Benefits of Moving to Toronto as an International Student
Being an international student is a big challenge as one needs to step outside their comfort zone. Young people must choose a country of their study destination very carefully to make this challenge worthwhile. Perhaps unsurprisingly, many of them give preference to Canada.
According to the survey conducted by the Canadian Bureau for International Education, one of the most common reasons why students come there is the quality of the education system. In fact, Canada provides a wide range of opportunities to get a top-quality degree.
One of them is the University of Toronto that has become one of the leading institutions in Canada. This institution is ranked 17th in the Best Global Universities Rankings 2021 by U.S. News & World Report because it offers an exceptional depth of study. At U of T students get a chance to learn from the best minds and get involved in groundbreaking research there. The University of Toronto gives everyone a chance to tailor their study experiences to their interests and pursue their passions in close-knit communities.
Toronto also has several other world class universities and specialty colleges including Ryerson University and York University.
Do you still have doubts about studying in Toronto? Then have a look at the list of benefits for international students below!
Saving money
Toronto is quite an affordable destination for international students compared to some other Canadian and U.S. cities. People studying there have a chance to save some money because the tuition fees and living costs are not so high. To prove that, let’s find out what monthly expenses students typically have in Toronto.
According to some estimates, the average cost of living excluding accommodation expenses is between 600 and 800 CA$. To be more precise, a student can have a meal at a restaurant for about 10-15 CA$ or go to the cinema for about 12 CA$. When it comes to accommodation costs, there are many ways to minimize them. For example, a student can live with a host family or at a university residence. Those who choose to live on-campus and share their room with other students pay somewhere between 1,000 and 2,900 CA$ per year. Sounds quite good, doesn’t it?
Students who don’t want to reside near their institution can rent accommodation with their pals wherever they like. But in this case, they need to add commuting costs to their monthly expenses. Luckily, a student identification card gives a discount on travel passes.
Help with learning English
Those who realize the necessity of speaking English in today’s era of globalization should come to Toronto because studying there provides a great chance for students to master their English-speaking skills. This cosmopolitan city welcomes diverse people from all over the world, which means that the English language is essential for socialization there.
Multiple studies show that living in an English-speaking environment helps students become fluent in it. By hanging around with pals from other countries one can develop their communication abilities and become more confident while practicing a foreign language. However, those who think that their skills are not good enough to study at college can get English hw help and become a successful student. There are many language centers in Toronto where international students can improve their knowledge. As you see, moving to this city can benefit young people in terms of language learning.
Work opportunities
Most students start working during their college years. Getting a part-time job is a great way to develop important soft skills, gain valuable experience and make some extra money. So one of the key advantages of being an international student in Toronto is that it’s allowed to work up to 20 hours per week. What’s more, young people can take on up to 30 hours of work per week during their summer and winter breaks.
It’s important to note that there are numerous work opportunities that can help students improve their career prospects. Since Toronto is a big city with a thriving job market, anybody can find a place to apply their skills and knowledge. There is no need to worry about getting a well-paid position there because local employers are constantly looking for new talents. What’s more, they prefer to hire people that can share their international experience and contribute to staff diversity.
Final thoughts
Toronto is famous for its brilliant educational institutions that attract thousands of international students from all over the world. This city offers numerous benefits for young people, some of which are affordable study programs, great job prospects, and a diverse English-speaking community. Apart from the things mentioned in the article, moving to Toronto can bring many other advantages. For example, one can enjoy various entertainment experiences and make valuable social connections. Hopefully, now you realize why this city could be a perfect fit for international students.
by Michael Turner
Michael Turner is an academic writer and a study adviser. He works at an online writing service that helps students deal with their assignments and semester projects. Michael also coaches young people, so they can make good education choices and progress in their studies.
