Study Abroad: Difference between US and Canada
Canada and the US are always students’ top choices for studying abroad. How to choose between these two attractive destinations? You may consider the following similarities and differences!
Cost
Studying abroad is obviously one of the most expensive affairs.The first thing that you may consider is probably the cost, including the tuition fee and living cost. Comparing the cost of education abroad in the two destinations, Canada generally has a lower cost of living than the US. Also, Canada provides more financial support for international students which are easier to apply. There are different scholarships provided by the institutions but it may require outstanding academic results, that means you have to work very hard!
Education systems
For the difference between the US and Canada tertiary education, one thing that you should know is the meanings of “university” and “college” are interchangeable in the US while “college” in Canada means the post-secondary educational institution, differs from “Community College” which is more focusing on occupational training.
Both countries have private and public universities. Most of the Canadian universities are governed by the provinces and there are less private universities. The public universities in the US are mostly supported by the federal government while the private ones are funded by the religious groups, donations or different research grants.
For the university entrance exams, most of the US universities and a few Canadian universities require SAT or ACT results. The application procedures may be different for international students, remember to check the requirements on the official website of your favourites.As English is the most commonly spoken language in both the US and Canada, IELTS or TOEFL may also be needed for the application to prove your language proficiency.
Work permit after graduation
What makes study abroad attractive is the employment opportunities after graduation. Both Canada and the US are appealing working countries for most of the graduates, especially for different professionals, like software engineers, medical professionals and management executives. If you are seeking an environment offering more varied working industries, the US would be an ideal choice for you.
If you intend to stay after your graduation, you have to apply for the work permits or visa. Both countries offer international graduates opportunities to work and apply for permanent residency. You can work with the post-graduation work permit in Canada which is eligible for you to apply for the Canadian permanent residency. On the other hand, work permits and green cards in the US need your employer’s permission and sponsorship. In comparison to immigration policies, Canada has less complicated application procedures than the US so if you are thinking about immigration, remember to take this into account.
Culture
In general, the living style and culture are similar in Canada and the US. People are welcoming and diverse. You can meet different people as both of the destinations are international and there are various people coming from all corners of the world. You can easily get inspired when you are open to having discussions with them.
If you need consultation on planning your overseas study, you are welcome to contact us and our teachers are happy to share with you!
Suka:
Cultural shock is probably the first thing popping off my head throughout my 5-year US journey. With the everyday warming greeting from strangers and extra large family size food packages, these unprecedented daily details were enough to amuse me. Many consider the US as a country which rings an alarm of danger, while for me, it is a place full of brilliant sunshine with comfy sea breeze, not to mention with my favourite Turkish ice-cream!
Why the U.S.? I think the key drive for studying in the US is definitely its infamous advanced research in psychology and biology academic field. Being a young learner, I was not able to contemplate too much about the future career path, but I do know there is something worthwhile for me to explore out there. And believe me or not, it’s not an easy decision both for me and my family. Being a mentor now, I realise all the struggles and confusion I have gone through make me who I am today. Yes, not a teacher, but a mentor. Other than implanting knowledge into kids’ heads, values and attitudes to face the future challenge are always more of what I am concerned with. And I forget since then, inspiring and enlightening students who have similar obstacles in their lives like I did when I was young, became the motivation to live my life. I am also grateful that I am able to emerge that passion with my career as well! Looking back, the US is always a memorable place for me. It depicts me the cultural diversity, embraces my vulnerability and equips an important part of me.
Academics may not get you to the truth or meaning of life you are looking for, but it definitely widens your horizons and reinforces your vision for your life-long journey.