Canada has ranked as one of the top ten places to live in the world since 1994 according to the United Nations (UN) and the Economist Intelligence Unit. In the UN survey Canada earned particularly high marks for its access to education, high life expectancy (due to universal health care system); and low crime and violence rates. In addition, Canada's largest cities -- Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal -- have been recognized as world class cities in which to live and work, for their cleanliness and safety and for their cultural activities and attractive lifestyles. Canada is considered to be a relatively peaceful, safe and orderly country. Its violent crime rate decreased. Unlike its US neighbours to the south, firearms are strictly controlled and generally are not permitted. International students who come to Canada should follow the same common sense safety precautions as they would anywhere in the world. Students can contact any Canadian Education Centre to learn more about personal safety, or attend a safety orientation session at their school upon their arrival in Canada. The education system in Canada encompasses both publicly-funded and private schools, including: community colleges/ technical institutes, career colleges, language schools, secondary schools, summer camps, universities and university colleges. To qualify for a degree program at most English-speaking universities, students for whom English is not a first language must have passed an English examination test. The TOEFL is commonly accepted but Canadian universities often have their own tests for students or may accept other English examination tests such as the IELTS.
Admissions are granted purely on students academics. Students need to provide CV, academic documents, any professional certifications, work experience if applicable, etc. However the eligibility criteria of selecting students vary in different provinces of Canada. Certain eligibility details are given below:
The documents required for visa application are given below:
Canada puts forward three types of housing options for the international students:
Education cost in Canada is affordable. It varies according to the province. The fee structure for the year 2006-2007 of different provinces is given in the table below:
Cost of living in Canada is very low compared to other countries like UK, Europe, etc. However the expense varies according to each province. The rural areas are very cheap whereas the major cities like Toronto and Vancouver can be expensive.
Canada provides work permit to students which allow them to work off campus. The work permit, however, restricts the working hours to 20 hours a week during academic sessions. During extended vacations no restrictions are given.
Canada provides a lot of merit based and institution based scholarship programs. Students who excel in their studies are awarded with these scholarships irrespective of their physical or financial conditions. Other criteria for the selection of students are based on their participation in extracurricular activities and outstanding athletic abilities. Academic scholarships, Athletic scholarships and scholarships for overseas or foreign students are the different types of scholarships offered in Canada.
Canada education system put forward a wide range of quality education institutions. Canada has a multicultural society supporting and respecting customs and traditions of different cultures. The wide series of universities provide a varied range of courses. New skills, better job prospects, and high salaries are the promises given to the students by each of Canadian universities. The university education gives a long lasting reward to each student.
Canada is an improbable country -- a land of immense geography, extreme climate, vast resources, and a small but ethnically diverse population, overshadowed by the most powerful nation on earth. The country is too varied, too vast, too hybrid. Canadian culture is a term that explains the artistic, musical, literary, culinary, political and social elements that are representative of Canada, not only to its own population, but people all over the world. Canada's culture has historically been influenced by European culture and traditions, especially British and French. Over time, elements of the cultures of Canada's Aboriginal peoples and immigrant populations have become incorporated into mainstream Canadian culture. It has also been strongly influenced by that of its linguistic, economic, and cultural neighbor, the United States. Multiculturalism and bilingualism are main two features of Canada. In parts of Canada, especially the major cities of Montreal, Vancouver, and Toronto (for example, in Toronto's Kensington Market area), multiculturalism itself is the cultural norm and diversity is the force that unites the community. The Music of Canada has reflected the multi-cultural influences that have shaped the country. Canada has always placed emphasis on equality and inclusiveness for all people. Cultural protectionism in Canada has, since the mid-20th century, taken the form of conscious, interventionist attempts on the part of various Canadian governments to promote Canadian cultural production and limit the effect of foreign, largely American, culture on the domestic audience.
Canada's climate is not as cold all year around as some may believe. In winter, temperatures fall below freezing point throughout most of Canada. But the south-western coast has a relatively mild climate. Along the Arctic Circle, mean temperatures are below freezing for seven months a year. During the summer months the southern provinces often experience high levels of humidity and temperatures that can surpass 30 degrees Celsius regularly. Western and south-eastern Canada experience high rainfall, but the Prairies are dry with 250 mm to 500 mm of rain every year.