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Canada Campus Visits Study Overseas

The Pros & Cons of Studying Abroad

A recent post by Students Explore Australia looked at many of the benefits and drawbacks of the study abroad experience. For some, traveling to a new country can be something they have looked forward to for years. Others though might be hesitant to leave their friends and family before going to a part of the world they barely know.

For a brief taste of the article, here are a few points to be made for each side of the overseas education argument:

Pros

  • New outlooks and perspectives
  • Adventures and life experiences
  • Improved salary/career prospects

Cons

  • Homesickness
  • Tuition costs
  • Culture shock

To read the full post, we encourage you to check it out on the SEA website. It’s full of information and insight that will prove useful to any student considering studying abroad to further their education.

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Canada Campus Visits Canada, Study Overseas

Canada Named Top Study Abroad Destination for Second Year in a Row

Source: Educations.com

A new survey of 2,700 international students names Canada as the best country for studying abroad for the second consecutive year. While other countries like Australia, the United Kingdom, and the USA are typically thought of as leading places to earn an international education, overseas learners chose Canada once again.

Students cited the multicultural population and tolerant society as reasons that made Canada so appealing. The Canadian government has made diversity a priority and people around the world have taken notice. Nature was also a selling point for some students. Yes, winters can be cold but the beauty of the Northern Lights in Alberta, Niagara Falls in Ontario or views of the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans are hard to ignore. Especially if you enjoy posting on social media.

Canadian colleges and universities have reputations as leaders in areas like STEM, Business, and Animation to name a few. With lower tuition costs than in other top countries, Canadian institutions have set themselves apart in the eyes of overseas students and will continue to welcome them for years to come.

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Canada Campus Visits Study Overseas

International Students Discuss Studying Abroad During the COVID-19 Pandemic

The thought of studying abroad during a global pandemic may seem daunting to many. However international students in countries around the world are managing as best they can while they pursue their higher education overseas. In the above video, THE Student asked five overseas students about their university experiences in the age of COVID-19.

The students highlighted a rage of topics from what the visa application process was like to advice on making friends in online lectures. They also shared their most important tips for anyone who is thinking about their own study abroad experience in the future.
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Canada Campus Visits Study Overseas

Questions to Ask on A Virtual Campus Tour

Source: Study International

While the COVID-19 pandemic has made it difficult for international students to attend campus tours overseas, the emergence of virtual campus tours has made it possible for them to still see what college and university campuses abroad are like.

It can be easy to visit a campus online and feel less engaged than you would if you were actually there in person. That is why Study International put together a list of topics to focus on during both online and offline campus tours.

  • Admissions: What should I know before beginning the application process?
  • Student Support: What services are available to students like me?
  • Programs/Courses: What makes my program at this institution different than at others?
  • Extracurricular Opportunities: What clubs can I join? Are there jobs available on campus?
  • Finances: How much does tuition cost? Are there any scholarships or bursaries I qualify for?
  • Accommodations: What is student life like when living in residence?
  • Career Prospects: Will a diploma/degree from this institution help my career after graduation?
Canada Campus Visits Study Overseas

Top MBA Programs in Canada

In our most recent blog post we discussed Canada as the emerging destination for MBA programs. As more and more international students are looking towards Canadian universities for their MBA programs, here is a list of top Canadian Business Schools that offer excellent programs and opportunities for a Masters In Business Administration. These universities in Canada also rank among the most preferable destinations for international students due to their flexibility of the subjects and quality of education.

University of Toronto – Rotman School of Management

Ranked as 65th globally by the Financial Times, Rotman School of Management has a variety of MBA courses on offer. As you move forward in your career, an MBA from the University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management gives you the knowledge, agility and confidence you need to transform your future. Master business fundamentals and fulfill your potential with Canada’s leading MBA program.

Western University – Ivey Business School

Ivey’s one-year MBA Program covers all the fundamentals and is grounded in a real world, practical learning experience featuring the case method approach. This transformational experience is at the core of Ivey’s leadership development culture.

York University – Schulich School of Business

Ranked as the top university by Forbes and CNN expansion this institute provides a MBA with flexibility. The Schulich School of Business is the business school of York University located in Toronto. The institution provides undergraduate and graduate degree and diploma programs in business administration, finance, accounting, business analytics, public administration and international business as well as a number of PhD and executive programs. Schulich’s degree programs balance quantitative and much sought after management and leadership skills. All programs combine classroom learning with case work and real world projects presented from multiple stakeholder perspectives.

University of British Columbia – Sauder School of Business

The 16-month, full-time program at UBC Sauder’s Robert H. Lee Graduate School is an opportunity for high-achieving, ambitious professionals to take their career to the next level. Seeking new opportunities? Want to take the lead in your field? Nurturing an entrepreneurial idea? This MBA program will stimulate your mind, give you fresh perspectives, and help you realize your personal and professional potential.

McGill University – Desautels Faculty of Management

Founded in 1906, the Desautels Faculty of Management at McGill University is ranked as one of the world’s top international business schools. The Faculty’s innovative programs and historic reputation for excellence continue to attract the finest students and the most prominent professors from around the globe to its downtown campus located in the vibrant metropolis of Montreal.

HEC Montreal

HEC Montreal is ranked as one of the top universities in Canada in an MBA. This university provides state-of-the-art facilities for students who are willing to pursue a career in business.

University of Ottawa – Telfer School of Management

The University of Ottawa is also one of the top universities for pursuing a MBA. They also have joint degree courses which help in building additional skills and also excel in business. The one of only 2 business schools in Canada and one of only 80 business schools in the world to have achieved the triple crown of accreditations. Named the highest value MBA program in Ontario by Canadian Business Magazine in 2016.

Canada Campus Visits Study Overseas

Virtual Open Houses, The New Normal for Canadian Campuses?

First Ever Virtual Open Houses Organized By Montreal based Concordia University and Halifax’s Dalhousie University saw a huge success with prospective students logging in from all over the world

Open houses have been a long standing tradition at several campuses. Open houses and information sessions are one of the best ways to determine whether or not a university is the right fit for prospective students. Open houses are more than an exploration of a campus. They provide students with valuable insights into program options, university life and the overall campus experience. This year, as we all know COVID-19 has changed a lot of things. Under the current public health guidelines, most of the Canadian Universities are opting for Virtual Open Houses.

Among many others, one of the most recent Canadian campuses to host a virtual open house is Concordia University. Located in the vibrant and cosmopolitan city of Montreal, Quebec, Concordia University is one of Canada’s most innovative and diverse campuses. Concordia provides a wide range of innovative programs and courses that offer an unique and rewarding educational experience. Concordia boasts small classes, accessible and award-winning professors, and an affordable education. Concordia held its first-ever virtual undergraduate Open House on Saturday, October 24. Despite the switch to an online environment, the university says the open house was a massive success and participants shared overwhelmingly positive feedback. Attendees also had the opportunity to chat with recruiters and faculty members in real-time in addition to attending informational Zoom meetings. Out of the 2,300 prospective undergrads who attended the online event, about 35% of attendees were international students. And a total of 109 countries were represented in the University’s open house. The University also reported that students continue to visit the Open House web page for resources. All of the content  presentations, videos and documents are available online until November 23.

Another remarkable feat achieved by a Canadian campus in bringing the university community together to welcome prospective undergraduate students and give them a taste of life virtually is Dalhousie University. More than 3,400 students registered for the event. Prospective students also have the opportunity to view recorded and on-demand content over the next 30 days. While the university is thrilled with the incredible number of attendees, they’re even more excited by the resulting applications to the university.

“Open House is a significant opportunity to inspire prospective students to apply,” says Kristen Sutherland, associate registrar and director, student recruitment and undergraduate admissions. “It also provides applicants the ability to make strong connections and map their next steps on their path to Dalhousie. We are encouraged by the level of engagement at the event and delighted by the number of students who have chosen to apply. Virtual Open House has demonstrated that the Dalhousie community is committed to supporting future students in new and innovative ways.”

Canada Campus Visits Study and live in Canada, Study Overseas

International Student Enrolments at Canadian Public Colleges and Universities

Source: Statistics Canada

New information about international students in who study in Canada has been released by the government. The infographic, shown above, outlines what Canadian provinces overseas students choose to study in, their country of origin and their fields of study. Here are some of the notable insights:

  • There were 225 source countries to send study abroad students to Canada
  • The top three source countries were, respectively: China, India and France
  • More men (158,454) than women (137,055) are studying in Canada
  • 80% of international students chose to study in the province of Ontario, British Columbia and Quebec
  • 33% are pursuing a college diploma or lower while 67% are in a bachelor-level program or higher

For additional informational on foreign students in Canada, visit Statistics Canada.

Canada Campus Visits Study Overseas

How International Study Enhances Student Cultural Comprehension

Source: The PIE | Image Credit: Disney’s Recess

International study opportunities are crucial for the development culturally savvy, global citizens. As different cultures have their own unique customs, it is important for each of us to understand and respect them while identifying the similarities we have in common. Studying abroad helps us accomplish this in several ways:

  • Exposes Students to New Languages
  • Betters Our Understanding of Different Perspectives
  • Increases Cultural Sensitivity
  • Introduces New Ideas
  • Improves Academic Outcomes and Career Prospects

To read more about how an international education pays dividends for overseas students, please visit the PIE blog.

Canada Campus Visits Canada, Study Overseas

Students Say Canada Among Most Popular Study Abroad Countries

Source: Times Higher Education

A new study asked overseas students about the top factors they looked at when selecting a university. For the majority of them, location and ranking were cited as most important. Canada impressed the international students on many fronts thanks to the job opportunities available after graduation, cost of living and welcoming nature of the people in the country.

Canada Campus Visits Study and live in Canada, Study Overseas

Navigating Canada’s Immigration Website

Source: Study International | Image Credit: Client Liaison

The website for Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) can be tough to navigate if you haven’t done so before. The site is aimed at different groups of people who are often looking for very different types of information. If you are a student looking to visit Canada, it is a website you will need to be familiar with.

If visiting Canada for less than six months, you might require a visitor/temporary resident visa, an Electronic Travel Authorization or just a valid passport. If you are unsure of the type of document you will need before your next trip to Canada, you can find out here. If you later decide to study in Canada, a study permit can be obtained through the website here. Information on international student scholarships, extending a student visa and applying for a student work visa is also available.