When you think of Canada, you probably think of its picture postcard beauty – wide-open spaces, dramatic mountains, pristine forests and majestic lakes. Canada sings the tune of versatility. Canadians tend to be very hospitable, welcoming people – particularly in provincial and rural Canada. The majority of Canadians are very tolerant and follow a live and let live philosophy.
Climate:
Canada's climate is characterized by its diversity, both from region to region and from season to season. While extreme northern temperatures climb above only 0°C for a few months every year, most Canadians live within 300 km of the country's southern border, where warm springs, hot summers and pleasantly crisp autumns prevail for at least 7 months. Canada has 4 very distinct seasons: spring (March-May); summer (June-August); fall (September-October); and winter (November-February).
Language:
Canada is a bilingual country with two official languages, English and French. The vast majority (75%) of Canada's French-speaking inhabitants live in the province of Quebec, which is located in the eastern part of the country but there are French-speaking communities throughout the country. English is the main language of communication in all provinces other than Quebec.
Culture:
Canada is culturally diverse. This goes back to the 1890's when it began inviting people from all over the world to settle in the country to help it develop and grow. Canadian immigration policy was historically open, welcoming and egalitarian in its philosophy. This has also manifest into the psyche of the nation where people are encouraged and to retain their cultural identities, traditions, languages and customs.
Food:
Canadian cuisine is largely influenced by the English & French culture. Table manners are relatively relaxed and informal in Canada. Wild ingredients like game, salmon, berries, wild rice and maple syrup is massively used in cooking. Asian and Scandinavian influence is predominant in the food there. Oka cheese, tourtiere, poutine, fish and brewis and Nanaimo bars sets any Canadian’s heart singing! Other popular food include Ginger Beef, Jigg’s Dinner, Maple Baked Beans, Nanaimo Bars, Pogos, Poutine, Tire Sur La Neige and Pilaf.
In Canada, it is customary to tip bartenders, waiters, hairdressers, concierges and cab drivers. A tip is a sign of appreciation for service provided and the amount given should reflect that. You are generally expected to tip 15-20% of the total amount of your bill, and unlike in many countries, the tip is not included in the bill amount.Try some good Canadian food so as to enjoy a pleasure of dining in Canadian style.
Official currency:
The currency for Canada is Canadian Dollar (CAD). The currency is abbreviated with the $ sign or C$, to distinguish from dollar dominated countries.
STUDY IN CANADA
College vs. university
Students looking for post-secondary education have usually already decided whether they want to pursue college education or university education. Typically, college education prepares the student for an applied career, whereas a university education prepares the student for an academic career.
University requirements are fairly straightforward. In all cases, admission is based almost entirely on academic marks gained in high school, generally grade 12, although some schools also consider grade 11 marks as well. In most cases, an overall average of at least 70% in high school will suffice. (There are many exceptions however, depending on the applicant’s status and the program being applied for; best to check with the schools’ websites directly.) Students applying for admission to an in-province school typically have much less stringent grade requirements than out-of-province applicants.
College admission requirements vary more significantly than university requirements, though none have entrance requirements above 85%. In general though, more well-respected colleges (such as George Brown College, Mohawk College and Capilano College) accept many students with averages above 70%, although they may place no limiting minimum for acceptance, and consequently take students with averages below 60%.
Intakes to study in Canada:
International students are expected to start planning for their studies in Canada one year in advance. The major intake for Canada primarily falls during September. The other intake is during the month of January, but it depends on the students program and the institution that he/she is applying to. Very few institutes might have the May intake as well.
English language requirements:
All students must be fluent in English if they are applying to Canadian Institutes. International students need to reach the required level of English language competence. English in most of Canada, and either English or French in Quebec and New Brunswick. The list below gives you the details of IELTS mark required for admission:
- Undergraduate course: 6.0/6.5.
- Postgraduate course: 6.5/7.
TOEFL is the alternative for IELTS. Eligibility TOEFL mark for seeking admissions in Canada university are listed below:
- Undergraduate course: 80 & above.
- Postgraduate course : 90 & above.
Admission criteria for various program:
For Advanced diploma/Diploma/certificate:
(i) Higher second class in HSC
(ii) IELTS/TOEFL
Postgraduate certificate/diploma:
(i) Higher second class in bachelors degree (3/4 years)
Undergraduate program:
(i) First class in HSC
(ii) IELTS/TOEFL
Postgraduate program:
(i) First class in bachelors degree(4 years)
(ii) IELTS/TOEFL
(or)
(i)First class in bachelors degree (3 years in India)
(ii)Postgraduate diploma/certificate(Canadian)
(iii) IELTS/TOEFL
COST OF STUDY
The costs of studying in Canada depend on the institution and the level of study you choose.Studying abroad can be expensive, but Canada offers the lowest tuition rates for foreign students compared to the U.K.,Australia, New Zealand and the U.S. If you choose to live off-campus, prices may be lower but will include the additional cost of furnishings, hydro, electricity and/or other miscellaneous expenses. Generally degrees in professional schools like law, medicine and the MBA will have a higher tuition fee.
Under graduate program tuition fees :
CAD 6,000 – 25,000 per year
Graduate program tuition fees :
CAD 6,500 - 32,000 per year
Estimated living expenses : CAD 4800 – 9600 per year
The program duration in Canada range from 3 - 4 years for under graduate programs and 1 – 2 years for graduate programs.
Some items of expenditure illustrate the cost of living (Subjected to Change)
Weekly supermarket shop: £32.
Bus ticket: £1.55.
Movie ticket: £8.
Bento sushi box: £5.
Starbucks coffee: £2.50.
PART-TIME JOB
International students with a valid study permit who find a job on campus do not need an extra work permit.
However,these jobs are in short supply and part-time work off campus requires a permit allowing the holder to work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during vacations.
VISA INFORMATION
Here’s what you will need to study in Canada:
1. Proof of acceptance proof of identity, which includes a letter of acceptance from the respective Canadian University/ college
2. IELTS/TOEFL score sheet
3. Proof of identity which includes a valid passport or travel document and two recent size photographs
4. Proof of financial support which includes proofs of Canadian bank accounts, student/ education loan, bank statements of the last 4 months, a bank draft in convertible currency, proof of payment of accommodation and tuition fees, a letter from the institution or person providing you with money
Letter of explanation meaning a study permit with which you can work part time within Canada
It is advised to file for Canada visa in advance to avoid any delay.Canadian visa office embassy or consulate) in your country for information about entry requirements.