Study abroad in Canada
Canada is a country of natural beauty – from coast to coast - with endless
landscapes of mountains, lakes, rivers, forests and plains. This really is
the great outdoors. Canada is the second largest country in the world,
spanning six time zones. Extending from Atlantic to Pacific, and penetrating
deep into the Arctic, Canada is an explorer’s paradise. In the north of the
lies most of this beauty – and largely uninhabited, is unspoiled. The Niagra
Falls are magnificent, as are the Great Lakes, whilst Banff and Jasper
National Parks offer exquisite scenery of glaciers, peaks and fluorescent
blue lakes.
Studying abroad in Canada will, you will most likely be based in one of the
cities close to the American border - cities which embrace multiculturism
like no other. British and French cultures penetrate the nation, culminating
in two official languages, whilst a cauldron of other nationalities can be
seen and heard – Indian, Dutch, Chinese, Spanish and Polish, to name but a
few. Toronto exhibits this blend better than anywhere, and with its vibrant
summer festivals and its love for music, will surely entice you. It is also
Canada's business centre and the largest city in the country.
Seven of Canada’s 89 universities appear in the, World Universities Ranking
Top 200, demonstrating the good level of quality and reputation in the
country’s higher education system.
Additionally, Canada boasts a range of other post-secondary school education
institutions, known as colleges, university colleges, institutes of
technology and advanced learning, community colleges and colleges of applied
arts and technology - many of which are able to grant degree-level
qualifications.
Canada’s top institutes are more commonly referred to as the The Group of
Thirteen:
-
Alberta
-
British
Columbia
-
Laval
-
McGill
-
McMaster
-
Montréal
-
Queen’s
-
Toronto
-
Waterloo
-
Western
Ontario
-
University of
Calgary
-
Dalhousie
University
-
University of
Ottawa
As
one of the largest systems of higher education in the world, Canada has an
extremely robust quality assurance and accreditation process ensuring that
degree-level studies are recognised internationally. Undergraduate
Scholarships are available to offset some of the costs of studying in
Canada.
|
|
|
 Good
choice of institutions and programmes
Reasonable
tuition and living fees
Opportunities
to stay after graduating
Well
regarded quality of education |
 Smaller
number of world famous universities
Differences
in the structure of degree programmes between the provinces |
Ever more common in Canada are home-stays. These are a great way to improve
on your French and English, and also a good way to learn about the country.
Universities in Canada will often arrange these for you and will try to
match you with a family sharing similar interests. Very affordable, the
cost will also include all your meals.
University campus accommodation is also common, with varied, but usually
more than adequate amenities. The private sector is much more expensive,
especially when it comes to renting houses. However, slightly more
affordable options include suites – self-contained apartments with kitchen
and bathroom which based within a larger unit, or typical apartments, which
if shared may be a within your budget.
A
largely temperate climate, with four distinct seasons. Canada’s climate adds
to its alluring habitants and environment. Winter grips the whole country,
with the ski season enabling enthusiasts to take to the slopes from December
through to April. Expect snow all around. Flowers blossom in Spring, whilst
the summer can be very warm and extend to October – similar in temperature
to the US. Autumn is perhaps the most picturesque, with astounding colours,
especially in the east of the country.
Large distances between towns are made all the more manageable by an
excellent transport network, whilst public transport in the cities is
efficient. Air travel may be the most efficient choice if large distances
are involved, with Air Canada and its affiliates connecting destinations
throughout the country.
Canada is famous for its luxurious and dramatic train journeys. You will be
hard pushed to find more impressive scenes as you pass from one end of the
country to the other, taking in the snow capped peaks of the Rockies, to the
evergreen horizons of the forest, to the abundant and tranquil wildlife you
will pass on the way.
Buses are the main form of public transport in most cities, whilst trains
and trams are also common. The major hubs including Vancouver and Toronto
have modern and affordable metro services.
| |
Item |
Price |
| |
litre of
petrol |
C$0.90 |
| |
movie
ticket |
C$9.00 |
| |
souvenir
t-shirt |
C$10.00 |
| |
litre of
bottled water |
C$0.90 |
| |
newspaper |
C$1.00 |
| |
litre of
milk |
C$1.40 |
| |
cup of
coffee and donut |
C$2.00 |
| |
roll of
36 exposure print film |
C$6.50 |
| |
t-bone
steak per kg |
C$22.00 |
|
