About Canada

About Canada

From rugged landscapes and snowy mountains to sea-salted coasts and buzzing metropolitan cities, Canada is a country like no other. Canada's rich diversity, geography, and culture make the "polite nation" a great option for a study abroad program.

Canadian Universities are focused on academic research and higher-level education while Canadian Colleges traditionally specialize in learning technical and vocational skills in a variety of hands-on industries. This system of universities and colleges allows students to pursue their passions - and study with the aid of world-class faculty and facilities.

Since the country is so large, choosing where to study abroad in Canada is not an easy task. The location you choose plays a significant role in shaping the experience you have abroad. Having said that, there are a number of larger cities and smaller student-centered towns that can offer students a great overall experience while studying abroad in Canada!

Toronto

As the largest city in Canada and one of the largest cities in North America, Toronto offers study abroad students an immersive experience into Canadian culture. The city has a thriving and diverse mix of neighborhoods, restaurants, attractions, and sports teams.

Toronto (and the Greater Toronto Area or "GTA") is home to a vast number of universities and colleges to choose from. Most notably, the University of Toronto is the largest in Canada by student size and ranked among the top universities in the world. OCAD University, or the Ontario College of Art and Design, on the other hand, is a highly-ranked school for the arts.

Calgary

Nestled between the flat landscape of the prairies and the towering mountains, Calgary is a younger city with booming industries and a western “cowboy” culture. Since Calgary sits at the base of the Canadian Rocky Mountains, study abroad students have access to exploring pristine Canadian landscapes like Banff National Park and Jasper National Park just a day trip away.

As for studying abroad in Calgary, the University of Calgary is an excellent option, as is the smaller Mount Royal University. The city itself is situated on a river and offers students many green spaces where they can unwind from their studies.

Montreal

As one of the only truly bilingual cities in Canada, Montreal offers study abroad students the opportunity to study in French as well as English. Montreal is home to the highly ranked McGill University with its main campus located in the heart of downtown. The Université de Montréal and Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM) are good options for those wanting to study in a French-speaking institution.

There are also language learning institutions in the city dedicated to creating a supportive learning atmosphere for students acquiring both French and English skills.

Montreal has a historic old town, a buzzing nightlife, and a flair for international cuisine. There is also plenty of green space - including Mont Royal, the mountain from which the city is named - where students can go to relax, jog, or hike.

Vancouver

Located on Canada's west coast, Vancouver is a dynamic and active coastal city with the Rocky Mountains a quick hike or drive away. This unique geography allows study abroad students to discover the outdoors through a number of trails and adventures close by.

As for studying, the University of British Columbia is a top-ranked school with excellent research facilities and a beautiful coastal campus. Simon Fraser University, on the other hand, is situated at the top of a mountain in Burnaby, a city which is located just east of downtown Vancouver.