Studying in Canada: A Guide for Non-Canadians

Studying in Canada
Canada is emerging as an increasingly popular destination for UK citizens studying overseas.

Guest post by James Cave

With the introduction of compulsory course fees at English and Welsh universities, many potential UK undergraduates are seriously considering studying overseas for the first time. The thinking goes that if you’re going to be paying thousands each year to expand your mind at university, why not enhance the experience by submerging yourself in the culture of a different country at the same time?

As an English speaking Commonwealth country, Canada is emerging as a top choice for many getaway students from the UK. This is understandable for the reason that Canada is different from home but not different enough to be scary or alienating.

However, here are many good reasons to consider studying in Canada. Firstly, it’s a big place, stretching from the Atlantic in the east to the Pacific in the west, and offers a huge variety of locations to choose from. From cutting-edge festival cities such as Montreal and Toronto which regularly poll as offering among the highest quality of life anywhere in the world to visually stunning and unique places such as Quebec, Alberta and Newfoundland, Canada has a university town to attract everyone. And, although it is a long plane journey away, there are plenty of companies that fly to Canada, especially to Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary and Montreal.

On a practical level, tuition fees in Canada are generally competitive with those in the UK and other English speaking countries. Many educational institutions in Canada offer scholarships, grants or bursaries for international students. Each institution is different, though, so it’s best to research the institutions you’re considering applying to individually to find out what sort of financial support opportunities may be available. You can find contact information for each university at the Study in Canada website. You’ll also find information on the admission policies of each institution.

Crucially, the education you receive and the qualifications you gain from an accredited Canadian university, college or business school will be recognised throughout the world. You can check that a particular institution is fully accredited by visiting the website of the

In Love with Vancouver

Guest post by Andy Hayes, Managing Editor of Sharing Travel Experiences

I’ve always wanted to visit Vancouver. Actually, correction: I’ve always wanted to live there. At least from the brochure, it looks amazing: decent weather, great culture, and a very liveable lifestyle. I finally just made my first visit to the city, and it is without question, fantastic. I’m definitely in love with Vancouver, and here are a few reasons why.

The living skyline

Great Outdoors

When I first got a glimpse of Stanley Park, the massive forest preserve in downtown Vancouver, I thought it was Vancouver Island – surely such an incredible mass of greenery couldn’t be in the middle of a major city. But it’s true; I went for a run in Stanley Park and didn’t see another person (or animal for that matter) for a good half an hour. It’s totally incredible, and one of the reasons why Vancouver tops the lists of best places to live.

Stanley Park isn’t your only option though; via a quick ferry for busy ride, you can hit idyllic islands or go skiing – and still make it back home for dinner. It’s always a difficult balance between being a major cosmopolitan city and a liveable, active village, but Vancouver plays this balance perfectly.

Gastronomy

Canada is well known for just a few select dishes – mostly those involving maple syrup, would say the cynic – but Vancouver is a foodie’s delight. It is home to a lot of expats (who wouldn’t want to come?) so you can get tasty French crepes served up with the indecipherable accent, homemade pastries and tarts, dim sum experiences all but identical to the ones in Hong Kong, and of course some hot, hearty comfort food for those wet and rainy days.

Like the rest of its Pacific Northwest Neighbours, Vancouver is also not to be outdone on the café culture front, and so you have plenty of choice for good coffee. Though, I’ll be quick to agree that you can’t go wrong with the Canadian classic: a mug of fresh Tim Horton’s coffee and a doughnut!

Friendliness

Maybe it’s because they’re on a caffeine jag, or maybe it’s just because of all that fresh air, but people in Vancouver are awfully friendly. Not in that annoying way, but everywhere you go you will find people are helpful and smiling. Restaurants have great service, shop assistants are helpful without being overbearing, and you’ll be delighted with the service on ferries and local tour operators. It all adds up to a pretty spectacular package, reinforcing the reason why Vancouver is so highly rated on those lists. Come to visit, stay to live and work, but if you haven’t been to Vancouver, you are missing out.

Andy Hayes is managing editor of Sharing Travel Experiences, a popular travel lifestyle magazine. Don’t miss their further tips for Vancouver sightseeing.