Student life is a golden period for any individual. Everybody wants to learn and enjoy life while living in a welcoming environment abroad. Canada offers a world-class education for young students to pursue their dreams. It provides everything from top-ranking universities to a high standard of living and thriving job prospects after studies.
The number of international students in Canada is constantly increasing. Student life in Canada is vibrant and enriching. Thanks to visa-friendly policies and welcoming people, let us show you the pros and cons of attaining higher education in Canada (the most popular destination for Asian students). Studying in Canada as an international student has its pros and cons.
This blog will help you visualize the life you will enjoy and the circumstances you might face while you study in Canada.
A Promising Prospect
Pros
Studying in Canadian universities is a bright prospect for Pakistani students. It is the most desirable choice for international students from India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. You will study, learn, and work with a diverse and learned community. Asian immigrants are in higher quantities; it is possible to fuel personal and professional growth with these immigrants. The campus life of Canada is enriching and multicultural.
Cons
Do your research before living in Canada because rules may be different for immigrants and local citizens.
Cultural Diversity and Food
Pros
Canada is known for its rich cultural diversity, which brings together people from many different cultures. It promotes inclusivity and global awareness and enhances the country’s social fabric. Residents are as sweet as its maple syrup.Canada’s multiethnic nature reflects itself in its food, which comes from different parts of the world. From Indian curries to Italian pasta, Chinese dim sum to Mexican tacos, students can have a bite of every cuisine without crossing borders. Halal food items are also available for Muslim communities.
Cons
Some students may find it difficult to adjust to an entirely new Canadian culture. Variations in social mores, communication styles, and traditional behaviors within this society might result in initial awkwardness or cultural shock. However, locating genuine recipes and good quality versions of certain dishes can be challenging, especially outside main cities in Canada where few options are available. Traditional foods from one’s home country may be missed by students belonging to particular ethnic groups.
Accommodation in Canada
Finding Accommodation in Canada can be challenging. Multiple residential options are available for students. However, AELC-best consultant for canada in pakistan will ensure that students are settled according to their budget.
Pros
On-Campus Housing: Universities offer dormitories or residence halls, promoting a stronger community and better access to facilities around the campus.
Hostels: These are cost-effective stays and are frequently found around educational institutions that provide shared living spaces where you will meet fellow students.
Apartment: Renting an apartment independently or with roommates offers more freedom and privacy. It is excellent for people who value a quiet and private living situation.
Homestays can help you experience the cultural experience of living with the local citizens. In many cases, homestays include meal service and a more intimate living experience.
Cons
Accommodation in Canada, especially in provinces like Ontario, may be challenging as the demand is high, and licensors must offer more choices. Toronto and Vancouver are starved for housing so that rental costs will be high and competitive.
Cost of Living
Pros
Despite being expensive, Canada’s high quality of life is accompanied by good health services, world-class education, and public amenities. Safe campuses are desirable places that can provide world-class infrastructure, such as clean and vibrant cities. The tuition fees of Canadian universities are lower than those of the UK and the USA.
Numerous business organizations and service providers offer discounts for international students, which significantly help cut costs on entertainment, transportation fares, and even food. Most student cards have several offers attached to them, giving access to discounted rates.
Cons
Housing and food costs mainly make living in cities like Toronto or Vancouver costly. High pricing is due to high demand and limited supply.
According to the Canadian government’s Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), a student requires at least CAD 20,635 (IRCC, 2024). It should be noted that this amount may only cover some of the expenses, especially when students live in areas with high costs of living there, by careful financial planning and budgeting.
Sometimes public transport fees can become quite expensive depending on your location, particularly if you are studying in one of the major cities. Students are, therefore, advised to include their monthly transit passes or other related transport costs within their budgets.
Job opportunities in Canada
Pros
When it comes to the job market, Canada is indeed diversified and robust, with available prospects. Students can work part-time in different industries such as technology, health care, finance, engineering, and education. This diversity helps students find part-time jobs related to their courses of study and hobbies. Students can work 20 hours a week during their studies and full-time during vacation.
Numerous Canadian colleges have cooperative programs that merge classroom learning with paid employment. These programs give students a feel for what it takes to work in an industry while connecting them to professionals already working in their fields.
Graduates from recognized Canadian institutions can apply for a post graduation work permit (PGWP). Students who wish to stay and work in Canada for up to three years after completing their studies can do so through this program. This program allows one to gain valuable experience, which may help one qualify for permanent residency.
Cons
Although many jobs are available, competition might be stiff, especially within big cities or popular sectors. Some students may find it hard to get employed without relevant experience or having made contacts with industry insiders.
Fluency in either English or French is a must-have skill for most jobs available in Canada. Students who are not fluent in these two languages tend to avoid finding suitable jobs, especially those that demand practical communication skills.
Highest Quality of Education
Pros
The most significant number of post-secondary students prefer Canada as their ideal destination for studies because the value and quality of education are very high.
In Canada, you get nothing less than the best training. The government also invests and spends more dollars on education than in other countries. The great news is that you can obtain a university degree in 2 to 4 years and apply for thousands of tech-related or business jobs.
Cons
One disadvantage for international students is that they often limit their career opportunities by only looking for English-related jobs. Learning basic French can open more doors for them to create attraction for employers.
Reliable Healthcare Services
Pros
All permanent residents and citizens in Canada are eligible for public health insurance; that means you can easily cover most of your medical expenses in Canada with insurance. The healthcare system is universal and sophisticated enough to solve all your healthcare problems and focus on studies stress-free.
Cons
Despite having an excellent healthcare system at a low cost for international students, students may have to wait a long time in big cities due to elective procedures.
Love Winters and Snow? Canada is for you!
Pros
The Canadian climate is mainly recognized as a cold heaven with moderate summers and long days. Depending on your city, the weather and humidity significantly differ.
People in Canada usually enjoy four seasons. For example, if you live in populated areas near the US border, the summer temperature can be 35°C and even higher. However, it can fall near -25° C in the winter. Students enjoy moderate and mild weather during Spring and Fall, which is favorable for tourist activities.
Cons
Canadian winters are primarily associated with low temperatures and heavy snowfall. However, due to its landscape, the country’s climate is diverse and sometimes harsh in winter.
Conclusion
Living in Canada can be a student’s most enriching and life-changing experience. This blog aims to paint a vivid picture of life and the challenges of student life in Canada. We have highlighted all the pros and cons of student life in Canada.
In Canada, you are set to explore world-class living facilities and wonderful and scenic tourist destinations. You can benefit from the best health facilities and enjoy living in Canada’s safe and secure environment. Above all, quality education and ample job opportunities are the giant magnet to attract students worldwide.
AELC’s expert career counseling service in Pakistan will provide guidance and support at every step to ensure a hassle-free journey. So hurry up and live your dreams in Canada.
Updated on July-24
