Study in Canada

Hi there!! Welcome to my blog, this is my first entry, and I hope you’ll like it… first of all I want to introduce myself, my name is Erza, I was born in Jakarta, on 16 march 1995. Now I'm studying in 10th grade at Global Islamic School.

When I was a junior high student I have a dream to continue my high school in the other countries. I've tried to searched a scholarship program and I’ve found some, I also tried to gave my application to the scholarship program  but until now no one replied it. At this present, there are a lot of senior high student who want to study abroad, including me but you know... that the competition to get scholarship is very tough, so... we need to study harder if we want to get scholarship and study abroad. When I asked to my friends about where do they want to go if they get opportunities to study abroad, almost all of them answered that they want to go to Harvard or Oxford, yes those two universities are very famous of their quality, but then I'm thinking why it's only Harvard or Oxford? I think there are a lot of good universities out there.

And then I heard about Canada, I read in the internet that the system of education in Canada is very good, there are a lot of famous universities too in Canada such as University of British Columbia, University of Toronto and other else. I became really excited to search another information about Canada, and then I found some info’s about Canada, they said that Canada is a very save country, and one of the best country to live in. Here are some facts about Canada.

• The United Nation ranked Canada as one of the best place to live.

Based on the United Nation and Economist Intelligence Unit, Canada was declared as one of ten best places to live. Big cities in Canada such as Vancouver, Montreal, and Toronto have been known by the world as the best places to live and work.

• The education cost in Canada is very competitive.

Study in Canada is not free, but it’s reachable (it will be cheaper if get a scholarship). The average cost for the foreign students is about US$4765 for one academic year (8 months).

• Friendly environment

Almost all the races in the world have their own representation in Canada. All cities in Canada have a lot of mall, restaurant, cinema, art gallery and museum, they are also providing a lot of parks, and beaches.

• Beautiful environment

The Canadian put a lot of attention for their natural environment. At this present, there are about 42 national parks. The foreigners will see magnificent scenery.

• Canada is a very safe place

The level a criminal in Canada is always decreasing for the last 10 years. Every year between 1991 until 1997 the criminal level in Canada always decreases for 5%.

• High technology country

Canada has an international reputation in every sector such as, telecommunication, transportation and technique. Canada also is the first country that successfully made SchoolNet which connecting school and library.

• Duo language country

Canada has two national languages they are French and English. 75% of the Canadian that speak French are lives in Quebec.

Education is very important for the Canadians, they wants the best school for their children. In Canada there is no rank of school or university, because basically all the school and universities in Canada has a top quality of education. The graduated students from Canada are mostly success in their career, and become a successful person. Here are the lists of favourite universities in Canada.

1. University of Toronto (Toronto)
2. McGill University (Montreal and other locations)
3. Simon Fraser University (Burnaby and other locations)
4. The University of British Columbia (Vancouver and other locations)
5. York University (Toronto)
6. University of Calgary (Calgary)
7. University of Alberta (Edmonton and other locations)
8. University of Waterloo (Waterloo)
9. University of Ottawa (Ottawa)
10. Université of Laval (Quebec city)

As an Indonesian, I also tried to search information about the Indonesia's citizens who live in Canada, whether they are working or studying. Based on the ministry of foreign, there are about 12.400 Indonesians who live in Canada, 18% of them are students.

One day, I asked my friend who lived in Japan, is she have any friends who lived in Canada and she said that she had 2 friends who study in Canada, one of them is Jennifer Hadi, she also an Indonesian. Now she is studying at McGill University in Canada. She was born in Jakarta, Indonesia on 25 June 1989. And then I tried to sent some email, and she replied kindly, after that I started to asked some questions about the education in Canada.

The following are her answer of my questions regards on the education in Canada:

• Did you ever took a college in Indonesia before went to Canada? Or you went to Canada after you were graduated from your high school? What university did you chose in Canada?

 I went abroad for further studies after I graduated from high school. I received my Associate Degree from Bellevue College (Seattle, WA) prior to my study in Canada. I am now a third year student at McGill University, Desautels School of Management, where I am pursuing a degree in Accounting. 

•  Why did you choose Canada as your destination for study? What is your opinion about the education system in Canada?

I fell in love the moment I visited Montreal and McGill University. It was everything I had been looking for. As a business student, I have, through living and studying in Canada, obtained valuable international experience. I have met people from all over the world! It has given me the opportunities to hold my bachelor’s degree to best reflect my passion.

Canada’s education system ranks among the best in the world. Tuition fees are among the lowest in English-speaking countries. It offers a wide range of opportunities for International students who currently enrolled in a university and who have graduated. It is so flexible; it allows me to work not only on campus but off-campus, too.

Canada is a multicultural country with high standard of living. The two official languages, French and English, make Canada a great place to advance my language ability. Its bilingualism offers a different education experience. I get to learn and improve my French through my day-to-day conversation.

In a nutshell, I think Canada’s education system is excellent! Plus, Canada is one of the best places in the world to live in. There is no better place for my professional and personal growth.

•    Compare to the nearest neighbor (US) which one is better?

US and Canadian universities are globally renowned. I have experienced living and studying both in US and Canada and I would say both offer similar opportunities and challenges. International students get to experience living in a multicultural society, enjoy being challenged by diversity, expand our worldview, and excited by endless possibilities.

There are, however, reasons why studying in Canadian universities is more beneficial than their US counterparts: its bilingualism and post-graduate experience. For students wishing to learn both French and English, Canada is a perfect place to study because learning the two official languages is an integral part of its education system. In addition, for those who wish to extend their stay, Canadian government provide post-graduate working permit, which allows us to stay and gain valuable work experience after we have completed our studies. 

•  Did you get scholarship to study there? If yes, could you explain how to get it? From where did you get it?

None. However, need to be noted that there are various entrance scholarships offered by Canadian universities. Unfortunately, since I am a transfer student, I am not eligible to apply.

•  What major did you take? What is the favorite faculty by local and the foreigners?

I am majoring in Accounting. I think students’ interests are equally spread among faculty of Arts, Business, and Science.

• What about the tuition? Is it expensive?

Tuition fees across Canada vary from university to university. Generally, I would say tuition fees in Canada are relatively lower compared to US universities.

So, are you interested to study in Canada, you can find some information about the education in Canada by searching in internet, but I have another suggestion, why wont you come to CESI (Canada Education Services International) they opened some offices in other countries including Indonesia.

For your info, if you are Indonesian and want to know some more about Canada, Once, I sent a message to CESI, I asked about one of their program, a moment later somebody from CESI called me ant told me that they will held an open house where the participants can get more information about CESI and of course Canada, the open house will be held on 12 March 2011 (If I'm not mistaken, you can contact them to make it sure). If you want to register you can ask for the registration form by sending a message trough the CESI’s site.

Hmmm, I think that's all for my first entry, thank you for all of you who have read this entry... I'll keep posting other entry about study abroad especially about study in Canada, and Canada it's self... Thank youuu :)

source: en.wikipedia.org