Navigating the bounty of rules and paperwork necessary for a post-secondary education can be a huge task for anyone.
So just imagine trying to get into the right Canadian college or university from overseas.
The International Student Expo hopes to alleviate some of the obstacles faced by potential students who may be daunted by the process of applying to study in Canada.
“Canada has a huge international student population that needs special requirements,” says Maria Clara Tamayo, one of the expo co-ordinators. “So we decided to create an opportunity for these students — and for new immigrants — to meet the right people who can guide them and give them the advice they need.”
This year’s program will be held in both Toronto and Vancouver, and will feature university and college representatives from over 40 schools and seven provinces.
In addition, government delegates will be on hand to answer questions about visa applications, immigration requirements, and the resources available to incoming international students.
“The biggest advantage of the expo is that students will be able to compare all the schools participating in one place, instead of looking on the Internet or maybe only getting to visit a small handful of universities,” says Tamayo.
“Also, these students can see options from all over Canada. So maybe if they were in Toronto, they were only thinking of studying in Toronto, but with representatives from other provinces, they may discover the desire to study elsewhere.”
Expo
- The International Student Expo 2010 runs from November 11 to 12 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m.
- Admission is free by pre-registering at istudentexpo.ca.
Questions answered
This year’s Expo offers more than making the right connections. Participants are encouraged to attend a series of 40-minute seminars offered by various provinces, institutions and service providers. Some of the key questions that will be answered include:
- What are the different types of courses and degrees available?
- What is the difference between a Canadian college and university?
- How much will it cost to study in Canada and how much should I budget for expenses?
- Are there any scholarships or loans available?
- Which is the right university or college for me?
