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Home | Living And Learning | Canada

Canada

Basic


North of the USA, behind Russia, lies Canada--the world's second largest country but no where near topping the list in terms of its population. The vast majority of Canada's population lives near the southern border with the USA. Canada, an inherently multicultural society opens its doors to immigrants from more than 150 countries every year. Since the past century and a half, Canada has been home to 15 million immigrants from all over the world. Part of what makes Canada such a favourite amongst immigrants, is the Canadian Multiculturism Act, which recognizes and values cultural diversity and another part can be attributed to The United Nation's recognition of Canada as one of the best places to live in the world. The qualifying criteria being Canada's achievements in terms of educational attainment, life expectancy, national income and general quality of life.

People

Living by the philosophy of 'live and let live', majority of Canadians are very tolerant, hospitable and welcoming people - particularly in provincial and rural Canada. There is often a stronger sense of community and duty in Canadian towns than can be found in other countries. Canad's three largest cities are Toronto, Ontario (about 5.3 million people); Montreal, Quebec (3.6 million); and Vancouver, British Columbia (2.2 million). While it might be difficult for a visitor to Canada to tell apart its English speaking provinces and the USA, but no mistakes can be made in differentiating the latter with the French speaking Quebec

Climate

A popular belief amongst people who have never been to Canada is that it is always cold all across the land. However the truth is quite different. Being a large country, Canada enjoys four distinct seasons (winter, spring, summer and fall). Most of Canada has a semi-continental or a continental climate. Summers are warm or hot and winters are cold or very cold, depending on the exact location with the exception of Canada's Pacific coast, where summers and winters are mild.

Language

Canada has two official languages: French and English. Most colleges and universities offer English as a second language (ESL) and French as a second language (FSL) classes, sometimes for free.

Currency and Money

The Canadian currency system uses Canadian dollars ($) and cents. You can change money at any recognized financial institution, bank, trust company or currency exchange in Canada. Many major stores, hotels and restaurants will also exchange currency, but often offer a lower exchange rate than a financial institution therefore it is advisable to convert some of your money prior to leaving home.

Living Arrangements

Accommodation in Canada is much cheaper as compared to the other developed countries. For students, Canadian universities and colleges usually have plentiful resources. Depending on the school, your choices for accommodations may include:

Student residences or dormitories
Student apartments
Student houses
Off-campus housing, which may consist of anything from a rented bedroom in a house with shared facilities, to a private luxury apartment
Sponsor's programs- students live in the home of a Canadian family, which not only provides a home-like environment but also gives an opportunity to closely witness the Canadian culture.

Cost of living

Canada is the 10th largest Economy in the world and also one of the wealthiest with a high per capita income. Although the economy is healthy and Canadians enjoy a very high quality of life but, compared with some of the salaries available in the USA, UK and Northern Europe, Canadians are not highly paid but it is easily compensated by the much cheaper housing and relatively lower cost of living (compared to London, the cost of living in Toronto is 30 times lesser). Jobs tend to be most plentiful in Toronto / Southern Ontario, Vancouver and Calgary. However, Toronto has the highest cost of living in Canada, followed by Vancouver, Calgary, Montreal, and Ottawa. Despite the relatively low unemployment rates, getting work can be difficult for migrants as the employers tend to prefer a local employee.

Leisure, Entertainment

There is no dearth of world- class leisure and entertainment opportunities for visitors to Canada ranging from the ballet, opera and classical music to internationally-famous rock and pop acts. All of Canada's provincial capitals are major entertainment centers with many theaters, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels and shopping malls. There is also an array of sports events spread out throughout the year for sports-buffs. The huge line-up of events throughout the year provides something for everybody. There are numerous annual festivals and other events in Canada celebrating the country's rich cultural heritage and diverse population.

Student Visa

Each year around 130,000 students choose to conduct their studies in the country, in addition to many more who apply for a Canadian visa in order to learn English or French. All overseas students are required to obtain a Student Authorization and Visa before going to Canada for studies. However, a student does not need a study permit if he/she is planning to study in a short-term program in Canada of six months or less. Although it is advisable to apply for a Study Permit before you come to Canada if:

    * You think you may wish to continue your studies in another program after you
      complete the short-term course.
    * You want to be eligible to work part-time on campus of you college or
      university during your period of study.

Visa and Student authorization procedure
If you believe you fulfil the requirements of the Canadian Immigration Act and Regulations, you can submit the completed Student Visa Application kit to the immigration section of the Canadian High Commission. Please note that all the documents submitted, must be either original or photocopies notarized and witnessed by a notary public or a magistrate or the Canadian Immigration Officer, and be accompanied by a duplicate copy.
Documents required:

    * Completed Student Application Form.
    * Completed Supplementary Questionnaire for students and postdoctoral researchers.
    * Official letter of acceptance from a Canadian College or University of your choice;
    * Certificate of Acceptance from the province of Quebec (Only if you plan to study in province of Quebec)
    * proof that you have enough money to pay school fees and live near the school;
    * TOEFL/IELTS scores if applicable
    * Passport, valid for at least one year from the planned date of entry to Canada, plus valid passports of any accompanying dependants.
    * Bank Draft for the applicable visa processing fees

Apart from the above, you may also have to:

    * establish that you will return home at the end of your studies;
    * Completed Supplementary Questionnaire for students and postdoctoral researchers.
    * qualify as a temporary resident in Canada, including a temporary resident visa if needed.
    * provide a police certificate to demonstrate that you are a law-abiding citizen with no criminal record and not be a risk to the security of Canada.

After the Completed application forms along with the documents are submitted; An interview with a Canadian Visa Officer may be required. If this is the case, you will be advised in writing of the time and place for the interview.
Upon graduation, international students are encouraged to obtain Canadian work experience. The Post-Graduation Work Permit Program allows international graduates to obtain a three-year open work permit so that they can stay and contribute to the Canadian work force.
Note: The above information is for reference only. For detailed information, application kits and changes in immigration laws please visit: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/study/study.asp

Insurance

While studying in Canada, a medical emergency can ruin your school year. Some hospitals won't even admit patients without proper health insurance and if they do the cost can be enormous. Therefore it is recommended that all international students studying in Canada purchase health coverage when they arrive in the country as foreign students may not be eligible for provincial health care plans.


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