Every year, students worldwide flock to Canada’s universities for their famously high-quality education, overall high quality of life, and fantastic job opportunities. Canada is recognized for its quality education at all levels and its provincial and territorial governments are responsible for education. They follow government standards to ensure high-quality public education across the country. School is mandatory for children from about the age of six years old to 18 years old. Their study environments are safe and welcoming. You’ll discover a world of possibilities!
Canadian Education System Stages
The Canadian education system is divided into four stages: Kindergarten, Primary (Elementary) Education, Secondary education, and Post-secondary education.
Kingergarten is the first stage of formal education in Canada, but it is optional for all children.
Primary education generally starts at age six and consists of grades one through eight. During these years, students typically learn the basics of math, science, language arts, and other disciplines.
Secondary education is the next stage and typically starts at age twelve. During these years, students study a combination of core subjects and specialized electives that give them more knowledge in different subject areas.
Canadian high schools are divided into two tracks: Academic and Applied.
Academic courses focus more on theoretical learning, while applied courses offer students hands-on experiences. After high school, Canadian students can go to college or technical school.
These post-secondary programs generally last two years and prepare students for a career in their chosen field.
Canadian students can attend university to pursue undergraduate and graduate degrees in various subjects, from business to engineering to social sciences.
After enumerating the Canadian education system, it is time to explore what to expect from student life. This will include the academic, social, and economic aspects.
First things first, for anyone asking how is life in Canada as a student? We have to talk about the cost of living
See Also: Study and Work in Canada
Cost of Living in Canada
International student life in Canada does come with financial investment. Despite this, compared with other countries – it’s still reasonably affordable. While the cost of living in Canada can vary by city, it’s essential to budget for accommodation, transportation, food, and other living expenses. Be financially prepared for a comfortable stay.
As a rule of thumb, students usually need between $20,000 and 30,000 Canadian dollars a year to live comfortably in Canada. Living cost also plays a crucial role in your selection of a city in Canada. As your living cost varies depending on the different cities, you must make a budget plan before leaving for your studies. However, most Canadian universities offer public transit passes to their students, which is mostly included in the tuition fees. It provides you access to commute by bus, car, cruise ship, boat, sea bus, and subways or metro trains. It lowers the traveling cost significantly.
Food and Cuisine
With a mixture of British, French, and American traditions, there’s something for everyone in Canada. From the more established French fare of Quebec to the delicious smoked meats and bagels brought by the country’s Jewish population. It’s a truly multicultural country and this is reflected in its food. Because of Canada’s miles of Atlantic and Pacific coastlines, many Canadian dishes feature seafood such as Cedar plank salmon, prawns, crab, and lobster rolls.
For both those on the coast and those who live inland, maple syrup, chicken wings, and fries are common favorite foods.
Canada also has popular beef and pork dishes. Some have an international flair, such as Calgary Ginger Beef, Montreal Smoked Meat, and Tourtière, a French-inspired meat pie.
Canadian Culture
Known for their polite, friendly, and relatively informal nature, along with deep-rooted respect for the environment, Canadian culture is as multicultural and diverse as its inhabitants.
In 1971, Canada became the first nation in the world to adopt a national policy of multiculturalism aimed at celebrating the country’s diversity. Consequently, Canada’s commitment to governance emphasizing fairness, equality, inclusiveness, and social justice as fundamental values has wide public support. Various cultures in vibrant cities enhance student life in Canada. One of the significant benefits that Canada will bring to you is exposure to multiculturalism. Because of the diverse cultures of Canada’s immigrant population, it has incorporated multiculturalism and celebrates Canadian Multiculturalism Day on 27 June.
Social Life
Socializing and making friends is an integral part of student life in Canada. Universities and colleges organize orientation programs and social events to help students connect with their peers. These events provide a platform for international students to meet people from different backgrounds and build lifelong friendships.
Numerous student clubs and organizations cater to various interests. Joining clubs allows students to pursue hobbies, develop leadership skills, and engage in community service.
The Academic Calendar in Canada varies depending on the institution and program of study. Generally, the academic year is divided into two semesters: fall (September to December/January) and winter (January to April). Some institutions offer a summer semester (April/May to July). The exact start and end dates may vary, so students must refer to their institution’s academic calendar for specific dates. If you’re thinking of studying or working in Canada, Globus Education Systems partners with some fantastic academic institutions. Browse our website and social media pages for offers and explore our blog for more tips and advice.
