More than 130,000 students come to study in Canada every year and even more come to Canada to learn English or French. Canadians place great importance on learning, and have developed a world class education system with high standards. Canadians consistently rank among the best in the world on international tests of reading, science and math because of the outstanding quality of schools. A Canadian degree, diploma or certificate is recognized in business, government and academic circles around the globe.
Canada has ranked as one of the top ten places to live in the world since 1994 according to the United Nations (UN). Canada’s moderate climate is perfect for enjoying both summer and winter activities. In the summer there are beautiful beaches for swimming and surfing, world-renowned golf courses and scenic hiking trails. In the winter there are many great resorts for skiing and snowboarding and outdoor rinks for ice-skating. No matter where you choose to live in Canada it is always easy to travel to other popular Canadian cities by plane, bus or train. Living in Canada also means you are just across the border from some of the most famous destinations in the United States, such as New York, Boston, Chicago, Seattle and California.
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Canadians enjoy a standard of living among the highest in the world. All children have have access to quality education and almost 70 per cent of adults own their own homes. Canada also has an extensive universal health care system and social security network. Canada has a great mix of urban and rural living in safe and friendly English and French speaking environments. Canada’s rich diversity and culture provides endless opportunities to enjoy festivals, professional sporting events, theatre, live music, and museums.
Canada has traditionally been a country of immigrants and has a policy of encouraging multicultural diversity. In this vibrant setting, different perspectives are respected and learning together is encouraged. Almost all of the world's ethnic groups are represented in Canada. As a result, most ethnic foods and recreational activities associated with specific cultures are available in Canada. Clubs and associations representing a multitude of ethnic backgrounds are also easily accessible.
Canadians place a high value on their natural environment. There are currently 42 national parks and national park reserves in Canada. Students who come to Canada will witness one of the most beautiful, natural environments in the world. Canada is also a country of diverse geography, and there is much to experience in its great outdoors: from the lush coastline of British Columbia, the majestic Rocky Mountains of Alberta, the big skies of the prairies, to the 'maple sugar country' in the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence and the rugged hills and picturesque coastline of the Atlantic provinces.
Canada is considered to be a peaceful, safe and orderly country. Its violent crime rate has been consistently decreasing for the past 15 years and is drastically lower than the United States. The majority of Canadian schools are located in small towns where safety and community are very important. These “university towns” provide students with a peaceful and comfortable experience throughout their studies. International students who come to Canada should follow the same common sense safety precautions as they would anywhere in the world.
Canada is a stimulating environment in which to do business and to learn, thanks to the contributions of many bright and talented scientists, researchers and entrepreneurs. The country is an international leader in computer and information technologies and has a reputation for excellence in such sectors as telecommunications, transportation and engineering; and specifically, aerospace, urban transport, microelectronics, medical devices, advanced software, hydroelectric and nuclear power, lasers and opto-electronics, biotechnology, food and beverage processing, geomatics; and ocean and environmental industries.
Canada is a bilingual country with two official languages, English and French. The majority of Canadians living across the country speak English as a first language. The majority of French-speaking Canadians live in the province of Québec. As a bilingual nation, Canada offers superior English as a Second Language program (ESL) and French as a Second Language program (FSL) for students wishing to learn either or both languages.