Life in Canada As International Student
Life in Canada As International Student
Canada has become one of the most popular countries among international students from all over the world. Reasons that influence this choice include the general high quality of life in Canada, a wide range of educational options, and lots of interesting job opportunities after graduation. It is worth mentioning, that today most Canadian colleges and universities offer a less expensive alternative to studying internationally than, for example, the US or EU institutions. Canadian universities also provide equally prestigious degrees but at a more affordable cost and your life in Canada as an international student can be more beneficial.
Even though Canadian culture is influenced by British and French traditions, its historical openness towards immigration means the country is a melting pot of many different cultures. Every year Canada welcomes approximately 500,000 international students from all over the world. Thousands more travel to the country to study at elementary, high, or language schools, or participate in various exchange programs. This fact demonstrates that nearly a fifth of Canada’s students come from other nations, making academic life diverse and friendly. Additional benefits of your life in Canada as an international student also include countless on-campus programs for integrating newcomers, various immigration programs designed to help facilitate permanent residency applications, a wide range of scholarships available, and of course, rich extracurricular programs.
Before starting your life in Canada as an international student, you have to choose the institution you like. It may be quite difficult, as there are many schools, colleges, universities, and educational centers that can satisfy any of your educational demands. Canada is also a popular place to study or improve language skills, in particular English and French.
Elementary schools in Canada are known for their interactive and supportive classroom environments, engaging lessons, and the usage of the latest techniques in the educational process. Classrooms typically provide interactive SMART boards, computers, and tablets. Most importantly, school subjects go beyond the basics and involve topics such as robotics, health sciences, or 3D technology. Children get many opportunities to showcase their talents at science fairs, music competitions, or debates.
Life in Canada as an international student of high school offers amazing opportunities too. With the combination of math, science, technology, languages, arts, geography, history, economics, and access to a wide range of innovative courses like aeronautics, pre-university math, international business, or environmental studies, students get better prepared for the challenges of the modern world. Many Canadian high schools offer specialized programs to prepare students for careers in entrepreneurship, engineering, law, international affairs, health sciences, and many others. Co-operative education programs provide valuable work experience and many schools also offer International Baccalaureate and gifted student programs.
If you are interested in getting your higher education in Canada, the main choice is between a college or a university and each offers unique opportunities for professional learning and personal growth during your life in Canada as an international student. Canadian colleges offer career-focused learning in a very practical way, combining your classes with real-life experiences. Canadian universities provide academic lectures and research labs, high-quality tutorials, and innovative workshops. This unique mix of learning and practicing will help you to prepare for your future career and make your life in Canada as an international student bright and diverse. University professors also schedule office hours for students interested in research, so you can meet with them to discuss your future assignments or even initiate some projects. Teaching or lab assistants, available in each class, can also provide extra learning or language support to new students.
It is a well-known fact that Canadians place a great amount of importance on learning, and the standards of education in the country are uniformly high. Your life in Canada as an international student can be an unforgettable experience, as many of the Canadian universities get into the lists of the best academic institutions in the world. Five of them, the University of Toronto, McGill University, the University of British Columbia, Université de Montréal, and the University of Alberta are ranked among the top 100 universities on the planet.
You can continue your life in Canada as an international student in a number of master’s, Ph.D., or doctoral programs. These programs allow you to attend classes and spend much of your time doing original research or fieldwork for your final research project, thesis, or dissertation. You will work under the supervision of Canada’s renowned professors, researchers, and instructors. It is worth mentioning, that you may also work on campus as a teaching, research, or lab assistant during these programs. Such experience during your life in Canada as an international student can help you with your future career choices a lot.
It is worth mentioning, that the number of international students in Canada continues to increase and provincial governments and schools are doing their best to enhance students` experience, making it easier for them to work and live in the country after they graduate. Most Canadian universities and colleges offer a wide range of programs to help international students to integrate into different campus communities and organizations. Those international students who demonstrate a high level of academic performance are often offered competitive financial assistance. The provincial and federal governments of Canada provide various immigration programs to help international students transition to permanent residence after their successful graduation. A direct path to permanent citizenship is an important option that many international students seek.
At every level of higher education in Canada, student life is a huge part of your experience that guarantees lots of interesting trips, cultural experiences, and of course lifelong friendships. Canadians are well-known fans of professional sports and most of the cities host numerous sporting events, theatrical productions, and musical performances making your life in Canada as an international student fun and active.
Safety is another important benefit of your life in Canada as an international student. The country is widely regarded as one of the safest places in the world. Canadians are polite and community-oriented people who make their country a fantastic place to study for international students of any background. It is worth mentioning, that most Canadian universities offer on-campus housing, with first-year students often prioritized for rooms. Off-campus housing is also available in the form of family placement or private rentals that can make your life in Canada as an international student more comfortable.
Remember, you can also combine your study with work in Canada. To do so, you must adhere to the rules of your study permit. International students are allowed to work jobs on campus with a valid study permit, but it is very important to make sure that that the company you plan to work with is legitimately university-affiliated. If you have a work permit or a study permit which states your eligibility to work off-campus, then you can work for a maximum of 20 hours per week.
Life in Canada as an international student will not cost you much, especially in comparison to the majority of the US or EU universities. Typically, students typically need between 15,000 and 30,000 CAD per year to study in Canada. It is worth mentioning, that this figure includes tuition, accommodation, and other living expenses. For example, you will pay 15-20 CAD for a typical restaurant meal. Monthly transport passes in most provinces are priced at approximately 90 CAD, and the average cost of basic utilities is 150-180 CAD per month. Apartment costs vary wildly between regions, costing between 400-1500 CAD per month, depending on your choice of the city and location in it.
If you need help with any study and immigration services in Canada in order to make your life as international student in Canada easier, please contact us.
