Canada
An International Experience Just Next Door

Many students want to use their university studies as a time to gain international experience by studying abroad. These students want to learn to be more independent and to adapt to a new culture. Studying abroad is a wonderful learning opportunity, however, not all students are ready to move so far away from their family and friends or find it expensive to live in a foreign country. Canada can be a great solution for those who are looking for an international experience.

Close to Home But a Whole New World
Depending on your location in the United States, you can travel to Canada by car, bus, train, or plane. With so many options for travel, it is easy to plan a route that fits your budget and is very convenient to return home for visits throughout the year. You will be able to experience living in another country without being far from home.

University campuses across the country have a significant proportion of international students so you will have the opportunity to meet and study with people from around the world. Our university campuses are sensitive to the needs of different cultures and provide support through international student services, prayer and meeting spaces. You will also find that our major cities feature a wide range of restaurants and stores from around the world, as well as cultural and sporting events, and festivals. Canada is well known for being a country that is diverse and welcoming.

Canada has two official languages, English and French. Although most universities are English, you can choose to take advantage of your international experience and learn or improve your French by taking language courses or a whole degree in French. Most universities will also offer a variety of language courses such as Spanish, Mandarin, Arabic, and even American Sign Language. Language courses are generally offered from beginner to advanced level.

Internationally Recognized Institutions
Most of the universities in Canada are government funded which guarantees that the quality remains high and tuition rates remain lower than a privately funded institution. Canadian universities undergo a rigorous accreditation process to receive government funding. Our university degrees are highly regarded and accepted around the world.

You can also benefit from international exchanges and internships that exist at your Canadian university. The quality and reputation of Canadian universities has allowed our schools to build international exchanges and partnerships all over the world. Even though you will already be an international student in Canada, you can still participate in the international programs that are established at the university you are attending and get even more out of your university experience.

Hands-on Learning Opportunities and Work Experience
Canadian universities value "learning by doing” and encourage students to participate in internships, co-operative education, and field studies. We want students to be prepared for the future by providing them with practical experience.

American and international students are allowed to work on-and off-campus during their studies in Canada. An off-campus work permit will allow you to find a part-time job to earn some extra money while you go to school or you can enroll in the co-op program to gain work experience in your field of study. Co-op programs allow students to work full-time in extended placements in a paid position related to their degree. This experience allows students to apply what they have been learning and to make connections in industry.

Campus Involvement
Whether you are a student athlete or are interested in student government, you will find many ways to get involved on campus. Most schools will have varsity and intramural sports teams, student clubs & societies, and various levels of student council. It is not uncommon for students to enter academic and extracurricular competitions at the national or international level. You can be as involved as you like in campus life.

How to Learn More about Canada
You can learn a lot about Canadian universities by visiting their websites and crossing the border for a campus tour. Most schools will host events such as open house days where you can listen to lectures and visit the facilities. A good website to find out more about Canadian Universities is the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada (AUCC), where you can search by program or province to find the university for you. Their website is www.aucc.ca.

Editorial provided by Vicki Boman, Carleton University, International Admissions & Recruitment Officer.