NOVEMBER 28, 2022 – The decision about where to study and which university to choose is one of the most important decisions of a lifetime. The received education has a tremendous influence on one’s future life and career.
Many US students annually apply to study in Canada because of comparatively low tuition fees. Also, it is close to home and has good currency exchange rates. In addition, Canada is second in the world ranking of the most comfortable countries to live in.
Prepare Your Documents
Each Canadian university has its own entry requirements. But most likely, you will need:
- Certificate/diploma.
- Completed questionnaire.
- A summary or letter of intent.
- Proof that you can support yourself financially while studying in Canada.
- Two academic certificates for preparation for the Master’s/Ph.D. (including letters from employers).
- Some institutions in Canada teach in French. In this case, translated documents must be certified by a professional translator. You must also add the original versions of the documents.
In this matter, you should contact professionals. Consider contacting a dissertation service like EssayPro, where specialists will help you write a motivational letter. In the future, they might also be your saving boat when it comes to submitting essays. There are also special companies who will help you to collect and properly prepare all the other documents.
Choose A Program
First, you need to decide on the programs offered by local educational institutions. Then understand the difference between Canadian colleges and universities. Decide which direction to choose, where to live, and how to issue documents.
The after-school program can be of different duration: from a year to four. The one-year study program can help you get the following specialties:
- hairdressing,
- electrician,
- carpenter, and so on.
Programs that last two to three years are diploma programs. This level is slightly lower than the domestic bachelor’s degree. But four-year programs are full-fledged bachelor’s degrees.
Studying at Canadian universities is more prestigious but harder to achieve. A bachelor’s degree at the university is awarded after three years of study. A master’s degree after one to three years after the bachelor’s, and a doctor’s degree after only four years. In some cases, studying at university can last eleven years.
Choose a Province To Study
To play it safe, students sometimes decide to apply to several colleges in different provinces. The logic is simple: more applications means more chances to get in. But on the other hand, it can give you a headache. Why? Every province in Canada has its own education system. Such things can be radically different:
- requirements for applicants,
- cost of education,
- admission procedure,
- deadlines for submitting documents.
Students do not always take it into consideration. Apart from this, each province has its own immigration policy, make sure you keep this in mind.
Find Accommodation
There is enough housing for students:
- dormitories from colleges,
- rented apartments,
- living in Canadian families.
Living with Canadian families is an inexpensive option and the best one for adapting and getting to know a new country. The family usually provides two or three meals a day.
Such housing will cost approximately CAD 700-900 per month. In contrast, a dormitory can cost from CAD 1,200 per month. Most students believe that a dormitory is a top option because here, you can easily make new friends and acquaintances.
Renting a house means getting bare walls and a contract for at least 12 months, so you need to buy furniture and dishes right away. Not everyone can find money and time for that when you need to be a very productive student in the beginning. It is actually better to first familiarize yourself with the area, find new friends, and only then look for roommates and a new place to live.
Combine Working And Studying
As a student, you can work no more than 20 hours a week on weekdays and no more than 40 on weekends or holidays. At the same time, the studying schedule is flexible – the student can choose a convenient time for studying.
Upon completion, the graduate is granted the right to work: after one year of study – for one year, after two years of study – for three years. After a year of employment, a graduate can apply for permanent residence.
However, you will have to wait for an answer from six months and up to two years, and those who have a one-year work permit may be at risk. Therefore, the Center for International Programs recommends taking two specialty courses to save time.
Thus, the student also receives an advantage since they receive two specialties. If you feel too stressed about this, there are some techniques to help you reduce the stress level. Also, Canadian legislation allows for a 4-month break between years of study, so it will be possible to earn money for the second year. Knowing this is also stress-relieving.
Be Active
In order to become a local in Canada, you need to be an active person. Here we are talking about new acquaintances and activities. Get new friends, find yourself a mentor, and talk to neighbors and people in places you visit. That way, there is every chance that locals will be able to provide their own recommendations to improve your experience. It is an essential element in Canadian life.
Get a Health Insurance
All foreign students in Canada must have healthcare coverage. Certain provinces give such students access to Canada’s public healthcare system automatically, but some do not.
Students in areas that do not offer health coverage to foreign students need to buy private health insurance. Colleges and universities in these provinces usually offer special insurance plans, which may be added to international students’ tuition and student fees.
Scholarship
Don’t get upset if you can’t afford to pay for your university yourself. Are there ways to get high-quality education for free in Canada? Positive. You can receive financial aid from a sponsor (parent, relative, or guardian) or get a scholarship.
As an American student, you are not eligible for financial aid from the Canadian government. But such help might be provided by certain special government programs.
Also, if you are applying for a degree at a Canadian university, you may be eligible for financial aid from the US Student Scholarship Program. Make sure the college/university you are applying to is a part of this program.
Scholarships for American students in Canada are not an endless opportunity. No wonder the competition is exorbitant. So only students with immaculate academic backgrounds can get scholarships and grants.
Summary
What makes Canada one of the most desirable destinations for US students?
- low tuition fees,
- high quality of living,
- high level of education,
- many career opportunities.
Beautiful nature, nice people, outstanding libraries, and a good economy also make this country very attractive.
The ability to study from the age of 20, 40, even at the age of 60 – if there is desire, time, and strength. University programs have a flexible schedule.
Studying in Canada is a great opportunity to learn about other peoples and cultures — there are immigrants from all over the world here. The chance to join English-speaking and French-speaking cultures.