Canada is a country of natural beauty from coast to coast - with endless landscapes of mountains, lakes, rivers, forests and plains. This really is the great outdoors. Canada is the second largest country in the world, spanning six time zones. Extending from the Atlantic to the Pacific, and penetrating deep into the Arctic, Canada is an explorer's paradise. In the north lies most of this beauty, largely uninhabited and unspoiled. The Niagra Falls are magnificent, as are the Great Lakes, whilst Banff and Jasper National Parks offer exquisite scenery of glaciers, peaks and fluorescent blue lakes.

During your timestudying abroad in Canada you will most likely be based in one of the cities close to the American border - cities which embrace multiculturism like no other. British and French cultures penetrate the nation, culminating in two official languages, whilst a cauldron of other nationalities can be seen and heard: Indian, Dutch, Chinese, Spanish and Polish, to name but a few. Toronto exhibits this blend better than anywhere:its vibrant summer festivals and love for music will surely entice you. It is also Canada's business centre and the largest city in the country.

Education overview

Canada boasts 10 universitiesin the QS World University Rankings Top 200 Universities, demonstrating thelevel of quality and reputation in the country's higher education system.

Additionally,the countryboasts a range of other post-secondary school education institutions, known as colleges, university colleges, institutes of technology and advanced learning, community colleges and colleges of applied arts and technology - many of which are able to grant degree-level qualifications.

Canada's top institutes are more commonly referred to as the The Group of Thirteen:

- Alberta

- British Columbia

- Laval

- McGill

- McMaster

- Montreal

- Queen's

- Toronto

- Waterloo

- Western Ontario

- University of Calgary

- Dalhousie University

- University of Ottawa

As one of the largest systems of higher education in the world, Canada has an extremely robust quality assurance and accreditation process ensuring that degree-level studies are recognized internationally.Undergraduate scholarships are available to offset some of the costs of studying in Canada.
Canadian Immigration
To study in Canada international students will require a Study Visa. This type of visa will provide you with the full benefits of Canadian Immigration on a short-term basis. In addition to being allowed to study in Canada other benefits include being permitted to work on the campus of the educational institute you're studying. In order to be eligible to study in Canada you will need an acceptance letter, proof that you have sufficient funds to pay fees and live near the university, demonstrate you intend to return home on completion and you may also be required to pass a medical examination.

For more information on financing your studies as an international student, check out Top Universities' what, where and how of student finance.
Pros and Cons

Good choice of institutions and programs Reasonable tuition and living fees Opportunities to stay after graduating Well regarded quality of education	Smaller number of world famous universities Differences in the structure of degree programs between the provinces

International student accommodation
Ever more common in Canada are home-stays. These are a great way to improve your French and English, and also a good way to learn about the country.Universities in Canada will often arrange these for you and will try to match you with a family sharing similar interests.This type of accommodation is very affordable and the cost will also include your meals.

University campus accommodation is also common, with varied, but usually more than adequate amenities. The private sector is much more expensive, especially when it comes to renting houses. However, slightly more affordable options include suites, self-contained apartments with kitchen and bathroom based within a larger unit, or typical apartments, which if shared may be within your budget. Click here for more information, tips and advice on international student accommodation and university housing.
Weather/Climate
Largely temperate with four distinct seasons, Canada's climate adds tothe country'sattraction. Winter grips the whole country, with the ski season enabling enthusiasts to take to the slopes from December through to April. Expect snow all year round. Flowers blossom in spring, while the summer can be very warm and extend to October similar in temperature to the US. Autumn is perhaps the most picturesque, withspectacular colours, especially in the east of the country.
Transport
Large distances between towns are made all the more manageable by an excellent transport network. Cities are also equipped with good public transport. Air travel may be the most efficient choice if large distances are involved, with Air Canada and its affiliates connecting destinations throughout the country.

Canada is famous for its luxurious and dramatic train journeys. You will be hard pushed to find more impressive scenes as you pass from one end of the country to the other, taking in the snow capped peaks of the Rockies, to the evergreen horizons of the forest, to the abundant and tranquil wildlife you will pass on the way.

Buses are the main form of public transport in most cities, but trains and trams are also common. The major hubs including Vancouver and Toronto have modern and affordable metro services.
Cost*

Item	Price
litre of petrol	C$0.90
movie ticket	C$9.00
souvenir t-shirt	C$10.00
litre of bottled water	C$0.90
newspaper	C$1.00
litre of milk	C$1.40
cup of coffee and donut	C$2.00
roll of 36 exposure print film	C$6.50
t-bone steak per kg	C$22.00

*WorldGuide Index from Lonely Planet
Useful info
Dialing code: 1 Currency: Canadian Dollar (C$) Time zone:GMT/UTC -7, GMT/UTC -6 (), GMT/UTC -5 (), GMT/UTC -4 (), GMT/UTC -3.5 (), GMT/UTC -8 ()
Famous Canadians
Singers and Actors:

- Celine Dion, Alanis Morissette, Joni Mitchell, Avril Lavigne, Pamela Anderson

- Bryan Adams, Keanu Reeves, Jim Carrey, Dan Aykroyd