In these turbulent times, the face of migration across the globe is changing. Students across the globe looking to travel and study abroad, and gain an early education, may find their efforts blocked by new, different rules, or may be uncertain about which countries will welcome them. However, Canada has always stood as a multicultural nation, welcoming immigrants from across the globe. The same goes for our schools, including Centennial College, which open their doors to international students looking to study abroad. Canada is an inclusive, welcoming country, and Centennial College is a worldly school, with tons of cultures and languages spoken on our campuses. No matter where you come from, you can probably find people like yourself here. And if you can't, you'll feel welcome anyway. Here's a few more reasons why, now more than ever, Canada is an ideal destination for an international student
1. Canada is friendly and multicultural
Canada is a multicultural nation, something that, in our history books, is referred to as a "cultural mosaic," to contrast America's "Melting Pot." It's about integration, not assimilation, and that's been law since 1971, when we established the Multiculturalism Policy of Canada. As Master Studies explains, it affirmed the rights of all citizens, and resulted in an environment of cross-cultural respect.
There's one stereotype Canada is happy to embrace: We're known for being friendly, polite and welcoming. Don't believe it? Check out this story from Pie News, where international college students were surveyed, and specifically called Canada out as feeling safe, friendly and inclusive.
If you want proof of that inclusivity, look no further than Canada's Prime Minister, who recently made his opinion on immigration and refugees extremely clear with a single tweet.
2. Toronto is a city of diversity
Centennial College is located in the city of Toronto, which is a particular hub of multiculturalism. Toronto's official website names it as one of the most multicultural cities in the world, and gives these stats, among others:
- There's over 140 languages and dialects spoken in Toronto, with over 30 per cent of residents speaking languages at home that aren't English or French.
- The top five mother tongue languages in 2006 were Chinese, Italian, Punjabi, Tagalog/Filipino and Portuguese.
- Fully half of the city's population was born outside of Canada, and almost half (47 per cent) of the population identifies as a visible minority.
- Ontario has the largest aboriginal population of any province or territory
3. We have support systems, and a more affordable education
Another thing that those students Pie News surveyed called out as a positive: Canada having cheaper tuition fees, and a simpler visa process than America. And when it comes to opening barriers to education, we're continuing to make progress, as this story from the Toronto Star shows, about mature students now being eligible for even more post-secondary financial help. We support our students.
4. It's a good place to find (and keep) a job
This Globe and Mail story specifically talks about how immigrants love the Canadian job market because of its mobility. Our job market is good at assigning workers to their most effective position, and mentions that there's a lot of job mobility- You can advance up the career ladder, or find a different position entirely. As for working as a student, CIC News specifically points out that Canadian international students can work while they study. That same CIC News article also points out that there's a straightforward path to becoming a Canadian resident after your education is concluded, thanks to the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program and the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).
By Anthony Geremia