where to study, the international aspect of a university is a factor in one way or another. It may be because we want to know if there will be other students from our home country, or maybe we just want to know what kind of community we will be able to find. Regardless, the benefits of “international” education are endless. Almost a year ago, in March 2018, Times Higher Education made a list of the 200 most international universities in the world. Seven on this list were Canadian universities, all of them among the first hundred. In this context, speaking of an international university doesn’t refer only to the number of international students. It’s more about how international students and staff work on respectable research and other projects together. This ranking takes into account the ratio of international versus domestic students, international students versus staff, and the collaborations that ensue. It’s not just that there are international students, but that they are an active part of the university’s academic achievements. Times Higher Education really takes into account how said research is cited, so how it has influenced the field and other aspects of the learning environment. The seven universities on this list are:
The first six of these are also among the Top 200 on their World University Rankings list of 2018. But this made me wonder, do these portray themselves as “International”? And, in what ways can they show this through their websites alone? For that purpose, I looked into the first three’s websites. University of British Columbia From the start, UBC promises prospective students “academic faculties and research facilities globally recognized for their influence and impact.” This university also prides itself in its diverse cultural, recreational and social activities. It explains that the way each person will experience “student life” in UBC will depend on how each individual student decides to build and create it, which honestly applies to any big university. This also implies there is less “separation” from the university’s eyes between what the experience should be like for international or domestic students. The opportunities will be there as long as the student is open to taking them. UBC prioritizes “international engagement,” and the current areas they are focusing on are China, India, and Europe. Their strategic plan is available on their website, but they make it clear that while this is the current area of focus, they expect it to change within three to five years as they keep moving on to other areas as possible. As for the international student experience, they offer a guide that answers questions concerning: immigration, health insurance, taxes, help with academics, managing money, campus safety, diversity and equity resources, among others. Their International Student Advisors are also all Regulated Citizenship and Immigration Consultants. McGill University One of the first things McGill Universities is proud to tell prospective students is that not only do they have students from over 150 countries, but also their student body “is the most internationally diverse of any research-intensive university in the country.” McGill states it is committed to fostering “the very best,” and says it has won more national and international awards than other Canadian universities. The average grades of the students they admit to McGill are also the highest from other universities in Canada, but don’t let that intimidate you. International students make up 31.3 percent of the student population. To make the transition a little smoother, McGill has a Buddy Program that they promote on their International Student Services section. This system has been connecting new international students to current students for 31 years now. This “buddy” can help the incoming student by showing them around campus, Montreal, talk about housing and possible neighborhoods, or simply have a friendly face as soon as they arrive. University of Alberta UAlberta has 7000 international students from over 130 countries. This university takes pride for their high rank on international employability as well so their grads will have the best chances of getting a job in Canada. One of the main reasons that UAlberta gives students to apply, besides its high rankings, is that it is an internationally regarded research institution. Moreover, its international efforts focus on promoting education abroad as well as well-founded global partnerships. UAlberta considers international students “an integral part of [the] university. They enrich the classrooms with different perspectives.” Overall, trying to categorize universities according to how international they are can be quite subjective. While this is how Times Higher Education thinks of “international,” others may prefer a more student-focused approach rather than an academic approach. What sorts of clubs are popular for students in this university? What kinds of cultural activities get attention? How do current international and domestic students feel about their community? Based on these questions alone, perhaps the list would change so don’t let lists and rankings be a limitation. Consider them, look beyond, and then decide. Wendy is an international student from Ecuador who just graduated from Seattle University with a double major in Creative Writing and Theatre. She’s excited to share some of the stories of things she’s learned in her time in the U.S.   One of the most intimidating parts about choosing where you are going to study, besides the university, is trying to decide where you’re going to live. Should you stay on campus? Should you rent a place? What if it’s too expensive? If your school has some sort of Facebook group, it’s possible some people are even starting to plan to move together. Do universities expect you to stay in dorms?
Honestly neither is better than the other. On campus or off campus there are many variables, but let’s get more specific. Really, what are your choices? On-Campus Housing: The Dorms: This is the simplest, and for many of us, the easiest one. A lot of universities in Canada, like in the U.S., offer student dorms and accommodations. Dorms are basically large buildings where students share common spaces like kitchen, tv rooms, laundry rooms, etc. Most times bathrooms are also shared by each floor. However, according to an Insider article, the U.S. puts a lot more emphasis on dorm life than Canada. For a lot of international students this may be good news. When I was applying to American universities, even before I knew that it was mandatory for me to live in the dorms, I felt that social expectation to live on campus. I thought if I didn’t, I’d miss out on a lot of opportunities to meet people and make friends. This was also probably put in my mind by movies I’d watched when I was younger. While it’s true living on campus might help you make friends, you’re not missing out on much if you don’t. There are other ways in all universities to get involved on campus and meet people. Moreover, according to McGill University graduate, Paula Tsvayg on Money magazine, “There’s much more of a culture of independence” in Canadian universities. Students would have to move out after their first year, so definitely there’s less pressure to live on campus. Even when it comes to Greek life, according to Insider, it’s not as big as in the U.S. either. Townhouses: Campbell Cohen Canada Immigration Lawyers describe Townhouses as student accommodations provided and managed by the university, housing three to six students who would most likely get their own room each. In this case, the shared kitchen and living room would be only for these students rather than the whole building or floor. The only thing is usually this type of accommodation will be reserved for upperclassmen, meaning first year students would not be able to stay apply to this. While student accommodations tend to offer reduced prices, depending on the university’s options and availability, it may even be more convenient to find a place off-campus. Nevertheless, the best place to start is the university’s housing website. Even if they can’t help directly, they usually try to include other options for students to look into or will at least be happy to direct you to someone who can help, since it wouldn’t be strange for dormitories to fill out quickly. Off-Campus: Apartments: The biggest pros about renting an apartment will definitely be the sense of independence and the level of comfort. The biggest con will be the cost. According to InternationalStudents.com the prices can vary greatly, as well as quality and availability. Rent can vary from CAD 400 to CAD 1500, especially in larger cities like Vancouver, Toronto, and Montreal. For international students, signing the lease and talking directly to the landlord may be a bit more complicated so if you plan to rent an apartment, make sure to start looking into it and planning with plenty of time before you need to be there. Homestay: Staying with a host family in Canada can be an interesting choice for those who want that sort of completely culturally immersive experience. With luck, even after your time in Canada ends you will have a second family you’ll want to keep in touch with and come visit. According to the Canadian Education Centre (CEC) Network, “many Canadian families welcome international students.” CEC states the student would be matched to a family with similar interests and encouraged to participate in the family’s community activities. CEC also mentions that Homestay is set up by the school, but it’s under the off-campus section because students would still have to commute to school for an average 30-50 minutes by bus or train, according to Campbell Cohen, though these times would obviously also vary. A Small Exception: While all of these are excellent choices for long-term students, short-term students might find simpler options. InternationalStudents.com points out that there may be some already furnished apartments available. Additionally, CEC mentions that there is a wide range of hotels to choose from, as well as Bed and Breakfasts and Youth Hostels. Remember, especially if you’re studying in Canada long-term, try to find a place that is comfortable and safe. You’ll be in a different country, maybe for the first time; research and think thoroughly so this place can truly feel like a second home. Wendy is an international student from Ecuador who just graduated from Seattle University with a double major in Creative Writing and Theatre. She’s excited to share some of the stories of things she’s learned in her time in the U.S.  Trying to find the ten most beautiful universities in Canada was simultaneously extremely easy and difficult. First, because there are about 96 universities in Canada, and too many of them look amazing. Second, because multiple sources have tried to make this same list before, all with different results. It makes sense, though; it’s very subjective. I saw lists on Times Higher Education, EscapeHere, Culture Trip, and even Best Choice School, which named thirty different beautiful campuses. Among these, I’ve decided to show you the ones that, through a couple of pictures and mostly information from their own websites, felt beautiful. 1. Royal Roads University (Victoria, BC)  Royal Roads University is located in one of Canada’s most beautiful National Historic Sites: Hatley Park. An Edwardian castle with Rose, Italian, and Japanese gardens, a view of the Strait of Juan de Fuca, and over 15 Km of walking, hiking, and biking trails. It is literally so beautiful if you go on the Hatley Park National Historic Site’s website, it will show more information for those who would like to use the space for events or weddings. But, as they say, it’s a lot more than just a pretty castle. At Royal Roads University, they're proud to have students from around the world choose us to help them continue on their path to higher learning. Royal Roads is a unique Canadian public research university that specializes in leading-edge applied and professional programs in Business, Tourism & Hospitality, Communication & Culture, Education & Technology, Environment & Sustainability, Humanitarian Studies, Interdisciplinary Studies, Leadership Studies and Professional & Continuing Studies. They pride themselves on approaching things a little differently because we recognize every student is different. Royal Roads was established as a public research university in 1995, but it was a military college for 55 years prior to this. They have a strong belief in an educational style that fits the students’ lifestyle. Moreover, their cohort-style education can help students stay highly motivated, challenge each other, and support each other as they may have similar views and goals. 2. University of British Columbia (Vancouver, BC)  UBC is surrounded by forest on three sides and ocean on one. It’s perfect for those who need a little escape to nature. However, it’s also perfect for those who prefer a little escape to the city, as downtown Vancouver is only a thirty minute bus ride away. Most students who have reviewed this university on different websites have brought up how beautiful this campus felt and the opportunities it allowed. In terms of facilities, this campus has one of Canada’s leading academic libraries with 21 branches, a world leading laboratory, the Chan Centre for the Performing Arts, the country’s largest teaching museum, and one of the top five Japanese Gardens outside of Japan. 3. Queen’s University (Kingston, Ontario)  This campus is a perfect example of living green. It’s committed to helping the planet through fun initiatives such as student communities, organizations, and even sustainable spaces such as The Tea Room, a 100 percent waste-free café on campus. Queen’s University is also located perfectly close to downtown Kingston. You can eat on campus, at one of the three dining halls or 21 retail food outlets, or you can hang in, according to Culture Trip, the town with the most restaurants per capita in the country. Students describe Kingston as “quaint and eclectic,” big enough to explore, and small enough to feel comfortable. Plus, if you like being close to water, you’ve got Lake Ontario right at the border. 4. McGill University (Montreal, Quebec)  QS Best Student Citiesranks Montreal, the city where this beautiful campus is located, as one of the best in the world. From the picture alone it’s easy to see how McGill manages to balance its central location with more peaceful, green areas. McGill offers Inter-Campus many shuttles between their Downtown and Macdonald campus between 7am and 6pm, though the exact times and number of trips may change throughout the season. Regardless, this seems like a nice way even if students need a change of scenery after classes. Some other services available for students focus on the idea of “wellness,” as McGill is committed to students’ well-being and success through academic, career, social, cultural, emotional, financial, physical and spiritual wellness. 5. University of Toronto (Toronto, Ontario)  As it describes on its website, the University of Toronto has some of the most prestigious architecture and beautiful green spaces spread throughout the Great Toronto Area and Mississauga. There are three campuses: St. George, Mississauga, and Scarborough. St. George Campus’ central location makes it ideal to enjoy all that Toronto has to offer, from art festivals to sports. The Mississauga campus is the second largest, and its award-winning facilities are “situated on 225 acres of protected greenbelt along the Credit River.” FInally, the Scarborough campus is right next to some of Toronto’s natural landmarks. 88,000 students, international faculty, and the third largest library system in North America, it is no surprise so many students want to study in the University of Toronto. 6. Lakehead University (Thunder Bay, Ontario)  This campus is among the most picturesque in the nation. Dynamic and Modern, Lakehead University has two campuses, in Thunder Bay and Orillia. Specifically for the Thunder Bay campus located over the Sleeping Giant, students can easily take breaks and go skiing or hiking, ideal for those who like these sorts of outdoors activities after working hard. Moreover, Lakehead University likes to take advantage of the beautiful “natural laboratory” surrounding its campus for field-work and hands-on learning. EscapeHerepoints out as well that Lakehead’s floor-to-ceiling windows allow students and faculty to see outside even while working, and Lake Tamblyn crossing it makes this environment even better. 7. Western University (London, Ontario)  The city of London in Ontario is known for being the eleventh largest city in Canada, a place where you can get the “big city experience,” according to Western University’s website, but at a lot more affordable. It also still has that sense of a small, safe community, which fits perfectly with one of Western’s main initiatives: promoting/maintaining safety and wellness in every sense of the word. Especially international students who may be afraid to go far from home for the first time may appreciate this sense of community and belonging. Some other major initiatives by the university are related to accessibility, accountability, and sustainability in everyday life. 8. McMaster University (Hamilton, Ontario)  McMaster describes life in Hamilton as a mix between cosmopolitan and rustic charm, while staying in Canada’s economic engine, in a more residential area but minutes from downtown. This university is also home to more than 70 Research centers and institutes. Around campus, students will find the type of de-stressing they prefer. For those who want to stay around nature, the Royal Botanical gardens, Lake Ontario, as well as other hiking and biking trails are nearby. And, for those who like a more active lifestyle, Hamilton has plenty of restaurants, concert venues, festivals and Hess Village, “the signature piece of Hamilton’s nightlife." 9. University of Manitoba (Winnipeg, Manitoba)  Both Times Higher Educationand Best Choice Schoolsdescribe this campus as “a city within a city.” Western Canada’s first university, the University of Manitoba is home to the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation, a place for learning and dialogue, where truths and stories of First Nations communities could be respected and shared. “They wanted to share the wisdom of the Elders and Traditional Knowledge Keepers on how to create just and peaceful relationships amongst diverse peoples.” This university also has one of the largest amount of indigenous students in the country and is located on Anishinabe and Metis traditional land. 10. Quest University (Squamish, British Columbia)  Founded in 2007, Quest University began with the goal to revolutionize higher education. Though it’s still new, Quest is committed to accessibility and equity. The campus has basketball, tennis and squash courts, a soccer field, and other facilities for students who may like to stay active in between classes or after work. While students can find cafés, restaurants and other locally owned businesses nearby, for those who like to move farther away, Vancouver is an hour drive south and Whistler, the perfect winter recreational haven, is 45 km north. Times Higher Educationadds that since it’s perched on a hilltop, it’s floor-to-ceiling windows offer picture-perfect views.
Wendy is an international student from Ecuador who just graduated from Seattle University with a double major in Creative Writing and Theatre. She’s excited to share some of the stories of things she’s learned in her time in the U.S.  When students start considering an international education, some of the more obvious choices are usually the United States, United Kingdom, France, Australia and Germany (in that order, according to UNESCO Institute of Statistics). But, there is one choice that is becoming more and more popular in recent years: pursuing an education in a Canadian university.
If you really think about it, the main reasons and arguments why you decide on a university in a specific country can be summarized in the following five: money, safety, global perspective, education, and opportunities. 1. Money While it’s true the cost of Canadian universities is significantly higher for international students, the average is still lower than some of the other popular destinations. As an example, Times Higher Education states international students are expected to pay an average of CAD 25,180 per year. Many programs are three years, so by the time they graduate, their debt amounts to CAD 75,540, which is about USD 57,300. As a point of comparison, the average cost of an American education per year is closer to USD 33,215, which amounts to about USD 132,860 for the typical four year program. In both cases, of course, both the tuition cost and the cost of living will vary depending on the state or province. For Canada, the program of study may also influence the price, with arts and humanities being on the cheaper side and sciences and engineering on the more expensive side. And while money is always an important factor, there are different ways to finance your education through programs and scholarships, so don’t take let the numbers stop you without doing a little more research first. 2. Safety College can be the first chance for many international students to live away from home, so safety is not only a concern for them, but also for the parents. In the case of Canada, it’s not much of a concern at all. Safearound, a website that lets you assess the general “risk” of over a hundred different countries and cities, ranked Canada as the 8th safest city in the world. It is true that Canada has a very low crime rate of only 1.6 per 100,000. However, that doesn’t mean it’s completely nonexistent. It’s just more rare than in other countries, and localized to specific regions of the North. Generally, tourist areas are considered very safe to the point even pickpocketing is considered rare. 3. Global Perspective With Canada being known as a pretty safe country with a very welcoming population, it is no surprise that it is also globally recognized as one of the happiest countries in the world. In fact, the World Happiness Report placed it in seventh place. This placement took into consideration life evaluations, social support, freedom, generosity and corruption. US News also ranked it highly as one of the best countries, on third place after Switzerland and Japan. 4. Education But it’s not just about how it’s perceived. Academically, many Canadian universities are respected and highly ranked. Times Higher Education counts 27 Canadian universities among the best in the world for this year, 2019. Three are in the Top 50, which are University of Toronto, University of British Columbia and McGill University. Especially the first two are highly respected for their research and high-quality academic work. As mentioned earlier, undergraduate degrees in Canada can last three or four years. For post-graduate, it can be between one and three years depending on the program of study as well. Other types of higher education include community colleges and institutes. Each province may manage its universities slightly differently, but in general there seems to be a focus for research and respect for students to show interest in a specific area and explore it more deeply. 5. Opportunities So, globally Canada is recognized as an amazing country not only to visit, but to live and study in. This is also evident in the country’s efforts to attract international students to its universities. International students in Canada can work on campus without a work-permit while they’re still students, but they can also apply for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP) after completing their education. This post-graduation work permit can be between eight months and three years long, depending on the program of study. The country even encourages international students to apply for permanent residency and gives them preferred status. These efforts are clearly paying off, as Forbes also claims that “between 2015 and 2017 alone, the number of international students in Canada increased by forty percent.” This constant effort and attention towards the international student population not only creates a more welcoming space, but it also encourages a community that values respect, diversity, and attention to global issues. Times Higher Education describes this as also creating a cosmopolitan atmosphere on campus. In fact, Canada already has one of the most diverse international student populations, with people from over 180 countries in the year 2017. Some top-countries include China, India, South Korea, France, and Vietnam, with most of them in Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal. For international students and domestic students alike, these efforts will continue to offer many benefits for both their short term goals while in university and long-term goals as global citizens. Rather than closing itself off from different perspectives, Canada actively embraces them. The Globe and Mail quoted a senior researcher at the Conference Board of Canada who said that international students “look to Canada because of our reputation of being a multicultural society, as well as being a country that is open and receptive to immigration.” So instead of asking yourself “why Canada,” a better question would be, why not Canada? Wendy Tafur N. is an international student from Ecuador who just graduated from Seattle University with a double major in Creative Writing and Theatre. She’s excited to share some of the stories of things she’s learned in her time in the U.S.! |
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