Advantages of Studying in Canada

World-Class Universities

The most important reason is the quality of education and training provided by the Canadian universities. The degree from these universities is recognized globally. The thoroughly experienced research faculties also provide students with ample pedagogic exposure and research opportunities.

You will never feel like an outsider in the country or in the campus, as Canada is one of the most friendly and hospitable nations in the world. Besides this, you will always be occupied by events, fest and other extracurricular activities along with your academic programs, which will help you increase your social circle and keep you from becoming homesick.

Safe Environment

Canada ranks 6th among 172 countries on the Global Peace Index. Canadians are very culturally and racially welcoming in nature. The Canadian universities give utmost priority to the safety of all the students.

Part-time jobs

International students studying in Canada have the benefit of taking up part time jobs too. This helps them earn enough money to manage their monthly expenses and pay their student debts. International students on a study permit are allowed to work for a maximum of 20 hours per week and for unlimited hours during major holidays and break.

• Should have a valid study permit
• Should be a full-time student, enrolled in a registered university.
• Should apply to a program that needs more than six months to complete.

In addition, students can also choose to work on-campus or do internships with an organization.

Demand For A Younger Workforce

There is a huge demand for young educated students in Canada, as they are considered to be essential for building the future of the nation. In other words, Canada wants international students to not only come to the country and study but also be a permanent citizen who can contribute to the nation’s development.

Post-Graduate Work Permit

Another benefit of studying in Canada is the post-graduation work permit program, which allows international students to work for three years after their post-graduation degree.

Graduates who have completed a two-year study program are eligible for a three-year post-graduate work permit, whereas students who have completed a 12-month study program are eligible for a twelve-month post-graduate work permit.

Disadvantages of Studying in Canada

Tuition Fees

Although the Canadian Universities provide a lot of financial benefits to the students , studying in Canada can still be an expensive affair given the strong value of the Canadian dollar.

There are however, scholarships for students from other Commonwealth countries, such as the Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship Program which can make studying in Canada slightly more affordable.

Cost Of Living

The primary factor determining the cost of living of an international student in Canada is the city that they choose to live in. While major cities like Toronto and Vancouver are very expensive, cities like Montreal, Calgary and Halifax are quite affordable.

Living expenses may also vary depending on your lifestyle. Planning your expenses, part-time jobs, sensible spending will definitely help you in leading a comfortable life while you study.

Healthcare System

Canada is one of the countries with universal healthcare; however, it isn’t completely free. You have to pay monthly or yearly premiums to avail the benefits of the healthcare system. However, International students are eligible for free health insurance or the Medical Care Plan (MCP), provided they are enrolled for a course that has a duration of at least 12 months.

The only drawback here is the long wait time for some elective services, especially in big cities.

Low Acceptance Rate Of International Students To Canadian Medical Schools

There is a reason why you don’t see many international students applying to medical school in Canada. Canadian medical schools do not accept international students and even prohibit them unless there is a special arrangement made by the government.

Canadian universities do not offer a bachelor degree in Medicine or Surgery; instead, you will have to directly apply to Doctor of Medicine program with the 60 credit hours you collect from an undergraduate degree. The program is distributed into two parts called the rotation, which is two years of pre-clinical courses and two years of clinical training.

Climate

Canada is spread over a large geographical area; the climatic condition of the region depends on the location. As the average temperature in summer is 35° C and winter is -25° C, students from warm countries might find it difficult to adjust during the winters.

At times, the winter may last for six months and the temperature may sometimes even drop down to -30° C. However, as mentioned earlier, it depends on your location and your ability to adapt to a new environment. Cities like Vancouver, Halifax and Toronto are some cities with warmer winters in Canada.

Extreme weather conditions can definitely be handled by dressing appropriately, by wearing layered warm clothing. Over time, with proper gear and winter clothing, cold conditions will become bearable for international students coming from tropical climates.

Conclusion

Like any other country, studying in Canada comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Carefully scrutinizing the reasons mentioned in this article will tell you that advantages definitely outweigh disadvantages.

Things to do in Canada

If you have decided to move to Canada for your studies you’re probably wondering what there is to do and see as an international student.

Canada has proven to be a destination that attracts a lot of attention from international students. With the combination of high-quality educational institutions, a multicultural society and a high quality of life, it’s no surprise. From the vibrant city of Toronto to the Rocky Mountains you won’t be short of things to do if you choose to study in Canada.

First Canadian Food

One of the best ways to experience a culture is to sample the food that’s on offer. While Canada don’t have a huge variety of what can be called ‘national dishes/foods’ there are few that you should have a taste of. The first, and probably most well-known, is maple syrup.

You can try some of the more traditional ways it is eaten on top of waffles and pancakes and if you are a meat eater you may enjoy pork (especially bacon), beef or chicken that has been marinated in the syrup. More than 70 per cent of the world’s maple syrup comes from Canada and the maple tree enjoys esteemed status in Canadian culture, with the leaf adorning the Canadian flag.

If you are more a fan of desserts or have a sweet tooth, then beaver tail could be the choice for you. The dough-based snack, shaped to resemble a beaver tail, one of the official animals of Canada, is deep fried and then has various toppings including fruit, chocolate and sweets.  Don’t be afraid of venturing outside your comfort zone and trying new things.  You could end up finding something you really enjoy.

Visit Niagara Falls

Located just south of Toronto on the border with the United States, Niagara Falls actually consists of three waterfalls known as American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls and Canadian Falls. It is a spectacular site, with over 3,000 tons of water cascading over the edge every second and at some places it is over 50 meters high.

There are quite a few activities that you can do at the falls, with one of the firm favourites being a boat ride or cruise close to the falls themselves. While it does command a bit more of a price tag, there are also a helicopter rides over the falls, to get some picturesque aerial views. Other activities surrounding the falls include ziplining, walking through the botanical gardens, food tours, hiking and an amusement park. It’s a great weekend getaway and road trip if you’re studying in Ontario or Toronto at institutions including:

Attend an ice hockey match

For a unique cultural experience and one that may get your adrenalin pumping, attending an ice hockey match is a must. Ice hockey can be described as more than a passion in Canada and is the number one sport in the country.

Try a winter sport

Although some parts of Canada have milder winters, such as Vancouver and Calgary, for much of the country the mercury drops below zero in the winter months of the year, meaning ice and snow. Although it is quite cold, it’s not all bad news with the opportunity to try some new activities namely ice skating, skiing and snowboarding. In many cities you’ll be able to find ice rinks where you can rent some skates and learn the basics. If you are feeling a bit more adventurous there are some outdoor options, including frozen lakes, but this should always be approached with caution and and careful consultation.

With Canada boasting the Rocky Mountains you also won’t be short of choices for destinations to try out skiing and snowboarding. This is particularly true of British Columbia in the west of the country, including the legendary Red Mountain and Revelstoke resorts. If you’re just starting out you can try more local destinations or beginner’s classes. There are plenty of informal ways you can learn to ski or snowboard as well, with small snow-capped hills and mountains never that far away in winter.

Go hiking and camping

With an abundance of natural landscapes and wilderness to explore, Canada is often described as a hiker’s paradise. One of the best things about hiking and camping is that it doesn’t cost very much, which is perfect for a student budget, and it’s also very rewarding. One of the most recommended places in Canada is the Banff National Park, located in Alberta, north-west of the city of Calgary. The park is known for its picturesque, unspoiled landscapes that includes mountains, lakes, rivers and even thermal hot springs.

Apart from the great hiking trails there is also kayaking, biking and skiing you can take part in.  The national park is one of many offering a great opportunity to get outdoors. In the east of the country you can also visit Algonquin Park known for its spectacular display of autumn leaves or the Grasslands National Park in Saskatchewan located in the center of Canada.  

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