Following our previous article on top Canadian universities, here is a look at other great universities in Canada. The following universities are divided in three categories – small, medium and large. Small universities usually offer mostly undergraduate studies while medium and large universities offer graduate degrees in a range of disciplines. Large universities also offer doctoral programs including professional medical and law degrees.

Mount Allison University

Located in Sackville, New Brunswick, Mount Allison University is one of the smallest universities in Canada. Its size and personalized approach allows students to feel like individuals and not just numbers on campus. Mount Allison focuses on the growth and education of its students allowing them to customize their own degrees. In fact, Mount Allison has been so successful with its approach that has been recognized as the #2 university in Canada among primarily undergraduate universities by Maclean’s, one of the leading publications in Canada. Academic programs abound and include bachelor’s degrees in arts, science, commerce, fine arts, and music. Mount Allison is home away from home to over 150 international students who come from over 40 countries including France, Germany, USA, Japan, China and more. There are plenty of exchange programs and study abroad opportunities with other universities in countries such as New Zealand, Denmark, China, Japan, Spain, Sweden, Norway, Germany, France and others.

Admissions

Admission requirements generally include a high school diploma, GCE, French BACCALAUREATE or its equivalent with courses in English, Mathematics, and other academic subjects. Graduates are strongly encouraged to submit SAT and International Baccalaureate scores. International students whose native language is not English must submit TOEFL scores (213 on the computer-based test and 550 on the paper-based test are required), IELTS (6.5 score) or any other test approved by the university.

Tuition and General Fees*

Canadian Students: $6,720 Canadian Dollars (CAD) / academic year 
International Students: $13,440 CAD / academic year

Scholarships range from approximately $12,000 fully renewable for four years to $500. Most Mount Allison scholarships are renewable at varying rates, and are based on academic standing or a combination of academic standing and financial need. Students who have an admissions average of 90% or above are guaranteed a minimum $1,500 award. In addition, over 40% of students - including international students - work on campus.

Website: http://www.mta.ca/index.shtml

University of Waterloo

Located in Waterloo, Ontario, the University of Waterloo is recognized as one of the most innovative universities in Canada. In fact, it was one of the first universities to introduce co-operative education – a program that mixes classroom study and temporary jobs where students can apply the academic concepts they learn in the classroom. The University of Waterloo has approximately 25,000 students from 106 countries. International students are particularly attracted to its co-op program, which is the largest in the world. The university offers more than 100 academic programs in six faculties: Applied Health Sciences, Arts, Engineering, Environmental Studies, Mathematics, and Science; and five professional schools: accounting, architecture, computer science, optometry and planning. The new school of Pharmacy will open in 2008. It’s also interesting to know that in October 2005, Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates said that, “most years, we hire more students out of Waterloo than any university in the world, typically 50 or even more.”

Admissions

A high school diploma or equivalent is necessary for undergraduate admission. Certain minimum requirements apply to citizens of specific countries. For example, US applicants are required to submit minimum SAT scores of 1100 or ACT score of 26, in addition to Advanced Placement examinations for certain academic programs. Prospective students are encouraged to submit International Baccalaureate diplomas, Advanced Placement or Advanced Level examinations. Consult the admissions website for further information.

Students whose native language is not English are required to provide evidence of English proficiency by submitting scores from a testing entity such as IELTS, TOEFL, MELAB or CAEL.

Graduate admission requirements depend on the specific graduate program. Minimum requirements include an honours undergraduate degree (75% overall standing) or equivalent degree plus letters of reference from academic referees. Certain programs may require additional items. Consult the graduate program website for further information.

Tuition Costs*

Tuition costs vary per academic program. The following estimates indicate a rough average of total tuition costs per academic year.

Undergraduate Canadian Students: $6,373 CAD 
Undergraduate International Students: $18,000 CAD

Graduate Canadian Students: $6,750 CAD 
Graduate International Students: $11,750 CAD

Scholarships are available to Canadian and International students. Merit-based scholarships range from $200 to $25,000 CAD. Successful applicants will have excellent academic records, high test scores (if applicable) as well as letters of reference. Some scholarships require a separate application.

Website: http://www.uwaterloo.ca/

McGill University

Recognized as one of the world’s top universities, McGill is an international university located in the charming, diverse and multicultural city of Montreal. McGill offers leading academics, plenty of culture, and an incomparable student life in the middle of downtown Montreal. The university offers courses in 300 areas of study and includes over 10 faculties: Agricultural and environmental sciences, arts, dentistry, education, engineering, law, management, medicine, music, religious studies, and science. McGill is home to 33,258 students, nearly 20 percent come from more than 150 countries. Exchange and study abroad programs abound at McGill, which is known for its global community and remarkable international alumni. Some of its most notorious members include three astronauts, four Nobel Prize recipients, seven Oscar winners and many other business, political, and scientific leaders.

Admissions

A high school diploma or equivalent is necessary for undergraduate admission. Certain minimum requirements apply to citizens of specific countries. For example, US applicants are required to submit SAT I and SAT II scores, and UK applicants are required to submit A-level examinations. Prospective students are encouraged to submit International Baccalaureate diplomas and Advanced Placement examinations. Consult the admissions website for further information.

Students whose native language is not English are required to provide evidence of English proficiency by submitting scores from a testing entity such as IELTS (6.5 score or better), TOEFL (Paper: 550-600, CBT: 213-250, iBT: 79-100 depending on the academic program), or MELAB.

Graduate admission requirements depend on the specific graduate program. Minimum requirements include an undergraduate degree or equivalent degree plus letters of reference from academic referees. Certain programs may require additional items such as GMAT scores for the MBA program. Consult the graduate program website for further information.

Tuition Costs*

Tuition costs vary per academic program. The following estimates indicate a rough average of total tuition costs per academic year.

Undergraduate Quebec Students: $1,700 CAD

Undergraduate Canadian Students: $5,000 CAD 

Undergraduate International Students: $13,000 – 15,000 CAD

Graduate Quebec Students: $1,768 CAD

Graduate Canadian Students: $5,140 CAD 

Graduate International Students: $11,886 CAD

If you are enrolled in certain eligible French degree programs or courses, or if you are a citizen of France or certain other countries, your tuition will be reduced.

Fees for the MBA (International students), the Master’s in Manufacturing Management, and the International Master’s Program for Practicing Managers are higher than those shown. McGill has an extensive program of scholarships and awards. Entrance scholarships range in value from $3,000 to $10,000 renewable each year. A separate application is required for major scholarships ($5,000 and over).

Website: http://www.mcgill.ca/

* Costs do not include university fees, housing or living expenses

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During the school year following 9/11 (2002-2003), the number of American students studying abroad increased 8.5% to an astonishing 174,000! This disaster jarred many into realizing we are not an isolated country but part of a global economy. Thus, in droves, they invested a year abroad to get to know more of the world they called home. Since then the numbers have remained strong. But is this the only reason a student would consider uprooting from the security of college or university life in the US to study abroad for a year? According to those who have done it, the benefits are so numerous that an article of this size can only begin to list them.

First, imagine your resume in a few years. It says, “Studied abroad for the year - at -.” In our global society, that entry would be a great selling point for future employment. Employers seek the experience and skills learned by the demands of cross-cultural learning. Flexibility, innovation, patience, creativity, and teamwork are just a few of these.

Students studying abroad learn self-confidence and adaptability as they learn to maneuver through big cities, deal with language barriers, and seek to live in another culture. If they need to know something, they are forced to be bold to find an answer, and to laugh at their many mistakes in doing so.

Studying abroad often immerses the student in a foreign language. Even if he has studied the language previously, learning to use it naturally is often a giant step beyond the classroom. Hearing the language used by everyday people and using it himself forces him to make it his own.

Studying abroad provides unique learning opportunities beyond the classroom. A country’s art, music, literature, and history are before him in their original context.

By living with the natives, a student will understand first hand what stereotyping is. It will help him see his own guilt in stereotyping others, and will give him a venue for ridding the locals of their stereotypes of Americans.

If the student attends a school in a major international city, he could experience many cultures beyond those of his adopted country. Students from other countries add to the breadth of his education.

Most likely, the student will be close to a vast wealth of tourist opportunities. The Eurail system in Europe, for example, is famous for being punctual and extensive. Travel is comfortable and famous sites are not far away.

While the level of academic excellence is consistent between any college in Australia, Fiji and New Zealand, students are well served researching the institutions, the programs offered and the location before deciding upon any one school. Much like choosing a university at home, finding a good fit requires some matching what is needed to what is offered.

Evaluating the Schools

In Fiji, New Zealand and Australia, colleges have a distinct culture of their own, as is the case with any university. Students interested in studying abroad, as a result, should consider the size of the school, average class size, teaching style, etc. The goal is to match the ‘vibe’ of any school with the student.

To determine whether a particular New Zealand college or a school in Fiji or Australia is a good choice, students should consider how their learning style, personality and preferred environment needs are met by it. If a student feels more comfortable in smaller classes, for example, focusing on smaller colleges in Australia or the other countries that provide this environment is best.

Using the school itself as the initial criteria for evaluating a college in Fiji, Australia or New Zealand helps to narrow the options and focus your search.

Research the programs

After identifying the desired environment and culture of a New Zealand, Fiji or Australia college, the next step is to determine which offers a program that meets your academic goals. In some cases, this may be clear cut, determining whether or not an ecology program is offered, for example. Students with more specialized academic needs, however, need to identify which Australia college or other school provides relevant programs with a more finely-tuned focus. Some schools offer unique, specialized programs not available at other colleges in New Zealand or even in the region. This can be a deciding factor depending upon a student’s academic goals.

Consider the location

In addition to the school and the program, the location of a college in Australia, New Zealand or Fiji should be given some consideration as well. Some are situated in major cities, while others are located in smaller communities. Some are near the region’s spectacular beaches while other Australia and New Zealand colleges are further inland. The location of a school can effect the type of programs offered, but it can also effect how well it meets a student’s needs.

The experience of studying abroad most certainly is an academic experience first and foremost, however, it is also a cultural life experience. Students need to consider how well a college’s location meets their needs from this aspect as well.

By taking considerations of the university, program and location into consideration, it becomes easier for students to identify which college in Fiji, New Zealand or Australia is the best fit. The better a school fits the student’s needs, the more positive the experience of studying abroad will be.

Dreaming of a New Language

Maybe you’ve dreamed of moving to a distant land to learn English? You imagine what it would be like…the smell in the air, the tastes of new cuisine, and maybe even new fashion. Perhaps you’ve pictured what people in the country look like, how friendly they are, and what life would be like.

If you spoke English, you may qualify for a better job at work. However, you pause to ask yourself, “is living abroad a good way to learn English?”

There’s no Place Like Home

You may be nervous about leaving your family, the culture you love, you could miss your group of friends, and you like your current job. So, why bother leaving to learn a new language when you can stay at home and learn? The reality is you don’t have time to attend classes after a long day at work. Relax; learning English is as simple as having access to the Internet. The Internet has made it possible for people to work from home and has revolutionized the way we learn.

Computer Convenience

Online language schools colleges and universities are always springing up. Here are just some of the benefits you’ll enjoy with Englishlink’s online English learning:

- Classes match your level of learning - not a ‘one size fits all’ class.

- Knowledgeable instructors who are available 24/7 to answer your questions. They are one click away by email at all times.

- Working at your own pace - not the pace of an entire classroom.

- Making your own classwork, study, and test schedule.

- Learning with a hot cup of coffee or tea at home in your robe and slippers!

- Driving to class is a thing of the past.

- Study work while your children nap. No need for baby-sitters!

- Receive quick feedback about your progress through online tests.

- Try the Free Lesson before you make a commitment.

Your Life Doesn’t Have to Change

If you like your life and don’t want to leave your country to learn English, then an online education may be the best solution for you. While it is fun to live abroad, you have more convenience when you decide to study ESL online. Your family, friends, and colleagues will remain in your everyday life to admire your accomplishment. You may also become knowledgeable enough to teach them a thing or two about English once you really get going with your online courses. Perhaps you will make them all curious about learning English and they will look into joining the Englishlink online community too! If you have children, they will benefit from having a parent who speaks two languages. Studies have shown that children in a dual language home often do better in school and have an easier time learning even a third or fourth language in the future.