Study in Canada

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Brain Gain: American Students Flock North
by Steven Roy Goodman

While the U.S. Congress debates who should be able to enter the United States, young Americans have been voting with their feet, by opting for higher education in other countries. Britain reports an 80-per-cent jump, to 2,700, in full-time U.S. undergraduates in the past five years. And Australia is so interested in U.S. students that its embassy here has a special office for them. But the real beneficiary is Canada, whose U.S. enrolment has jumped 220 per cent since 1997, to more than 8,000. McGill University has about one-quarter of them, but other schools aren’t far behind.

The attraction? First and foremost, money. Parents are increasingly concerned about the $45,000 yearly tuition and fees of many private universities, out-of-state charges for public universities that are almost as high and financial-aid packages that are largely loans. Given the massive endowments many universities are sitting on, it’s small wonder many cash-strapped families look abroad.

Not long ago, the University of St. Andrews in Scotland put on a three-day seminar to showcase its programs for foreign students, and Canadian universities are just as aggressive. Queen’s University boasts that it now has 6,096 alumni living in the United States.

Canada is poised to benefit even more from U.S. enrolment in the years ahead. As well as cost, prospective students here increasingly use a global context to evaluate universities’ academic quality, campus life and career prospects. Parents shake their heads at $1,000-a-week tuition charges and curriculums that seem to make no sense.
Last year, New Englander Sarah Wilson chose McGill over Brown, an Ivy League school, because she didn’t want to leave $100,000 in debt. “At Brown, they hold your hand more,” she says, but “for $100,000, I’ll hold my own hand.” Obstacles still exist. Canadian universities are less expensive, but American schools have been more creative at financial-aid packaging.
Not all Americans appreciate the quality of the top Canadian schools, students concerned about returning home to work or for graduate school will think twice before crossing the border, and there is the taboo issue of anti-Americanism. But money and proximity are powerful draws: Cutting a tuition bill in half is pretty attractive.

Even at that, the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada estimates that international students contribute $2.7-billion annually to the economy. The Department of Commerce says international students contribute much more – $13-billion – to the U.S. economy every year. But there is concern in Washington, because the Canadian number is rising.” 

Steven Roy Goodman, Washington, D.C.
http://www.topcolleges.com

Canadian Universities Offer Quality and Affordability

There are many reasons that American students should, have and continue to consider Canada when it comes to choosing their post-secondary institution. Canadian universities and colleges offer:

#1: Quality Education
Canadian universities maintain a high standard of academic excellence. They are at the forefront of information technology and many campuses have top of the line research facilities, ensuring students are equipped for the 21st century. More than 10,000 undergraduate and graduate degree programs are offered in Canada as well as professional degree programs and certificates. Regardless of the program, a Canadian degree is globally recognized and considered equivalent to those from American universities.

#2: Excellent Value
Tuition and living expenses at a Canadian school are very affordable. Canadian citizens abroad are eligible for Canadian student fees, which range from $2,900 to $7,800 CDN per school year. American students are eligible for U.S. Federal Student Aid programs at most Canadian schools. International student fees range from $4,500 to $14,500 USD, depending on the schools and academic program. Individual universities offer a wide variety of scholarships and grants.

#3: Lots of Choice
Canada has over 90 universities and more than 150 colleges ranging from small liberal arts schools to major research institutions including undergraduate, graduate and professional degree programs. Canadian universities are degree granting institutions similar to four-year American universities and colleges. Canadian colleges offer diploma and certificate programs similar to American junior colleges. Colleges also include technology institutes and art programs.

#4: Learn and Earn
A great way to enhance a university degree is with a co-operative work program or international exchange. Co-operative programs are available at many Canadian schools and give students an opportunity to work in a field related to their degree while earning credits. An international exchange is a great way for students to experience a different culture while earning credits toward their degree. Most Canadian universities have partner schools around the world. To learn more about international exchange contact the international office at your school of choice.

#5: More than Just Books
Going to school is not just about studying. Some of the most important lessons are learned outside the classroom. All Canadian schools offer extra curricular activities. Joining a club or a team is a great way to get involved and meet people. Many schools also have sports teams. Some sports teams may be at the competitive varsity level while some may be noncompetitive intramural teams.

For more information about studying in Canada visit the websites below.

http://www.canadianembassy.org/studyincanada
Study in Canada is the Canadian Embassy’s website with information about tuition costs, admissions, study permits and French language study.

http://www.aucc.ca/
Association of Universities and Colleges Canada
This site provides detailed information (program offerings, tuition costs, enrolment figures) about specific Canadian universities and colleges.

http://www.accc.ca/
Association of Canadian Community Colleges
A source for information on career oriented schools in Canada.

http://www.canlearn.ca/
CanLearn ia a resource for anyone interested in studying in Canada, this site has a budget estimator and financial planner.

http://www.livelearnandsucceed.gc.ca/
Live, Learn and Succeed
On this site you will find information about student visas and working on campus as well as a budget estimator.

http://www.scholarshipscanada.ca/
Scholarships Canada
A site providing information about Canadian scholarships and higher education funding.

http://www.cwcny.org/
Canadian Women’s Club of New York City, Inc.
The Canadian Women’s Club of New York is offering a $10,000 USD scholarship to either a male or female student who will be attending school in the Tri-State area in September 2006. Application form and eligibility requirements are available on their website.

Feel free to share this information with colleagues, neighbours or friends who are similarly interested in learning about educational opportunities in Canada. For more information on studying in Canada, please visit the Canadian Embassy’s website at www.canadianembassy.org/studyincanada.

Sincerely,
Tara Azimi
Academic Relations and Cultural Affairs/Relations universitaires et affaires culturelles
Canadian Embassy | L’Ambassade du Canada
501 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20001
Tel.: (202) 682-7727 Fax: (202) 682-7791
tara.azimi@international.gc.ca
http://www.canadianembassy.org
http://www.connect2canada.com
http://www.canadianally.com