5 Reasons Students From The United States Choose to Study in Canada
Centre for Arts and Technology (CAT) is one of Canada’s leading post-secondary education institutions specializing in technical arts diplomas like Animation, Audio Engineering, Graphic and Web Design, and Interior Design to name just a few. Located in the heart of the Okanagan (also known as Canada’s year-round playground!), international students love the culture, job opportunities, and accessibility of the city of Kelowna. Here are 5 reasons why we know you’ll love it here too:
1. Affordable Education for International Students
Your education dollars can go up to 30% farther in Canada than in the U.S. It’s no secret that Canadian Universities are consistently ranked among the top post-secondary schools worldwide. And thanks to the current USD to CAD exchange rate, a Canadian education offers you the most value for your money. And so, depending on the location in Canada and the program of study, you can expect to spend up to one-third less on tuition compared to schools in the United States. The affordability of studying in Canada can’t be ignored, and it plays a significant role in many of our international students’ decisions to study north of the border
2. Canadian Universities Offer Quality Education
Now that you know that Canadian universities are often more affordable than their United States counterparts, you may assume that this means a lower quality of education. This statement couldn’t be further from the truth. Canadian post-secondary education is held to very stringent quality standards, with British Columbia being among the most regulated. British Columbia (B.C.) is the only provincial government that endorses certain schools under an “Education Quality Assessment.” This quality assurance program helps international students choose a school in B.C. and offers some consumer protection. Centre for Arts and Technology is in exceptional standing with the British Columbia Education Quality Assurance Program, and further details on our designation can be found on our website.
And, at CAT, you’ll get to learn from the best instructors in the business too! Small class sizes, taught by award-winning professionals who have the experience and knowledge to give you a leg up on your competition? What’s not to love?
3. Excellent Standard of Living and Low Cost of Living
British Columbia is a nature-lover and adventure-seeker’s paradise. Defined by the Pacific coastline and mountain ranges, B.C. has a bounty of natural wonders to explore year-round. Home to our campus, Kelowna is a bustling, vibrant city in the south of British Columbia, nestled on the Eastern shore of Okanagan Lake. Kelowna is only a short, four-hour drive from Vancouver, and only 90 minutes to the US border, making it a great home base for many careers and a great destination for those seeking an escape from city life.
The cost of living is less than in other major urban cities, without sacrificing any of the perks of big-city living. Many technology and creative industries call Kelowna home, offering plenty of career opportunities for grads.
Want good food, too? Kelowna has a wide array of cultural culinary options and boasts many wineries and breweries to explore. For the days you need to take a break from your studies, Kelowna has you covered there too. You’ll find that the city has something to offer no matter your extra-curricular flavor.
Skiing and snowboarding are less than an hour from downtown, plentiful hiking trails, and let’s not forget about the lake! Okanagan Lake is 84 miles long and has so many beaches and water sports that you’ll have a tough time deciding what to try first. Lastly, it’s true what you’ve heard…Canadians are very polite; we do say ‘eh,’ apologize too much, and have some of the safest schools in the world.
4. Immigration Opportunities
“Friendly” immigration policies, a good climate, and a high standard of living are just some of the reasons why Canada is one of the most attractive choices for students from the United States. Canada is a progressive, multicultural country made up of many diverse communities, and we pride ourselves on welcoming those from all walks of life.
Additionally, international students who have completed their education at a school in British Columbia may qualify for a significant number of points towards Express Entry immigration selection. Moreover, international students studying in Canada are eligible to apply for permanent residency status after graduation. Lastly, you may even qualify for immigration through B.C.’s Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) International Graduate Category. The BC PNP offers a pathway to permanent residence for international graduates, skilled and semi-skilled workers, and their family members who intend to settle in B.C.
5. Work Permit and Long-Term Job Opportunities
You can work up to 20 hours per week as indicated by your study permit. This is all while you’re still enrolled in your program of study. This not only helps with finances but also helps you familiarize yourself with the professional working environment in Canada, giving you a leg up for future job applications after graduation.
Studying in Canada has many obvious benefits, but what about after graduation? Graduates from Canada’s education system will find plenty of opportunities for work in Canada. A post-graduate work permit (PGWP) can allow international students to work for up to 3 years after graduation, and many companies offer attractive career packages, including benefits and paid vacation.
Centre for Arts and Technology Welcomes All International Students
We have an incredible, diverse student community with a good mix of domestic and international students. Our caring staff is eager to assist you with any immigration, student visa, or program application questions. This support carries on even after you graduate too! Our Student Success team offers mentoring, coaching, and career support even after completing your program. Our state-of-the-art campus and facilities have everything you’ll need to jump-start your career in arts and technology. We haven’t even mentioned the friends you’ll meet! At CAT, you’ll find your tribe of like-minded people passionate about the same things you are! So, now that you know how awesome it is to study in Canada at Centre for Arts and Technology in Kelowna…what are you waiting for? Apply now, and let’s get you on the path to the career you’ve dreamed of.