One of the first things to consider when starting your Canadian planning is deciding which city you will choose to live and study in.
This guide will help you analyze some concepts to make the best decision. And if you still have questions at the end, CanCampus Canada will be available to clarify them for you.
Language: English, French, or both?
Canada is a country where English and French are official languages. However, French is officially the first language only in Quebec. The only bilingual province is New Brunswick; the others have English as their official language.
What motivates you?
In terms of safety, health, and access to consumer goods, all Canadian cities are planned to ensure a minimum level of well-being.
What you need to keep in mind is the lifestyle that motivates you so that you can make a more informed choice in your planning.
- Do you prefer small towns or big cities?
- Do you prefer a vibrant nightlife or a more peaceful one?
- To have a healthier or more cosmopolitan lifestyle?
- Is public transportation a necessity, or do you want to combine transportation with physical exercise?
- Do you enjoy a bustling cultural life? Lots of shows, museums, events, something new to experience every day, or do you prefer the beauty of contemplating the moment, the tranquility, and contact with nature?
Reflecting on these questions will certainly help you define not only the city, but also the Canadian experience you want to have.
And the costs?
When we think about the cost of living, there are two points that should be considered and put on paper: objective costs and subjective costs.
Objective costs are easy to measure, such as: How much is the rent? Are the cheapest rents in areas further from the city center? What is the cost of transportation if I don't live near work or university? And if I live far away? Is the cost of food and grocery shopping cheap or expensive?
In short, the analysis of objective costs is what you can measure with the information you find on rental websites, telephone companies, electricity companies, among others, and which allows you to calculate the basic cost of living.
For the analysis of subjective costs, these are the costs aligned with your lifestyle and what you wish to incur; they should be considered to ensure you have the best possible experience in Canada. These costs go beyond the basics, encompassing your experiences and how important they are to you.
Employability and Salary
Is it easy to find a job in my field, whether it's in the course I'm going to study or in the one I already have experience in?
Knowing how to analyze the employability of the city you wish to live in is as important as defining your costs, since many cities offer unique experiences, but at an extremely high price and low salaries.
Therefore, find out how many jobs there are in your area of interest, what the average salary paid to professionals is, and analyze this in relation to your costs to get another "yes" in the city of your dreams.
Temperature and Climate
No, Canada is not cold and frozen all year round, and the temperature and climate are something you might consider.
In the summer, some cities reach temperatures exceeding 40ºC, where you can enjoy the beach, a swimming pool, a picnic in the park, or a public event. Others, however, have a cooler climate that allows for other attractions, such as sports and cultural festivals.
In winter, some cities are extremely well-prepared for the cold and host a wide variety of events to take advantage of the snow and the temperature. Others are extremely cold, while some hardly ever snow.
Finding out more about the climate and temperatures in the cities you're interested in will allow you to understand a little about what your experience will be like and whether you'll be able to adapt well to the climatic variations that exist in Canada. However, one thing is certain: be prepared to experience four seasons, as each season has its own beauty and will offer you unique landscapes!
CanCampus Canada Support
Going to a city without any idea of what your life will be like at the beginning is completely different from leaving Brazil with all the relevant information for your plan in Canada.
And this is the key difference you should consider, regardless of which city is on your map: have the support of... CanCampus Canada!
Count on us to help you plan your trip to Canada and get ready for the most memorable experience of your life.
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