Canada has always been a huge draw for international students from every corner of the globe. There are currently around 530,000 foreign students in Canada, with scholars from China, the UK, India, and France making up the majority of arrivals. A recent study revealed that Canada is now the most popular and most searched-for study abroad destination in the entire world, elbowing out former top-spot holders such as Spain and the UK to become number one for the first time.
Canada has a lot going for it, as a study abroad destination including affordable tuition, top-ranked schools, and a vibrant nightlife. But where are Canadian students heading for their study abroad adventures? Let’s take a closer look and find out.
Cathedral of Saint Mary of the See, Seville, Spain Photo by Henrique Ferreira on Unsplash
Germany
Germany is rapidly rising through the ranks to become one of the top destinations for students, and Canadians are no exception. The prosperous EU country is home to some of the continent’s top schools and is also a great hub for career-minded students looking to pursue topics such as politics.
For Canadian students looking to be taken seriously by German natives, it’s crucial that there’s at least a basic grasp of the German language before arrival. Luckily, there are plenty of online resources to get you started, including one-to-one tuition. There are also resources such as this straightforward German prepositions chart that can help you understand some of the most important grammar and syntax rules for German, to get you off to the best possible start.
Spain
Perhaps unsurprisingly, sun-kissed Spain is one of the most popular destinations for Canadian students worldwide. Many students are drawn to the low cost of living, high-quality education, and the huge array of cultural opportunities on offer. Meanwhile, an abundance of sun, sea, and sand probably doesn’t hurt.
The UK
The UK has been a top spot for Canadian students for decades now, with most arrivals congregating in the elite universities of the capital, such as LSE, UCL, King’s College, and Imperial. With a shared language, a similar schooling system, and an incredibly vibrant nightlife and cultural scene, the UK has everything an adventurous student could want. One downside to studying in the UK is the price, since the cost of living tends to be much higher for students than almost anywhere else in Europe, which is why it is worth looking at ways to save costs when traveling.
Australia
Although it is on the other side of the world, Australia continues to offer a powerful draw for Canadian students of all stripes. Some may be drawn to the year-round sunshine, while others may wish to absorb themselves in a rich and very different kaleidoscope of cultures that can be found back home. For others, the opportunity to study at one of Australia’s gold-plated institutions, such as ANU, UNSW, or Melbourne, is more than enough of a reason to board the 22-hour flight.
The US
Our southern neighbor continues to be a hugely popular destination for thousands of Canadian students every year. The shared language and culture make the transition easier for many, while the abundance of top-ranked schools, such as the Ivy League titans of Harvard, Princeton, Cornell, Princeton, and Yale is a major draw.
The visa system for Canadian students is also relatively simple, especially when compared to the requirement that students from other countries must meet to study in the US. The hugely exciting career opportunities, some world-class tourism destinations, and buzzing nightlife also help.
These are the countries where Canadian students are flocking to bolster their skills, learn a language, and embark on the adventure of a lifetime.
