CANADA
Canada has long held the lead in terms of its high level of prosperity, world-renowned quality education, magnificent natural beauties and the country that immigrants most want to go. If we were to ask people which country would you prefer to live and start a life abroad, the first country that people would most likely say would be Canada. It’s not a spontaneous phenomenon that people have this perception. Since Canada is a country that has successfully integrated immigrants into the country; It is no coincidence that success stories for immigrants are common in the country. Among the most livable cities in the world, you will definitely see Toronto and Vancouver. Canada, which has more income sources in mining, oil and IT, and is constantly developing, will always continue to be the favorite of people who want to start a new career and life. One of the most important features that makes Canada unique is that both English and French are accepted as native languages in the country. In some parts of Canada (for example, Montreal) the majority of the population speaks French.
ECONOMY
The most important income sources of the country; mining, IT, education and service sectors. Canada has the tenth largest economy in the world. Although it has a similar economic structure to America, it has proven its difference in many different fields in the last 20 years. Average annual income per capita is 55,000 CAD. Its rich natural resources have made/placed the country a mineral exporter. By exporting many natural mines, especially oil, gold, timber, to other countries, a serious income is earned for its economy. Canadian dollars are used in the country. 1 CAD : 5.85 TL
Average hourly wages range from 16-45 CAD.
CLIMATE
Canada is similar to seasons in our country because it is located in North America. Summer months are generally hot and short. However, winter is cold and long. Because of a relatively milder climate, Vancouver is preferred rather than Toronto. In terms of temperature, winter starts after the middle of September. The temperature change from winter to summer in the middle – end of April. However, it should not be forgotten that every season has its own beauty.
GOVERNMENT
Canada has a federative form of government exactly like its neighbor America. It consists of 10 states and these states have more autonomy than the federal government. However, these states are accountable to the federal government. The federal government, which has jurisdiction over the country’s foreign affairs, has partial authority to balance income inequality among states in certain matters. It is one of the countries with the least corruption in the world because it has its own and independent institutions.
SECURITY
Canada is one of the safest countries in the world, based on living standards. The police pays utmost attention to maintain this sense of a safe country. It won’t be too much of a problem if you’re out late at night. Try not to take food or drink from people you don’t know. You should never skip the points you need to pay attention to anywhere in the world. A country where people mostly follow the rules is considered safe on average. The low crime rate is another positive phenomenon. As you spend more time in Canada, you will have the opportunity to experience better by observing where and what to do.
ACCOMODATION
Many of our students always have the following questions in their minds: “Where will I stay in the city where I go ? , How will it be ? , Is my host family safe ?” The families selected for accommodation are those that are accredited by the country’s ministry of education and have been carefully selected by a school and have certain conditions. Therefore, you do not need to worry about the safety of the host families. Since the host families have been doing this job professionally for many years, they attach importance to student satisfaction and sensitivity Our students expectations will be met at a high rate since we inform the school about the situations that are important to our students during their stay (not wanting a host family with children, not having a pet, etc.) before they go.
Our students generally prefer homestay accommodation for the first 4 weeks. It is a great opportunity to meet Canadian families and get used to the culture and life of the country where they will be staying for a long time. In the homestay option, the family offers breakfast and dinner to the student. After the end of their accommodation, our students can arrange a room in shared houses. Average room rates will be between 150-250 CAD per week. The distance to the school is between 15-55 minutes. There is a minimum age limit of 16 years.
Dormitory
Dormitory is another accommodation option. Staying in a dormitory can be in a single or a double room. There is usually a bathroom and toilet in the room. Unlike homestay, meals are not included in dormitory accommodation. Students can cook their own meals in the dormitory kitchen. In the dormitory room, the student can share the room with someone else or stay alone. Average dormitory prices are 250-400 CAD per week. It varies according to the location of the dormitory, the student’s choice of stay and the length of stay.
WORKING IN CANADA
Initially, we would like to point out that; unfortunately, you will not have a work permit while taking a language education in Canada. Work permit is a right given only to certificate education, college and university students. In addition, students with a work permit can legally work 20 hours a week. They have the right to work full time during holidays.
Wages are given on an hourly basis. In general, your hourly wages may vary depending on your level of English and your experience. Students generally work in the service sector. If we want to give a simple example of these works; You can think of it as a server, waiter, barista, housekeeper.
You can think of hourly wages between 14-19 CAD.
Food Delivery: 14-16 CAD
Waiter : 14-18 CAD + tip
Barista : 16-19 CAD
Housekeeper : 17-22 CAD
The overtime rate is about 1.5 times the regular hourly wage. If you work on public holidays, you will receive overtime pay.
The easiest way to find a job is to build a good network. Therefore, trying to keep your social environment wide after you go to Canada will benefit you in every sense. To find a job, you have to trust yourself first. Your self-confidence is also very important for your employer who will give you a job opportunity. After presenting your CV organized and understandable, you can upload it on the internet or hand in it in person where you are looking for a job. The most useful thing for you when looking for a job in Canada is to have a Canadian reference on your CV. You can ask people you meet for help in this regard. Especially in the institution where you are studying, your teachers will also help you.
Another job search method is to give one-to-one to places in the service sector (cafes, restaurants, takeaway places) after the CV is prepared. Places in the service sector often make training to the person they will hire. After the training period is over, they make a job offer. Some places pay a fee in the training part, some places pay a fee after hiring. If you receive an offer for training, try to learn the job rather than being paid, and be flexible about it. Imagine that the employer may not want to both teach you the job and pay you. In this regard, you need to be a little more self-sacrificing at first.
In the meantime, some of the educational institutions that provide certification training offer you internship opportunities with or without pay. You can find detailed information about this topic under our Education in Canada section.
LANGUAGE SCHOOLS
Canada is always the first choice of the students who want to take a language course. This situation has been continuing for a long time with an intense demand. Among the most important reasons for this situation;
- Canada has higher quality education
- Affordable living costs
- Hosting many immigrants from around the world
- Relatively more affordable tuition fees
- Canadian dollar is more affordable than other country currencies
- Canadian Accent is one of the easiest to understand
- Students feel free in their education
- Canada’s social structure has a more positive attitude towards immigrants.
- Low population density
- Opportunities offered by the government to the students coming to education in Canada
- High level of well-being
- Low social class difference
Having a unique nature paradise
Language schools are mostly located in Toronto and Vancouver. Students can attend day or evening classes. It gives you flexibility according to the working hours of your job. On average, you receive 20-24 hours of language training per week. However, students can take intensive courses. These intensive courses are usually 30-36 hours per week
One of the most frequently asked questions is; “What level should I start at?’’ or, ‘’How will my level be determined?” Let’s take a look at how the process works. On the first day you attend language school, you will take a placement test. In this case, the schools will also subject you to an in the first day. In this orientation, you will be given detailed information about education and the city. After your level is determined in the placement test, you will be placed in a suitable class.
One of the situations that students are most dissatisfied with is that they cannot start from the level in their own country. For example, a student’s level is Intermadiate, and this student can be at elementary or pre-intermadiate level as a result of the placement test. During the exam, your level is determined by taking into account your speaking, writing, grammar and vocabulary. Nevertheless do not let this demotivate you. If you start training with your real level and also your performance is good, you will have the opportunity to move to the next level earlier, since your teachers are already observing you. You can think of it as an average of 6-8 weeks for each level. English language schools offer you other English course opportunities besides General English. For example, business English, such as IELTS, EAP, Cambridge, TOFEL. You need to be at certain levels for these courses.
CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS
In addition to language education in Canada, it is also possible for students to study in their own professional or business field and gain experience in their careers. Depending on the student’s request, these certificate programs also have the opportunity to do internships related to the department they are studying. This internship can be paid or unpaid.
In order to participate in these certificate programs, English proficiency level must be sufficient. If students do not have language proficiency, it is possible to take language training first and then participate in these programs. If the student’s language level is sufficient, they can start these programs directly. Some schools require IELTS Academic 5.0 from students who want to get started directly. For shorter programs, they may require IELTS Academic 4.0 or 4.5.
I think you got a question 😊 “My language proficiency level is beginner and how much language training should I take to participate in these programs?”
If you need to get 5.0 from IELTS Academic test, you will need to study language for an average of 36-44 weeks. However, if you go to the language schools where you take these certificate programs or to the language school with which they have an agreement, you can attend these programs after language training without taking IELTS exam, if you meet certain conditions.
These certificate programs generally range from 20 weeks to 44 weeks. If the Co-op program is preferred (internship certificate program), the period can be extended up to 2 years.
If we summarize the advantages of certificate programs:
- The training and internship opportunity you will receive in the field of certification will open the doors to work in good companies in terms of your career.
- It will provide you the opportunity to use your English professionally in real business life.
- Canadian work experience and education on your CV will put you ahead of your competitors.
- The opportunity to study and work in a foreign country other than Turkey will change your perspective.
- Working with people from other cultures gives you a wealth of ideas.
- If you want to study at College in Canada after education and internship, you can have your education counted to your courses in a higher education within the pathway.
CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS IN CERTAIN FIELDS |
Digital Marketing Specialist Co-op Diploma |
Hospitality Management Co-op Diploma |
Customer Relationship Specialist Co-op Diploma |
International Business Management Co-op Diploma |
Network and System Solutions Management Co-op Diploma |
Cyber Security Co-op Diploma |
Business Management Co-op Diploma |
Advanced Diploma of Tourism and Hospitality Co-op |
Diploma in Data Analytics Co-op |
Certificate in Business Communications |
Certificate in International Business and Trade Clerk |
Diploma in Supervisory Management |
Diploma in Hospitality Sales & Marketing |
Certificate in Hospitality Skills Co-op |
Certificate in Human Resources |
Health Care Administration Diploma with Co-op |
HEALTH AND HOSPITALS
It is absolutely essential that you have compulsory health insurance to enter Canada, otherwise you may not be admitted to the country. Our student can take out health insurance in Turkey or Canada. While taking out insurance, attention should be paid to the extent of its coverage, and if possible, it should be made from a Canadian health company. The average fee varies between 300 CAD and 900 CAD, depending on the duration. If you have health insurance, you can benefit from hospitals free of charge (except for eye, dental and aesthetics). For simple diseases, instead of going to hospitals, you can go to private clinics for examination. You will have to pay for it, but then you will have the chance to send it to your insurance company along with the invoices and get some of it back.
Although the Canadian healthcare system is developed, its accessibility is not easier compared to our country. The long waiting time should always be considered.
Canadian healthcare is a modern, widespread and high-quality type of service. Healthcare in Canada can be costly, as not all healthcare is covered by the government. The fee to be paid for a student can be very high. Therefore, we would like to underline once again the importance of health insurance.
CULTURE, LIFE AND ENGLISH
Canada has always been one of the most livable places in the world. Canada has one of the lowest population density in the world according to its surface area and where social welfare and peace are provided under high conditions, The culture you are accustomed to in Turkey may force you to get used to and adapt in the first place. At first, observe people. People will attach great importance to each other. They stand in line at the bank or bus station. Remember that you will stay for a long time in a place where you are unfamiliar with language and culture, and the sooner you adapt to where you live, the better you will learn the language and culture. You have to be respectful to people. Don’t be surprised when people you don’t know greet you when you get on a bus or while walking on the road J. At the bank, convenience store, gas station, and almost everywhere, people greet each other and ask about their day. You have to get used to it. In general, people love to chat and parabolise (in a positive way). Don’t be afraid to talk even if your English is not good. Because people know that you came here to learn language and they will try to understand you. If you encounter a police while driving or anywhere, try to help him. If you are in a difficult situation, the police will help you in every way possible. Remember, in the country, the police also take on the duty of the prosecutor. One of the things you should never do is drink and driving. The sanctions will be very severe and you will find yourself in court as a result J.
LANGUAGE
Another shock you might encounter would be Canadian accents. The accent is much closer to American accent. Canadians prefer to shorten some words when using English. As your level progresses over time, learning the abbreviations (slang language) they use will make you feel better.If you have no idea how, let’s try to explain with a few examples below J
SHOPPING
There are many different alternatives for shopping in Canada. 60-80 CAD per week will be enough for grocery. In addition to chain markets, you will also have the chance to benefit from local small markets and bazaars.