Study In Canada

The Value of a Canadian Education

Canadian institutions are recognized worldwide for their high quality programs and the diverse cultural experience they offer international students. But what you may not know is that Canadian institutions offer this great value while also maintaining some of the lowest tuition fees in comparison to other English-speaking countries such as the United States, England, and Australia.

Why is the cost so much more reasonable for international students in Canada?

National and provincial governments heavily subsidize tuition and infrastructure costs in Canada for institutions as part of their commitment to affordable education. Furthermore, the cost of living in Canada is not high in comparison with other industrialized nations, due largely in part to its relatively stable economy and accessible social support systems.

Amy Yeun, a fourth-year student at one of Canada's largest institutions, the University of Toronto, certainly agrees that Canadian schools are less expensive than American schools. Yeun describes that it was an easier investment to make given that "My tuition for the year in the States was $30,000 U.S. compared to $3,500 Canadian at the University of Toronto."

Check out some of the costs associated with the value of a Canadian education:

Tuition: The basic cost of attending classes at the Canadian school of your choice can vary greatly. However, a standard tuition per term between $3000-$6000.

Textbooks and School Supplies: In addition to your classes, you'll need to buy the textbooks containing the readings and assignments and any other supplies for studying such as paper, pens, and dictionaries. Textbooks and supplies average $550.

Residence: You'll be staying in a dorm room at your school or with a Canadian family as part of a homestay. Usually residence costs will also include your meals. Expect around $700 a month.

Medical Insurance: You'll need a health plan in Canada to cover you going to a doctor or hospital in case of an emergency. Policies vary but expect around $300 per term.

Phone: you may want to have a phone or at least a long distance calling card while you're in Canada to call your family and friends back home. Depending on the plan you purchase, this will typically cost you between $0.10-0.20 per minute to call home.

Public Transportation: taking public transportation with buses, trains, and subways is a good way to get around your new city. A student bus pass is about $50 per month.

Entertainment: When you're not in class or studying, going out to movies, restaurants, and sightseeing are some of the things you'll probably be doing. A fair entertainment budget that will let you try lots of different things without spending too much is between $20-30 per week.

Personal: everything from your soap and toothbrush to your clothing and laundry can fall into this category. Budget around $500 per term.

A Home away From Home

Home-stay is the great adventure of living in another country with a warm and caring family. Students who live in home-stays find their English or French improves dramatically through friendly conversations and daily activities with their families. These family relationships often endure well past the completion of the course, and lead to lifelong friendships.

Host families are carefully selected because of their kind and caring personalities, and for their genuine desire and willingness to open their homes and share their lives and customs with the student. Families are recruited, interviewed, and screened before they are selected as hosts. Many schools have a large base of pre-selected Canadian families to draw from.The student becomes part of their Canadian family.

As a member of the family, the student lives in the family house, follows the family rules, participates in family activities and contributes to the home environment."We are learning about communities by living in them. Our host families - whether they're a three-year-old child, or an 80-year-old grandmother - are our teachers as opposed to some textbooks," says Karsten Mundel, Project Supervisor with Canada World Youth.As Canada is a bilingual country, many times it is possible to request an English, French, or bilingual family as the student's hosts. This is a chance to get a real taste of Canadian living.

Families in Canada are defined very broadly. "Some of our families are single-parents, some just single couples with no children, retired folks and then the more traditional families - mother, father, two kids and a dog. We have the full range; it's great to have that diversity," Mundel adds.A successful homestay experience depends upon open and clear communication. The home-stay family may need to start conversations at first, but as the comfort level grows, talking will become more natural, with everyone contributing equally.As each family is different, each student undergoes a different home-stay experience. Friendly, enthusiastic students generally create a friendly, positive atmosphere. In these cases, families often include students in social activities and family outings. Some people are always busy and allow the student to lead a more independent social life.

Others hosts do most of their socializing at home.Respect is the most important aspect of a good home-stay. Students always have access to the family telephone, but should ask before making long distance calls. The student's bedroom is often a private space, including a bed, desk and chair, and a bedside table with lamp. A quiet study area for the student is usually provided.In order for each student to feel as safe as possible during their time in Canada, each family has basic requests that have been pre-approved by the school.

But students shouldn't expect a private bath, air conditioning, pool, chauffeuring, laundry service, bilingual assistance, large rooms, or breakfast in bed.However, if students are uncomfortable or have questions, they have daily access to responsible and concerned adults at the school who will listen when students need to talk and are interested in helping them problem-solve. These mentors provide assistance with resolving misunderstandings or cultural differences.

Home-stays are a good consideration if the student will need assistance in completing certain tasks. There is added safety and security because home-stay families will look out for students and help them adjust to life in a new place.

Younger students will also benefit more from the home-stay experience, as families can provide guidance and supervision with such tasks as opening a bank account, applying for medical insurance, or purchasing a bus pass and determining the best route from the home-stay house to the school.Home-stays are located in the city, in the suburbs outside the city, and in the countryside. Some students may have to travel further than others to get to school. Students living in a home-stay usually stay for at least a two-week period.Food and meal times will be different.

Expect a range of possibilities from regional specialties to family recipes to sampling local treats. Adjust and enjoy. Most participants recognize that food and utilities generally cost more than hosts are paid, and those students are prepared to accept family rules: conserving on utilities and eating what the hosts eat. Be prepared to buy a few things on your own, as you develop a taste for certain favourite Canadian foods.

Most of all, keep in mind home-stay families enjoy the experience of hosting students and learning about their native countries. They have voluntarily made a commitment to the student's safety and education while in a new country.

Where Will I Live?

Finding living arrangements in Canada is like choosing a school - you have to know what's out there and how to get it. Here's a guide to the types of student housing available in Canada.

College and University students usually live in a dormitory (often called "residence" in Canada) or they live off-campus. But those two simple choices hold an infinite number of housing options.To choose the Canadian home that's right for you, think carefully about your ideal living situation: do you need to have a lot of people around you? Do you need solitude? Have you had a roommate before? International students in high-school or college students on an exchange, usually stay in a home stay, but some private secondary schools offer dormitories with adult supervision. Your ideal housing, whether it's a school residence or an apartment, will depend on how social you want to be - and your budget.

Campus Residence

School dormitories aren't just dormitories anymore. Campus residences now offer several options. There are still the traditional dorms that offer students a room with a study area and shared washrooms. In the traditional dorms, a cafeteria provides the daily meals. Meal plans are included in the cost of the dorm and this cost is usually charged in a lump sum, just like your tuition.

For a higher price, you can have your own room, or for a smaller fee, you can share a larger room with two beds and two study areas. Most people don't get a chance to choose their "roomie," so select this option only if you are flexible and very social.College or university dorms are usually for students in the early years of their post-secondary schooling, so the crowd is young, and they like to have noisy fun at all hours. If you are the quiet, studious type, or married, there are now other housing options.

Most campuses now have townhouse-style housing that is similar to off-campus life. They also have designated family housing for married couples and families. This type of "cluster housing" provides an apartment or townhouse atmosphere.

A small group of students live in apartments or townhouses on campus. Each student has their own bedroom, and shares the kitchen, living room and two bathrooms. This "cluster housing" as it is sometimes called, is generally for students over 19, and provides a quieter, more independent atmosphere in what is still a group setting.It is important to note, however, that levels of "acceptable" cleanliness vary from country to country. The fastest and easiest way to judge what is acceptable is to observe. How often do your roomies pick up around the house? How neat is their appearance? What does the room look like? Don't use your roommates as your only judge, but observe others around you as well.

Arguments based on cleanliness and neatness are the most common among roommates.Another hot topic is food. Talk to your rommates right away, and determine what you have access to and what is off-limits. Some roomies divide the cost of weekly groceries, while others purchase their foods individually, keeping assigned cupboards and sections of the refrigerator.

Much of this is based on how compatible the roommates are with each other, so it is important to discuss this topic, as it can change with each new roommate.Campus housing, whether in a dorm or in "cluster housing," is the easiest kind of housing to arrange from outside the country. The trick is that you need to apply very early, because campus housing fills up quickly, and there are often waitlists for students that apply later in their application process.

Living Off-CampusFor those that want a bit of peace and quiet, living off-campus allows students to experience the community outside the school. This type of housing, however, is to be arranged by the student, not the school. Students interested in this option will have to do a little bit of research.Students can either rent an apartment on their own if their budget allows, rent a room or housekeeping suite in a home, or rent an apartment with another roommate.

A sure bet is to ask the school's student housing department for help. Many schools post notices of available off-campus living arrangements, classified by the type of housing.The school's housing department will have postings for available roommates, apartments, room and board - just about any housing arrangement you could imagine.

You could even end up living in a professor's house! Apartments can be found through the local newspapers (most Canadian newspapers have web sites with classified sections), but it's easier to screen the listings at student housing for what you want. Don't hesitate to ask a lot of questions. Schools will be happy to guide you in finding the kind of housing you need, but ultimately it is the student's responsibility.

Study in Canada

Once you decide to study abroad, you will be faced with a number of destinations to choose from. A group of students provide their thoughts on why Canada is one of the best places in the world to study."The biggest thing I've learned [in Canada] is to be open to new things, new people and new cultures," says David Naranjo, a Marketing student at George Brown College, who is originally from Ecuador.

"Face new challenges, and know your choices."He says his plans for his future impacted his decision to come to Canada to study. "On a professional level, every department or person you're working with is international. They speak English and the view on things is international. They expect you to know about certain things, and if you want to succeed, you have to have those qualities.

""I've met people here in my classes, my teachers, and in my job working on campus that were all very special to me, people that I will always remember," Naranjo says.LifestyleCanada is a peaceful, politically stable and safe country to live in, with cities that are remarkably clean. Canadians are environmentally conscious and make constant efforts to ensure excellent air and water quality.

Canada, with its ten provinces and three territories, is well known for its vast expanses of prairie and forest without a building in sight. No matter where you live in Canada, breathtaking landscapes are usually just a short distance away."I had always heard beautiful things about Canada, but I fell in love with Victoria. It's a very clean city, and crime is very low, so you can live with no worries," says Pablo Diemecke,Concertmaster of the Victoria Symphony Orchestra for the past fifteen years.

Diemecke moved from Mexico to Canada, but visits Mexico often for concerts. He has won the Mexican Golden Lyre Award, as well as a Gemini for his music. He has also visited Ontario, Alberta, and other parts of British Columbia. "It is very good to learn about other countries and cultures; to expand your knowledge," Diemecke adds.Canada's cities are beautiful. There are many metropolitan centres, the three largest being Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver.

Yet, there are also many smaller cities and rural areas, which offer most of the educational and cultural opportunities of the big cities. Students can travel inexpensively in Canada by inter-city bus and train. Discounted, stand-by air travel is also reasonably priced, and quite popular with students."The people are definitely friendly," says Naranjo.

"I was surprised at the size of the country, and that each city is different, unique. The whole country is very beautiful, it has lots of water, and the parks and everything are clean."Steven Cote, a recent graduate of Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and president of Dalhousie's student union, sees a lot of friendly people in his town. "You walk down the streets in Halifax and you can say hello to perfect strangers," he says. "People like to talk to you!""Toronto is a fast-paced city.

If you're not moving, or going forward in your life, you'll get left behind. I'm young, I'm up for that challenge right now," says Naranjo. He adds, "The nightlife here is crazy, lots of fun, but you still have a feeling of security. You know nothing's going to happen to you, even though you're out, you feel safe."Jasmin Tuffaha, a fourth-year student at Ryerson Polytechnic University in Toronto, who moved from Maryland six years ago, finds Canadians laid-back. "In the States, no one went to their cottage every other weekend.

"The United Nations consistently ranks Canada as one of the best places in the world to live. This ranking is based on Canada's excellent educational system, high life expectancy, generous national income and general quality of life. The ranking acknowledges 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.The Canadian health care system is one of the best health care systems in the world.

Two provinces (Nova Scotia and Saskatchewan) offer medical insurance to international students at no cost. International students can join the Alberta and British Columbia provincial health plans for a minimal monthly charge of approximately $30-40 per month for a single person. In the other provinces, private medical insurance can be acquired at a moderate cost. It should be noted that medical insurance is essential when coming to Canada to study.Don Guy, Vice-President of Pollara, a Canadian public opinion and market research company, said surveys indicate Canadians differentiate between economic factors and quality of life."People may not even be able to put their finger on exactly what it is they feel is better about the quality of life in Canada.

Part of it may be related to the greater degree of public safety. Part of it may be related to health care or education or the way some of those things are organized.""Canada is a much more organized country," says Naranjo. "Industries, jobs, everything has more organization, and it leads to more opportunities, you know what's expected of you, and what you have to do to obtain something.""When I first came here, the amount of organization in this country surprised me," agrees Diemecke.

"I can organize my life, and schedule things and know that they are going to happen. I couldn't count on something being for sure in Mexico. Everything is always dependent on something else."EducationCanadians are some of the best-educated people in the world, with an adult literacy rate of 99%.

Children are required by law to attend school up to the age of 15 or 16, depending on the province, and university or college attendance is the norm.Canada boasts a wide range of quality educational institutions. Canadian degrees and diplomas are recognized worldwide, and because Canadian education is highly subsidized by governments, Canadian tuition fees are among the lowest in English-speaking countries.Canadian schools are less expensive than American schools, and are an easier investment to make.

"My tuition for the year in the States was $30,000 U.S. compared to $3,500 Canadian at UT," says Amy Yuen, a fourth-year student at the University of Toronto.In the 1993-94 academic year, there were over 93,000 international students attending Canadian post-secondary institutions, secondary schools and elementary schools.

Of this total, 37,800 were at universities, 27,900 at colleges and trade schools, and 27,500 at elementary and secondary schools.Shangari finds Canadian schools more difficult than those in the States, but she doesn't mind. "You're basically studying all the time, and that prepares you better for graduate programs," she says. "My sister was in an American university, and I thought that she was taking it easy, compared to my first year here."For over a century, Canadians have taught our two official languages, English and French, as second languages to newcomers. As a multicultural society receiving new immigrants who speak various languages, Canada has become a world leader in language training.Most educational institutions offer beginner and upgrading programs in English and French. Sometimes the language courses are offered before beginning a regular academic program, and sometimes they are taken at the same time.Most universities and some colleges provide student residences called dormitories or dorms.

These are living accommodations specifically for students of this institution. Some residences are for women only, some for men only, while others are "co-ed," for both women and men. Some schools offer residences specifically for married students. Many residences offer food services or cafeterias, while others provide small kitchens for student use. There is also usually a common area or lounge.To make campus life more interesting and rewarding, Cote advises students to get involved right away.

"Living in a residence hall, as opposed to off-campus, is a great way to make friends."On the other hand, if you are a person who needs privacy, residence may not be for you. There are often more shared rooms than single rooms available. Even if you are able to get a single room, it will be small. Despite these disadvantages, it is often recommended that you stay in residence for your first year of study in Canada because it is the best way to meet people and to get involved in campus activities."Students should take advantage of more opportunities." Says Naranjo.

"There are more opportunities in Canada for students to apply their knowledge, through part-time jobs, volunteering, and working on campus. People just don't take advantage of those opportunities at home."Naranjo was the first member of his family to leave Ecuador. "When I first came here, I was homesick, I would write a letter, or send e-mails.

Actually, I sent lots of e-mails." Now, his two younger siblings are thinking about studying in Canada. "One will probably come for sure." Says Naranjo. "It was hard for my family at first. It was the first time I was away from home. But, they have realized the opportunities that exist. You have to go out and experience other opportunities and challenges."Canadian schools are at the forefront of the information technology revolution, ensuring that their students are equipped for the 21st century.

Most schools offer cooperative education and training programs that allow students to spend a portion of their school year gaining practical experience in the workplace.Many American companies are recognizing the value of the Canadian education system, and actively recruiting on campus. Archer Daniels Midland, Chase Manhattan, General Electric, Goldman Sachs, IBM, Johnson & Johnson, Lucent Technologies, Microsoft, Morgan Stanley Dean Witter, Proctor and Gamble, and Salomon Smith Barney are among the many American firms recruiting students directly from Canadian universities.Multiculturalism"Before I came to Canada, I was expecting all white people.

I thought I would stick out in a crowd, but I ended up meeting more people from Ecuador up here, then in my own town," says Naranjo. "There are many different races and cultures."Canada has a history of welcoming people into the country. Canadian society enables people of various cultures to retain their heritage while learning about other cultures, too."People have knowledge about each other's culture there, not just the cuisine but rather everything, from weddings to superstitions," says Jigar Shah, who lived in Canada until age 18.Adds Naranjo, "You learn a little bit about new cultures from each other, you go out to different restaurants, and learn about their food, you teach them a few words in your language, and they teach you a few words in theirs.

"Multiculturalism has made patience an important aspect of Canadian life. "You often have to communicate with people that don't speak English," Tuffaha says. "You should be open to the diversity here."Among the diverse people who live in Canada, you are bound to meet people of your own race and religion. "There's a lot of our own community here," says Nandita Shangari, a third-year student at the University of Toronto at Mississauga (UTM), Ontario, who moved from Rochester, NY, two years ago.

"I never had any Indian friends there, and all I have here are Indian friends."In 1971, Canada became the first country in the world to adopt a multiculturalism policy. The Government of Canada subsequently passed the Employment Equity Act in 1986 and the Canadian Multiculturalism Act in 1988.Founded on a long tradition of Canadian human rights legislation, the Multiculturalism Policy affirms that Canada recognizes and values its rich ethnic and racial diversity.

Through its multiculturalism policy, the Government of Canada aims to help build a more inclusive society based on respect, equality and the full participation of all citizens, regardless of race, ethnic origin, language or religion. Canada is recognized as a world leader in this field.A vast land of beauty and diversity, Canada has many unique things to offer those who choose to study here. Read on to discover the challenges, discover the opportunities, and to discover Canada.

Many ESL students are not sure what to expect in the Canadian classroom, but most schools in Canada offer comfortable classrooms where students are taught by experienced teachers - many of whom have traveled to different countries themselves.Not only will students participate in the classroom, but schools often offer weekend or evening fun and games.

ESL students may easily find themselves sailing, playing baseball or tennis, mountain biking, windsurfing, or playing beach volleyball. These types of activities allow the student to integrate not only with their classmates, but with other Canadians as well.The Canadian ESL classroom is shared with students from all over the world. There is no typical ESL student.

Therefore, classes can have students with a wide range of backgrounds, skills and interests. Often students in their late teens take language classes in order to get into university or college. Young adults may be taking classes because they need to speak and write English to obtain a job. Middle aged adults frequently take classes to improve English skills for promotions at work or even to brush up on their skills while changing careers. Older, retired individuals who have often wanted to take language classes may now be taking them because they have finally found the time.

On the first day in an ESL class, the teacher always plans activities that will introduce everyone and allow students to become more comfortable and relaxed with each other. These types of activities can include name games, introductions and interviews.Your first day might also include an orientation session where you will learn about your school, its student services and activities. Most likely you will receive important instruments for your success in class, such as a Student Handbook, an email account, a map of the school and a Student Identification Card.

Some students may be required to write an evaluation test to determine their level of study if this has not already been completed.Once students and teachers have settled in to their new surroundings, regular classes will begin.

Here are some of the skills you can expect to use everyday in your ESL class:·

Conversation Skills: Learning the style of English conversation, using slang words and catch phrases properly.·

Listening Skills: Listening to radio and t.v. broadcasts and peoples' conversations. Get a feel for the language.·

Pronunciation Skills: Learning to speak clearly so everyone can understand.· Reading Skills: Newspapers, magazines, books - start reading everything in English!·

Vocabulary Skills: Learning and using new words everyday.·

Grammar Skills: Making sure that you're speaking properly.You will find that your language classes become not only interesting, but fun as well. Students in ESL classes become fast friends as they support each other in overcoming challenges and having new adventures.Note: This is a sample schedule only.

Morning

Period 1:

Vocabulary / Pronunciation 9:00 - 10:30

Coffee Break 10:30 - 10:45

Period 2:

Creative Writing / Idioms 10:45 - 12:15

AfternoonLunch 12:15 - 1:15

Period 3:

Reading / Role Playing 1:15 - 2:00

Coffee Break 2:00 - 2:15

Period 4:

Listening / Speaking 2:15 - 3:00