Feature

WHY CANADA?

Canadian universities are well known for their range of student support services. From one-on-one help with writing to courses for improving skills in areas such as English or computer proficiency, to specially geared International Student Centres and Student Advisors whatever the area of need, there's likely a tailored program, student club, or support service to help. Canadian institutions are invested in helping make sure their students have everything they need to excel in their studies.

With all the choices for universities out there, why choose Canada?
When it comes to choosing the right university, there are a lot of questions that one must consider.

Questions such as, do I want to stay in my home country or travel abroad? Which institutions do I want to consider? What programmes best fit my academic interests and career goals? What do I need to do to apply? How will I decide where to live? And, finally, will it be worth the cost? At the Canadian University Application Centre, we know the answer to all these questions, and we also have many answers, considering that we have a dozen years of experience advising international students behind us!

What does the CUAC do?
The Canadian University Application Centre, or CUAC, has its own offices located in cities of different countries all over the world. Stretching from Delhi to Dubai, Lagos to Sao Paulo, and Jakarta to right here in Dhaka, the CUAC network has its own trained staff and education professionals to help serve students (and their families) around the globe. In fact, since 1998, a total of 850 Bangladeshis have chosen universities studies in Canada, thanks to CUAC.

Recognized all over the world for its great natural beauty, Canada is home to some of the most beautiful university campuses found anywhere no matter which city or province you choose.

Today, a total of seven Canadian universities and their programmes are CUAC members. They include universities from Canada's west to east coasts: Victoria, Guelph, Windsor, Algoma and Saint Mary's. The CUAC also counsels students for the LLM at York University's Osgoode Hall Law School, and the Master of Management in Logistics and Supply Chain at McGill University.

As a potential international student, coming to a CUAC office means that you will have the chance to ask all your questions about Canadian universities, degree options, and life in Canada in general to professionals who will not only answer such queries, but can often bring forth first-hand knowledge and experiences to help give students a more in-depth understanding of their options. Taking into account each student's individual interests, strengths, and career goals, CUAC staff helps students to narrow down choices and pick the best programmes and institution for them.

But the help doesn't end there! Once the big decisions have been made, CUAC staff also assist students to fill out university application forms, identify and/or gather any necessary documents, apply for a Canadian student visa, and make final arrangements to help ensure the smoothest transition possible to their new lives in Canada. Helping students choose what type of accommodation to obtain, deciding what they should pack (versus what they can get once they've arrived in Canada), and signing up for classes once their courses are set are all things that CUAC does on a regular basis helping to ensure students have all the support and information they need.

“CUAC has been so helpful!” attests new University of Guelph student, Itchya Karki. Originally from Nepal, Itchya says that the first time she applied for a student visa to study in Canada, her application was turned down.

“I had given up,” she explains, “so I was planning to study in India instead. It's only because of the CUAC that I re-applied. They took the time to explain to me that the first time I applied late, and some documents were missing, so my application was rejected. But they encouraged me, and helped me to re-apply…. And I got it!”

Because of the Canadian University Application's strong reputation built over years of dealing with Canadian High Commissions and visa offices worldwide, students who are admitted to a CUAC-member university have over a 90% visa success rate.

Recognized all over the world for its great natural beauty, Canada is home to some of the most beautiful university campuses found anywhere no matter which city or province you choose.

So what's so great about Canadian universities?
For starters, Canadian universities have well earned reputations for quality education. With world-class research facilities, renowned expert faculties, and supportive learning environments, students who choose Canadian universities are guaranteed a top quality academic experience culminating in a degree highly recognized all over the world.

Most CUAC universities have small classes, in-depth tutorials, and a host of one-on-one academic counseling opportunities for students to improve their skills in areas such as writing, computers, mathematics and communications. Each student receives the full attention and support they need to succeed. Canadian professors tend to have an “open door” policy. They invite students to drop by their office for questions or discussions on a regular basis.

In Canada, a university education isn't just “a means to a degree” it's also a stepping-stone to pursuing exciting and fulfilling future career, careers that can start even while students are still at university!

All CUAC universities have plenty of co-operative educational programmes, as well as paid on-campus and off-campus job options. Co-operative, or Co-op, is where students study full time for part of the year, and then work full-time in a placement coordinated by the university and industry. It means great experience and also some extra cash. It's not difficult for international students to gain valuable work experiences as part of their Canadian degree.

The Canadian degree as a pathway to immigration
For many international students, choosing to study and graduate from a Canadian university is part of a plan to settle down in Canada. Canadian work permit, residency and citizenship are a simple step and virtually automatic, once a student graduates from Canada. The Canadian government is concerned to attract skilled and capable young people to work and live in Canada, and the new regulations and laws have made it the best of times to immigrate to Canada. And as a highly multicultural nation, Canada prides itself on its diversity, making it a particularly welcoming home for people from all the corners of the world.

Canada a great bet for your future!
Amidst all the anxiety over jobs, value of money, the economy, and security Canada stands tall as a sound and stable state in this era of volatility. Canada's world-class education system produces world-class graduates, and provides skilled entrepreneurs for high technology, research and development. Canada is a global leader for telecommunication, aerospace and biotechnology.

“I meet parents from all across South Asia and they are always looking for the same thing,” says Mel Broitman, Director of the CUAC. “They look me in the eyes and want an answer to the question to where they can their child for a great education and career, and where they don't have to worry about their security in the present or future. It always feels great to be able to sincerely answer Canada!”

Find out more
To learn more about attending a Canadian university as an international student, you can visit the CUAC website at www.canada123.org or for more personal counseling, drop by the Dhaka-based CUAC office, located in Hosna Centre, Suite 210, 106 Gulshan Avenue, Tel 02.8826445

Additionally, CUAC centre staff will be present on Friday, 5 0November, along with university representatives from all across Canada for the first CUAC education fair in Bangladesh. It will be held at the Ballroom at The Westin Dhaka from 12pm to 8pm.

WHEN: Friday, 5th November - 12pm to 8pm
WHERE: The Westin Dhaka, Ballroom 3, Gulshan 2, Dhaka
We look forward to meeting you soon!
SIDEBARS

GREAT VALUE
Canadian universities offer some of the best value around the globe asking affordable prices for top-quality, world-class education. With all CUAC universities being public institutions, Bachelors programmes are highly subsidized by the government meaning that, even as an international student, your education comes at a much reasonable cost. With tuition fees for one year at a Canadian university ranging between $11,500 $21,500 for a Bachelor's programme, and $22,000 - $28,000 for a Master's programme, the price paid for a top quality education in Canada is of great value, especially when compared to programmes in other countries. Scholarships are also available for students showing strong academic merit.