Did you know you could study in Canada and earn a degree that is recognized around the world? You can get a quality education in Canada for less than you would in other English-speaking countries such as the USA, the UK, Australia and New Zealand.

In August 2007, Helen Hughes of Chichester, England, moved from the UK to study at the University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) in British Columbia, Canada. “I have absolutely no regrets,” she says. “The small class sizes and the availability of faculty made for a great academic experience.”

Checking it out

Before she decided to attend university in Canada, Helen checked the Globe and Mail rankings.  In Canada, for the last nine years, the Globe and Mail, a prestigious Canadian newspaper, has surveyed 20,000 undergraduate students to rank universities. The survey results cover everything from class size, to teaching, to student satisfaction.

“I checked the rankings, visited websites and short-listed three schools,” she says. “Then I asked members of a local online forum to give me feedback on my choices and help me select the best.”

Helen had no trouble securing admission at UFV, the top university on her short list. “Within a few months, I had my study permit and was ready to come to Canada,” she says.

Living in Canada

Soon after she arrived at UFV, Helen found a house to share with four other girls. “We developed a real sense of community,” she recalls. “It was like having a surrogate family.” The girls shared rent and groceries.

“The cost of living is cheaper in British Columbia,” Helen notes. As a UFV student, she could buy a discounted transit pass, so she chose to ride the bus to school. “I cannot say I didn’t miss the car I left behind in England,” she says, “but it’s healthier to walk and ride the bus, so overall I think it was good for me!”

Working to help with costs

To supplement her savings, Helen took advantage of the work-study options available to international students in Canada:  During her first semester, she found a position on campus as an assistant for institutional research. Later, she signed up for the co-op program, which allowed her to alternate semesters of study with paid work experience in her field.

Helen graduated from the co-op program with a business administration diploma this June. “My co-op placements gave me the chance to explore my career options to find out what type of work suits me best,” says the new graduate. “It took me longer to finish my diploma, but it worked really well. I found a career I enjoy, where I get to organize and host events.”

UFV and you

Is studying in Canada an option for you too? Apply by February 1 to gain admission at UFV for Summer 2012.