O CanadaO Canada

The Canadian Expert?The Canadian Expert?

• Born and raised outside of Toronto, Ontario, Canada (Kitchener-Waterloo).

• Played some ice hockey as a kid.• Undergraduate degree from the University of

Guelph (Ontario).• Graduate degree from the University of

Toronto (Ontario).• I love maple syrup.

Kitchener-Waterloo

University of Waterloo Wilfrid Laurier University

Guelph

University of Guelph

Toronto

University of Toronto York University

Top 10 Reasons to Top 10 Reasons to go to University in go to University in

CanadaCanada

#10#10

Canada the BeautifulCanada the Beautiful

• The expanse of Canada's natural beauty, from mountains and glaciers to secluded lakes and forests, is almost unparalleled worldwide.

• There are 41 National Parks• Canada has cosmopolitan cities that are clean,

safe, friendly and multicultural. • In fact, Canada repeatedly is lauded as one of

the world's most livable countries.

Vancouver, British ColumbiaVancouver, British Columbia

Lake Louise, AlbertaLake Louise, Alberta

Toronto, OntarioToronto, Ontario

Quebec City, QuebecQuebec City, Quebec

Cabot Trail, New BrunswickCabot Trail, New Brunswick

#9#9

High Standard of Living - CountryHigh Standard of Living - Country

• Since 1992 (almost 20 years), the U.N. has consistently ranked Canada in the top 8 of all countries in the world in their annual Human Development Report (education being one of the analyzed factors). Currently – 6th

• Except for a few years (since 1992), Canada has been ranked no lower than 4th in the world

• Canada was ranked Number 1 for 9 years.

High Standard of Living - CityHigh Standard of Living - City

• 2010 Mercer Survey – Vancouver ranked 4th in the world in their Quality of Living index (Ottawa 14th, Toronto 16th, Montreal 21st, Calgary 28th -all ahead of the first U.S. city in the ranking - Honolulu 31st)

• 2010 Mercer Survey – Calgary ranked 1st in the world in their Eco-city index (Ottawa 3rd, Montreal 13th, Vancouver 13th, Toronto 39th).

#8#8

A Bilingual NationA Bilingual Nation

• Canada has two official languages: English and French.

• You have the opportunity to study in either of Canada’s official languages (English and French) or at a bilingual university.

#7#7

The WeatherThe Weather

• Range of weather with distinct seasons• The reality is that where most universities are

located, we have very comfortable summers and reasonable winters

• Some areas...the winter can be a bit harsh.• Winter really can be a beautiful and enjoyable

time of year (skiing and snowboarding)• The weather is part of the cultural experience

Toronto vs. Vancouver,Toronto vs. Vancouver,

Winnipeg, CanadaWinnipeg, Canada

#6#6

Co-op (& Study-Abroad) ProgramsCo-op (& Study-Abroad) Programs

• Universities in Canada pride themselves in the abundance and variety of co-op placements they provide.

• Excellent opportunity to gain real world experience.

• University of Waterloo (Waterloo, Ontario) – largest co-op placement in the world with over 14,000 students enrolled/over 3,500 active employers

#5#5

Working in Canada (while in Working in Canada (while in University)?University)?

• Up to 20 hours/week for international students

• On-campus opportunities (personal experience)

• Summer jobs• Up to three 3 Years post graduation (*see next

slide)

Work in Canada after GraduationWork in Canada after Graduation

• The Post-Graduate Work Permit Program allows students who have graduated from a post-secondary institution to gain valuable work experience.

• If you study in Canada for more than 2 years, you are eligible for a work permit for up to 3 years (no real restrictions on the type of work).

• Citizenship and Immigration Canadawww.cic.gc.ca

Permanent Residence in CanadaPermanent Residence in Canada

• If you are a foreign student who graduated in Canada, you can apply to stay in Canada as a permanent resident under the Canadian Experience (Economic) Class qualification.

• An easier process in Canada overall than in the U.S. (the processing time is about 10 months compared to 5 years in U.S.).

• Citizenship and Immigration Canadawww.cic.gc.ca

#4#4

Continue to Make Yourself UniqueContinue to Make Yourself Unique

• For those hesitant about what companies might think about a “Canadian” degree…

How do you think this looks in the eyes of a global minded company?

• Your unique cultural background• HS degree from International School in Manila• Undergraduate degree from Canada AND…• Graduate degree from the U.S.

#3#3

Save Money $$$Save Money $$$

• In a 2003 survey compiled by the Association of Commonwealth Universities, Canada offered the lowest tuition rates for foreign students compared to the U.K., Australia and New Zealand.

• Fees in U.S. public universities were almost 1/3 higher than fees for Bachelor degrees in Canada (U.S. private fees were almost double).

Canadian International TuitionCanadian International Tuition

$$* Not including accommodations

Save Money $$$ - Conversion?Save Money $$$ - Conversion?

• British Columbia (CDN 9,750 - 19,350)

• U.S. Dollar = USD 9,708.30 - 19,300.92• Philippine Peso = PHP 427,874.19 - 850,792.84• Japanese Yen = JPY 796,902.80 - 1,583,970.47 • Korean Won = KRW 10,846,614.23 - 21,572,177.53

*As of January 30, 2011

2010-2011 Fees (Arts and Humanities)2010-2011 Fees (Arts and Humanities)• Newfoundland and Labrador • Memorial University of Newfoundland $2,550 $8,800• Prince Edward Island • University of Prince Edward Island $4,860 $10,034• Nova Scotia • Acadia University $5,369 - $6,391 $12,939• New Brunswick • Mount Allison University $6,720 $14,112• Quebec • McGill University $2,068 - $5,668 $14,462 - $16,160• Ontario • University of Toronto $5,141 - $8,140 $20,420 - $23,478• Manitoba • Brandon University $2,995 - $3,182 $5,990 - $6,364• Saskatchewan • University of Saskatchewan $4,730 - $4,749 $12,298 - $12,347• Alberta • University of Alberta $5,177 $17,995• British Columbia • The University of British Columbia $4,518 $20,457 - $21,118

InternationalDomestic

#2#2

Our Global VillageOur Global Village

• Canada ranks among the most multicultural nations in the world.

• Our ISM students are living in a multi-cultural “bubble”….nice fit with Canada

• 1 of 3 Canadians has an ethnic background other than English, French or Aboriginal.

• As a result, regardless of ethnic origin, students feel at home in our diverse communities and campuses.

#1#1

Top Quality ProgramsTop Quality Programs

• Canadian universities are noted for offering the highest quality of education.

• A Canadian degree is recognized globally as being equivalent to degrees from the United States and Commonwealth countries.

ff

Other World RankingsOther World Rankings

• University of Toronto - #17• University of British

Columbia - #30• McGill University - #35• McMaster University - #93• University of Alberta - #127

Top SecretTop Secret

Bonus!Bonus!

Canadian University 101Canadian University 101

Some BackgroundSome Background

• 95 universities (more than 4,000 in the U.S.)

• Canadian universities receive a great deal of public funds and so their programs, particularly at the undergraduate level, are quite uniform in quality.

• University definition• College (community) definition

Where are these universities?Where are these universities?

Classification of Universities3 types

Medical /Research Universities

• Wide range of program offerings including medical schools

• Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD/Doctorate degrees

Examples…

University of Toronto McGill UniversityUniversity of Calgary Dalhousie UniversityUniversity of Saskatchewan McMaster UniversityUniversity of Western Ontario University of AlbertaUBC

Comprehensive Universities

• Wide range of program offerings, research activity and some professional degrees

• “Medium” sizedExamples…

University of Victoria York UniversityUniversity of WaterlooUniversity of Guelph Simon Fraser University

Primarily Undergraduate Universities

• Smaller student populations• History and tradition• A wide range of program options but fewer

graduate options• Largely focused on undergraduate programsExamples…

EduNova Consortium (University of King’s College; Acadia University; Saint Mary’s University; Cape Breton University…)Wilfrid Laurier UniversityTrent University

What about the IB?What about the IB?

• “We find the IB Diploma to be very good preparation as it requires breadth of study, development of primary research, critical reading and writing knowledge skills, as well as involvement in creative/cultural arts, sports and volunteer service.”

• McGill University Admissions

The Application ProcessThe Application Process

• All applications are available online• Ontario University Application Center (OUAC)

for Ontario • Post Secondary Application Service for B.C.• Apply Alberta for Alberta• Apply directly to any other university• Application Deadlines (varies) – January to March• Acceptances - February to May

Ontario Universities

What are Canadian Universities What are Canadian Universities looking for?looking for?

• “Good students”• Strong grades with the appropriates pre-

requisite HS courses• Less emphasis on extra-curricular activities in

terms of the application (important but not to the degree it is for U.S. colleges).

• “Officially” no quotas for international students and their citizenship/immigration status has no impact on admission

Documents?Documents?

Generally Required• Online Application• Transcript (including 1st

semester of senior year)• Predicted IB grades• TOEFL/IELTS score (depends

on the # of years of study in English speaking curriculum schools)

Generally Not Required• SAT/ACT scores (except for

non IBDiploma students)• Reference Letters• Essays (usually some short

answer instead)• Information about extra-

curricular activities

McGill University - RequiredMcGill University - Required

• Official Transcript• High School Profile and Counselor recommendation• Predicted IB Diploma or Certificate marks• If you have strong SAT results, send them as well• If you attended ISM for less than 4 academic years,

you may need proof of your English proficiency (depends on the previous school)

• Additional requirements based on department (Architecture requires a portfolio)

McGill University – Not normally McGill University – Not normally RequiredRequired

• Personal Essays (unless applying for Major merit-based scholarship consideration)

• Teacher references (unless applying for Music Major merit-based scholarship consideration)

• In person interview (audition for B. Music degree)• List of extra curricular activities, positions held or

resume

Other Admission InformationOther Admission Information

IB Diploma• Canadian universities will put some emphasis on

the first term of your senior year during the admission process – not only this term though

• Many programs will grant transfer credit for HL subjects with a strong final grade (normally 5 or better). Some (but not many) may grant advanced standing for excellent SL subject scores.

How to Start Researching?How to Start Researching?

• 95 universities (university websites – “Admissions” or “International Admissions”– Contact admissions

• Naviance (Scattergrams feature)• MacLean’s Magazine Ranking (as one

perspective)• Actual University Visits– Stop in at admissions

University WebsitesUniversity Websites

Scattergrams (Naviance)

College ToursCollege Tours (www.tscollegetours.com) (www.tscollegetours.com)

College ToursCollege Tours (www.college-visits.com) (www.college-visits.com)

ResourcesResources

ResourcesResources

Useful WebsitesUseful Websites• www.studycanada.ca • www.aucc.ca/• www.studyincanada.com • www.uc411.com• www.scholarshipscanada.com• www.canadian-universities.net• www.ibo.org/ibo/index.cfm/en/ibo/services/universities • www.ouac.on.ca/ • www.ets.org/toefl/• www.cic.gc.ca• www.cicic.ca • www.canlearn.ca• www.macleans.ca/universities• www.iefa.org

For Future ReferenceFor Future Reference

• Doug McQueen• Grade 9/10 HS Counselor (Surnames A-Lh)• mcqueend@ismanila.org

• Curt Nichols (HS Guidance Dept. Head)• Grade 11/12 HS Counselor (Surnames J-N)• nicholsc@ismanila.org

Thank you