Canada is one of the hotspots for international studies, as millions of students from all around the world come to this country for higher education every year. The welcoming environment, high-quality education, and other benefits attract students to do higher studies in Canada. However, there are both pros and cons to studying in Canada that you must explore before making your decision. Watch this video by Prof. Alex Chakrabarti to get a comprehensive insight into this.
Pros of Studying in Canada
High Education Quality
Canada has some of the best universities in the world, including the University of British Columbia, McGill University, and the University of Toronto. All these universities are known for their student support systems, research output and academic excellence. Canadian degrees, recognized all around the world, are given in different fields like business, technology, healthcare, and engineering.
Most of the Canadian universities strongly focus on innovation and research, enabling students to work on cutting-edge projects and receive advanced facilities. The high education standard is one of the best reasons to go for Canada for higher studies.
Cultural Diversity
Cultural diversity is evident in Canada as people from all around the world come to this country to study, work, and live. It lets you experience different languages, traditions and perspectives. This inclusive and welcoming environment makes it easy for new students to adapt in Canada.
Students also find communities from their home countries making things even easier and comfortable. Canadian society is open-minded, tolerant and accepting. Hence, students from different background feel comfortable.
Safe and Friendly Environment
Canada is one of the safest countries in the world with a stable political environment and low crime rate. Cities here have all types of emergency services and other support systems for everyone, making the whole environment safer and more secure for students as well as for others.
Canadians are helpful, polite, friendly, and welcoming to others, making things easier for students to navigate through their daily challenges. Whether it is about dealing with academic pressures or finding accommodation, the helpful and supportive environment make you feel at home.
Post-Graduate Work Opportunities
Better post-graduate work opportunities is another prime reason to go to Canada for higher studies. The PGWP (Post-Graduate Work Permit) enables students to do jobs in Canada for 3 years after completing their studies. It in-turns benefits them in seeking permanent residency in Canada or looking for jobs elsewhere.
Hence, if you want better post-graduate opportunities after your higher studies, then Canada is the best destination for you. Moreover, Canadian work experience can be your stepping stone of getting job in other countries too.
360-Degree Education
Canadian education follows a holistic approach which goes beyond academics. The students gets to engage themselves in volunteering opportunities, internships, and extracurricular activities. Students benefit from this 360-degree education. This is how they build practical skills such as problem-solving, teamwork, and leadership.
Many Canadian universities also provide co-op programs where students can work side-by-side while studying to gain hands-on experience. It ensures increased employability.
Pathway to Immigration
If you are in search of a well-established immigration pathway, then Canada is the best place to go for higher studies. The PGWP program enables the students to apply for permanent residency after completing their studies.
There is a high demand for skilled immigrants which enhances your chance of getting accepted for permanent residency under programs like CEC (Canadian Experience Class).Hence, students seeking long-term career prospects, Canada should be their one-stop destination.
Beautiful Places to Explore
The natural beauty and amazing places are another good reason for international students to choose Canada for higher studies. From Niagra Falls to Rocky Mountain, this country offers some stunning landscapes that are too beautiful to ignore. You can go sightseeing, hiking, or for other adventure opportunities. Canada is the perfect country for students to have an amazing work-life balance.
Affordable Education
As compared to the UK or the USA, education is affordable and cheaper. Lower tuition fees, combined with various financial aid and scholarship options, make Canada the first preference for higher studies.
As compared to tuition fees, the cost of living could be a little higher, but it is still cheaper than that in New York or London.
Cons of Studying in Canada
High Cost of Living
One of the major cons of studying in Canada is its high cost of living, particularly in cities like Vancouver and Toronto. The increased inflation makes the rent of houses very high. The cost of transportation, groceries, and other expenses are also high. If you are on a tight budget, then you might find it hard to manage your expenses in Canada while studying there.
But if you decide to live in smaller cities, then the expenses and cost of living becomes more manageable.
Cold Weather
The harsh winters are negative aspect in Canada, specially students coming from warmer countries. Places like Ontario, Manitoba and Quebec becoming challenging places during extreme cold. The icy conditions, freezing temperature, and heavy snowfall becomes daily life aspects during winter. Hence, if you do not love winter, then it could be quite challenging for you to study in Canada.
Culture Shock
Despite all the good things, the lifestyle, and social norms in Canada could appear as culture shock to students coming from different parts of the world. Adjusting to the different cultural environment could be a challenge for most of the students coming to this country.
Language Barrier
You need to be fluent to survive and flourish in Canada while studying. Knowing French will also be helpful as Canada is a bilingual country (English and French). Therefore, if you are proficient in English or French, you will have a hard time there.
Language barriers could pose a serious problem for international students studying in Canada while impacting their job prospects.
Canadians Are Direct
Canadians are quite direct with their approach. They do not beat around the bush. Hence, their behavior and attitude might appear blunt to you, but in reality, they are just being straightforward with you. Therefore, you should be mentally prepared for that.
Limited Work Opportunities
With a 1/10th economy of USA, Canada comes with lower work opportunities comparatively. The job market is quite competitive. Hence, you are required to be good at what you do otherwise getting a job here would be extremely difficult for you. The competitive job market is one of the cons of studying in Canada.
Conclusion
Studying in Canada has become quite a lucrative option for international students around the world. However, with all the benefits of studying in Canada, there are negative sides, too. It is important for you to compare all the pros and cons to make an informed decision. It all comes down to your personal decision whether or not you wish to go to Canada for higher studies. A bright future is certainly awaiting you in Canada. So what are you waiting for? Get started.
