Let's face it. When you go looking for a study abroad destination, you have a multitude of options available to you.
But let's say you want to get your education in a country of diversity like no other.
You want to be with people of numerous cultural and racial backgrounds.
You want both wilderness and skyscrapers.
You want educational choices, beginning with either French or English as the language of instruction, through to literally hundreds of specializations from aerospace engineering to zoology.
You want to pick from among institutions that enroll 1,000 students and 60,000 students, with every size in between.
You want to live in a cosmopolitan city, but it has to be close to a large park where you can ski, swim, canoe, hike and bike; or you want to live in a small town that is only a short train ride to a big city, where you can see an award-winning stage musical or a big league hockey or baseball game.
If you want diversity in your study abroad destination, then Canada is your pick.
If you're interested in Canadian study opportunities, but you're confused and need a little guidance, read on.
This web site holds a wealth of information and insights for your benefit.
If you're not convinced that Canada is for you, take a look at our list of
Top Ten Reasons to Study in Canada.
TOP 10 Reasons to Study in Canada
1. The United Nations ranked Canada as the best place in the world to live! This assessment was based upon Canada's achievements in terms of educational attainment, life expectancy, national income and general quality of life. It also included Canada's abundance of fresh water, comfortable population density, low incidence of violent crime and a health care system that is a model for the world.
2. Canada's education system is excellent and ranks among the best in the world. Moreover Canadian tuition fees are among the lowest in English-speaking countries.
3. Internationally recognized degrees. Canada boasts a wide range of quality educational institutions for both degrees and diplomas in technical and professional disciplines. Over 106,000 international students attend Canadian colleges and universities. This means that you can meet people from around the world as well as people from your own country.
4. Possibility to work in Canada after graduation. International students who have graduated from a Canadian university or college have the opportunity to work in Canada for up to one year after they receive their degree or diploma. International students can work on campus without a work permit. Plans are being made to allow international students to work off-campus, too.
5. A safe, stable country. Canada is a peaceful, politically stable, and safe country. We have laws that protect the rights of our citizens and our country is relatively unaffected by natural disasters. Almost 65 per cent of international students involved in a 1999 CBIE survey cited Canada's reputation as a safe country as an important reason for deciding to study here.
6. Excellent health care. Compared to other countries, medical insurance is inexpensive in Canada yet the services that Canadian hospitals provide are among some of the most advanced and accessible in the world.
7. Learn or improve another language! For over a century, Canada's two official languages (English and French) have been taught as second languages which is why we are world leaders in language training. International students often choose to take language courses before beginning a regular academic program.
8. A multicultural country. Canada is home to a large number of aboriginal people, called First Nations. Over the past century and a half, Canada has welcomed 15 million immigrants. Every year, some 200,000 new immigrants arrive here making Canada the nation that receives the most newcomers annually based on its population, which recently exceeded 31 million. Canada has a national policy for multiculturalism and works to ensure that people's customs and traditions are preserved and respected.
9. Nature and four distinct seasons. While Canada has big cities, we also preserve a huge amount of unsettled land and a thriving national and provincial parks system. The temperature varies a great deal in Canada. Certain cities almost never have snow in the winter while other cities may get a lot. There's something for everyone, including indoor and outdoor recreational activities at no or low cost. Our four distinct seasons offer variety and their own special pleasures.
10. We're waiting for you! Canadians can be reserved with newcomers but are generally very welcoming and respectful of differences. Our educational institutions encourage new students from abroad and many have targets to increase their numbers of international students. One thing is for sure--your time in Canada will be something that you will never forget! What are you waiting for?