Home Study in Canada / Canadian Studies Study in Canada American Students in Canada

Profiles of American Students in Canada

"The first and most obvious reason that I chose U of T over American schools is because of the guaranteed funding, [and] ... the tuition [in Canada] ... remains a mere fraction of the cost of even public schools in the US. The fact that U of T has a larger graduate student body than any US school is impressive to me; it shows me that the U of T is dedicated to research and professions in academia. Also, knowing that I wanted to become involved in the ethnic minority community, I feel that I made the right choice to come to a city where multiculturalism is the norm."

Merose Hwang, San Francisco, CA. University of Toronto
Second-Year PhD Student; Korean Contemporary Religious History

"I chose Dalhousie University because it is [neither] a tiny [nor a] humongous [university]. It is big enough to give students enough space. Also, it is located in the province's capital [of Halifax] which makes for a more mixing of people and lots of fun. I enjoy studying in Canada because it is a new place [that] provides new experiences. But, at the same time, Canada and the United States are not so different as to impose a complete culture shock upon arrival."

Ritu Malhotra, Burke, VA. Dalhousie University
Second-Year Undergraduate Student; Advanced Major in English

"I wanted to go to [school] somewhere different and [tuition in] Canada was a lot cheaper [than in the United States]. I love it here and am having a blast. I think you get a better education in Canada. The curriculum is more in depth ...[and] the culture is a little different [to that of the United States]."

Benjamin Orton, Dover-Foxcroft, ME. University of Ottawa
Second-Year Undergraduate Student; Administration

"I chose to come to Canada for exposure to a new place [and] culture. Academically, [the University of Ottawa] offers a good education [which] I have found [to be] more intensive [than in the United States]. I think more Americans should leave their home and see the world. Go to Canada to see what our neighbors are like."

Nathan Daniel, Dixhills, NY. University of Ottawa
First-Year Undergraduate Student; Biology

"I chose to study in Canada because [tuition] is much cheaper ... [and] the courses are more focussed on my major than the core classes in America. I would definitely recommend studying in Canada. I don't know why more Americans don't consider it."

Megan McGrath, Doyles Town, PA. University of Ottawa
First-Year Undergraduate Student; Arts

"I decided to study in Canada for more world experience. I decided to come to the University of Ottawa because I liked the bilingualism, ... the size, and the reputation [of the school]. There is a lot to learn by studying in Canada; it gives you a different point of view [while] you get to see the world."

John Klenk, Spring City, PA. University of Ottawa
Third-Year Undergraduate Student; Geography

"I chose to continue my studies in Canada because the cost of education is much lower [than in the United States]. The University of Ottawa is well known in Canada ... [and provides an] ... atmosphere that is very warm and friendly, [while giving] you a quality [education] equal to the US for a lower price."

Divya Kamboh, New York, NY. University of Ottawa
Fourth-Year Undergraduate Student; Finance

"Playing for the Windsor Spitfires [hockey team] and looking to further my education, [I found that] the University of Windsor offered me the opportunity to play hockey and study in a very comfortable atmosphere. The small class sizes and closeness with the professors, along with the great athletic atmosphere of the University of Windsor, make the experiences lifelong memories."

Kevin Hansen, Buffalo, NY. University of Windsor
Second-Year Undergraduate Student; Communication Studies

"I decided to study in Canada because I wanted to try something different while staying close to the northeastern United States. Studying in Canada is very financially attractive as four years of education costs about the same as one year in an American private college. Also, McGill University has a great reputation and I [did not hear] a bad word about it while I was seeking a place to study."

Anna Taranko, Westport, CT. McGill University
First-Year Undergraduate Student; Biology

"By choosing to complete my undergraduate degree in Canada I feel as though I have been able to receive not only an excellent academic eduacation in Montreal, but an enriched life experience as well. The many offerings of a large urban university in a vibrant city allows its students and citizens to take advantage of a variety of interest areas. The make-up of a diverse, intelligent and dedicated study body creates a nurturing learning environment. As an American, I have felt that my time in Canada has given me a valuable perspective on the world as a global community which extends far outside the United States."

Siena Fleischer, Keene, NH. McGill University, Montréal, Québec
Fourth-Year Undergraduate Student; Latin American and Caribbean Studies and Anthropology

"I looked at other business programs in the US but none had a strong international focus [like the University of Victoria does]. A lot of American students are under the false impression that if you graduate from a Canadian university it will be more difficult to enter the US job market. In my experience, the opposite was true. Because I had studied in Canada, employers were more interested in interviewing me."

Don Fairman, Detroit, MI. University of Victoria
Fourth-Year Undergraduate Student; Commerce

"I wanted to live outside the States for a while ... and Canada offers a nearby alternative to studying further abroad. In terms of diversity, McGill far outshines any American school I examined. The expanse of extracurricular activities also provides every single student with a chance to do something worthwhile outside the classroom. [Montreal] is the perfect student city: relatively inexpensive, friendly, tolerant, open-minded [and] is definitely the most cosmopolitan, European city in North America. ... Campus life cannot be severed from the city life [and] McGill and Montreal enhance each other ..."

Dror Yuravlivker, Washington, DC. McGill University
Third-Year Undergraduate Student; Triple Honours in Political Science, Economics and History

"While studying abroad in Canada, I've gained an extremely interesting and provocative perspective regarding Communication and Culture in North America. Furthermore, Toronto is a fantastically diverse place where one can take advantage of the many academic and cultural institutions and media outlets that exist within the city."

Jennie Scheer, Easton, PA. Ryerson and York Universities, Toronto, Ontario
Second-Year Graduate Student; Joint Graduate Programme in Communication and Culture

"I chose York for its bilingual Glendon College. I'm becoming bilingual without actually majoring in French, enabling me to have a much broader academic experience. The student body is also very multicultural. I've met people from all over the world at Glendon. Another reason I chose York is the opportunity to study in the city of Toronto. There's always something to do here no matter what your interests, and the city is quite friendly and easy to get around in. Most importantly, I feel that as a US citizen studying in Canada I am gaining perspectives I wouldn't have from studying at home. I feel that studying in Canada will give me greater assets when I return to the US and hopefully attend law school and work for the government. I would encourage US students looking at college to consider studying in Canada, and especially in Toronto. It's an experience incomparable to any other."

Emily Gould, Eugene, OR. York University, Toronto, Ontario
First-Year Undergraduate Student; International Studies

15)="I decided to study in Canada because universities here are less expensive than they are at home, and because I wanted to experience a different culture. I chose Mount Allison because it offers wonderful programs and a friendly atmosphere for a price that is uncomparable to any university in the States. I am really glad that I decided to come here. It has allowed me to see the world, and get to know our neighbour to the North which many of us never hear about. [...] There are many things I like about Canada. I like Canada's peace keeping status in the world, how people are more friendly and open, how people are very considerate of others, and a multitude of other things. [...] I have not attended a college in the US so I'm not sure how to compare it, but I think [my education at Mt Allison] would probably be of an equal or greater value. I'm in another country which is an experience in and of itself, and with the amount of Rhodes Scholars the university has had, I would say a degree from Mt. A could easily usurp many of the degrees I would have gotten at home. [...] This has been one of the best decisions of my life."

Ginny Wilmhoff, Lebanon, OH. Mount Allison University, Sackville, New Brunswick
First-Year Undergraduate Student; History

"I chose to come to Canada because I found that the level of French language instruction was drastically higher in a bilingual Canadian University that in the States. I have enjoyed my time here immensely. I encourage my fellow students to experience another country that is similar enough to be familiar but different enough to be exciting and new."

Denise Spurgeon, Lexington, OH. Laurentian University (Université Laurentienne), Sudbury, Ontario
Fourth-Year Undergraduate Student; French/English translation program

"Studying in Canada has given me greater flexibility in the courses I can choose to take as well as an affordable education."

Nicole Belisle, Westland MI. Brandon University, Brandon, Manitoba
Second-Year Undergraduate Student; Geography

"The decision to go to school in a different country was an incredibly difficult one... [especially with] such factors as distance from home, climate, and myths about those 'crazy Canadians' ... There were many positive influences as well. When one compares the cost of a university education in Canada with one in the US, there is a clear difference. Combine that with a strong American dollar, and a Canadian education becomes very affordable. Also, there is the invaluable experience that is gained from attending school in a foreign country. My decision to come to St Francis Xavier was the right one. Although far from home, St Francis Xavier became my home almost immediately. I made many friends on the first day. It is impossible to walk to class, go to dinner, or walk down Main St., without seeing a string of friends."

Andrew Curry, Medfield, MA. Saint Francis Xavier University, Antigonish, Nova Scotia
Second-Year Undergraduate Student; Business Administration

"I chose to attend Université Laval in Québec City because it offers an excellent Modern Languages Program, and I wanted to live and study among a society diverse from my own. In Canada, I am not faced with the high costs of tuition or housing like ... in the US. At Laval, one has the opportunity to take beginning, intermediate or advanced level French courses in order to gain a better understanding of the language, and in total immersion since Laval is solely a French University, located in a French-speaking province. In addition, there are many international students attending Université Laval, and becoming acquainted with their cultures is in itself enlightening. By studying at Université Laval, one will obtain many positive and unforgettable experiences..."

Katherine Begey, Dallas TX. Université Laval, Québec, Québec
Third-Year Undergraduate Student; Modern Languages (English as a second language)

"J'ai choisi d'étudier à l'Université Laval parce que j'ai voulu améliorer mon français et vivre dans un milieu francophone. Je trouve que la culture, l'histoire, et la littérature du Québec sont très intéressantes, et je suis contente d'avoir choisi y étudier.

I chose to study at l'Université Laval because I wanted to improve my French and live in a Francophone environment. I've found that the culture, history and literature of Québec are very interesting and I'm glad that I chose to study here."

Arete Moodey, Erie, PA. Université Laval, Québec, Québec
Étudiant de première année; Français langue seconde
First-Year Undergraduate Student; French as a second language

"I looked to Canada for my post-secondary education because of the high quality of education and the exchange rate... During my stay in Canada, I have been impressed by.... the friendliness of the people. [Canadians are] more community based, instead of the me, me, me that we Americans tend to get sometimes. [Canada has] more of a socialist society that an outsider can feel apart of. I was also impressed by the quality of education, administration, and faculty... I know that I'm getting the best bang for my buck (as we Americans like to say!) ... I definitely think that I'm getting not only a better education than at most US universities, but also some of the best education in the world. I really don't know how much of reputation Mt. A. has outside Canada, but I do know that the university has taken a very active part in ensuring that it becomes one of the most sought after universities not only in Canada, but in the world. To me that is more important than a snobbish ivy league college. ... I never knew what wonderful, world leading, institutions you have [in Canada]."

Josh McNeely, Indiana. Mount Allison University, Sackville, New Brunswick
First-Year Undergraduate Student; Biology and Chemistry

"I chose to go to school at Mt. Allison because it is an exceptionally good school in an interesting place for a reasonable price... and I have always been fond of Canada. I have been very impressed by the people here... I can't believe how positive all the townspeople feel about the students. They smile, wave, stop even if you're not at a crosswalk and are generally supportive. [Even] the bank tellers ask me how mid-terms are going! [Furthermore] I am amazed by how open and friendly the students and faculty are. My classes are extremely interesting and my profs are very obliging. I've gone to office hours several times, and even asked to schedule special office hours over the weekend with no problems. ... Mount Allison makes me feel like an individual. The administration is far better than anyone in my family/friends circle has experienced, and the classes are actively entertaining. [...] To get an equivalent degree in the States, I think I would have had to spend four times as much money. And, after visiting Mt. Allison, even if money had been no object, I still think I would have come here... I'm very happy here."

Stephanie Bahr, St. Louis MO. Mount Allison University, Sackville, New Brunswick
First-Year Undergraduate Student; Arts