Canada is consistently ranked as one of the top countries in the world in terms of quality of life. Apart from high per capita income; Canada has impressive rankings in many parameters of social developments such as access to primary and higher education, healthcare, infrastructure and physical environment. In cultural terms too, it is a very vibrant country with wide scope for immigrants to assimilate in the society. Canada is known for wide availability of cultural activities such as live theater, dance and music performance, art galleries, museums, etc. Indian population (referred to as East Indian in Canada) numbers at about 1.3 million in the country; and big cities such as Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal and Mississauga have considerable percentage of India population. It is likely to meet software engineers and tax consultants of Indian origin in Canadian companies.
Canada is one of the greenest countries, not just in terms of the forest cover but also in terms of the awareness and attitude of the people towards the environmental cause. The average Canadian values protection of the natural environment fairly well. There are over 40 national parks and several UNESCO World Heritage sites spread over different provinces. The country offers a soothing environment full of forest covers, natural lakes, mountains and green pastures.
Canada is known for its peaceful social environment and safety of the citizens. University authorities take utmost care to ensure safety of international students on campus, and International Student Offices offer valuable advice regarding personal and property safety issues and social code of conduct.
Another major attraction for Indian students to study in Canada is the fact that Canada today is taking great leaps forward in the realm of technology, a field where the expertise of Indians is well recognized. Scientists, engineers and innovators in both academia and industry perform cutting edge technology to make Canada a knowledge based society. Indians have contributed to evolution both in terms of research, innovation and entrepreneurship. Professionals with Canadian qualifications get distinctive advantage while seeking skill based immigration. Thus, moving to Canada for higher education is a wise decision for your career and life!
Education
Just as the country is diverse in terms of culture, race and religion, the education system also thrives on diversity of opportunities for studying. While maintaining high quality both in knowledge creation and dissemination, Canadian education system offers study opportunities ranging from short term courses of a few months to doctoral level education. Though individual states have jurisdictions over education in their own territories, the country as a whole has national commitment towards quality of education, and institutions get generous federal funding. Canada today is home to several world class universities with the University of Alberta, University of British Columbia, McGill and McMaster ranked in the top 150 universities in the world.
Largely, the educational institutions offering post senior secondary courses can be divided into four categories:
- Technical and Career Colleges
- Community Colleges
- University Colleges
- Research Universities
Students can pick from any of these types of institutions to pursue the programs of their choices, which range from post senior secondary certificates to diploma and from Bachelor’s degree to doctorate. Students also have the choice to opt from urban and semi urban campuses depending on personal preference. The universities and local students generally are very welcoming towards international students as it is the international student community that contributes to the vibrancy of the society and evolution of an innovative system in the country. International students integrate into the local culture through participation in different clubs and societies and at times through part time work.
Popular Streams of Study
Canadian universities offer courses on almost every academic discipline. However, when it comes to international students, there are some courses that are in demand. Given below is a brief account about these streams and also the job prospects after the course:
Business
The course on Business related disciplines usually start with honing the accounting skills of students. Through a rigorous program it develops the business acumen of students along with inculcating a global mindset and problem solving capability.
The job prospects of the field are bright. A graduate in Business can end up working in organizations in following capacities:
- Administrative Support
- Office Manager
- Accounting Manager
- Executive Assistant
- Marketing Director
- Project Manager
Information Technology
Information Technology courses in Canadian Universities are not just technically oriented but also have a business edge with students being provided an exposure as to how technology can also be effectively utilized in promoting efficiency in business practices apart from traditional technological practices.
After completing a degree in Information Technology, one can land up with following jobs in various organizations:
- Network Specialist
- Software Developer
- Technician
- Systems Administrator
Hospitality and Tourism
The spectrum of hospitality industries is quite large and consists of various sub disciplines such as food services, event management, resort and club management. In hospitality and tourism related courses, students are equipped with various customer management skills. The course design involves classroom teaching along with adequate industry exposure to teach on the job skills. The job opportunities and salaries in the field are on a steady rise.
Course in hospitality and tourism can fetch you with following jobs:
- Restaurant Managers
- Resort/Club Managers
- Food service managers
- Catering executives and many more
Health Sciences
The demand for health sciences graduates is on a rise in Canada. The program focuses on providing students with skills and tools to deal with not just physical traumas of patients but also mental and psychological disturbances and also develops the empathetic side of students.
Following agencies require health sciences graduates in Canada:
- Home support Agencies
- Crisis Center
- Club Houses
- Residential facilities
Canada is often called as the land of opportunities!
In Canada, the tuition fees is affordable compared to the U.K. and U.S.A., the quality of institutions is one of the best in the world, there is post-study work option possible.
Undoubtedly, Canada is an attractive destination to study and also migrate permanently if one qualifies. Education in Canada is in tune with industry demand, there is high employ-ability after completion of studies. The graduate employ-ability ratio is quite respectable in the world. Every year more than 200,000 students from several nations are hosted by the country for Education.