What is it like to study in Canada?

Have you ever imagined what it would be like to wake up on a sunny Toronto morning, have coffee at Tim Hortons, and walk the clean streets to your first-world university? Studying in Canada isn't just about taking a course, it's a complete transformation that goes beyond books and classrooms. The country truly delivers what it promises when it comes to quality education, job opportunities and, of course, that quality of life that everyone dreams of.

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Why choose Canada?

Canada isn't just another beautiful country to do an exchange. It is literally a global powerhouse in education and quality of life. Think of it this way: when you see companies like Shopify, BlackBerry, or Bombardier dominating global markets, you're talking about Canadian innovation. When thinking about AI and cutting-edge technology, Vancouver and Toronto are always in the conversation.

Key benefits of studying in Canada:

• World-class accessible education
• Stable economy with excellent job opportunities
• Permission to work while studying
• Possibility to stay in the country after graduation
• Exceptional quality of life
• Multicultural and welcoming society

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How does the Canadian education system work?

The Canadian system is quite different from the Brazilian one, but in a way that can be very advantageous for you. There, there is a clear distinction between traditional universities and colleges, each with its specific focus.

Universities are more focused on research and academic training, ideal if you want to pursue an academic career or in areas that require more in-depth knowledge. Already the Public Colleges in Canada focus on the practical aspect, with a strong connection with the industry - perfect for those who want to enter the labor market quickly.

For those considering specific areas, it's worth taking a look at programs from co-op in Canada, which offers a gateway to global success, or to explore opportunities in technology, an area in explosive growth in the country.

Course structure:

• Certificate: 8 months to 1 year
• Diploma: 2-3 years
• Bachelor (Baccalaureate): 3-4 years
• Master (Master): 1-2 years

An interesting thing is that co-op in Canada there are very marked differences in the structure and in the practical focus of the studies compared to Brazil.

What's more: as a student, you can work up to 24 hours a week during term time and fully during holidays. With the Canadian minimum wage ranging from CAD$ 16-17 per hour, you can earn around CAD$ 1,300 a month just working part-time. That is, it is possible to practically support yourself while studying!

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What about English? Do I need to be fluent?

Many courses, especially master's and technical courses, require a good level of English, but you don't have to be fluent from day one. Immersion works miracles!

For regular courses:

• IELTS 6.0-6.5 or equivalent
• Some programs accept TOEFL or Cambridge certificates

The good news is that many institutions offer preparatory English courses. Mastering the language not only expands your job opportunities, but it also allows you to truly immerse yourself in Canadian culture.

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A typical day studying in Canada

8:00 - University class (yes, many start early!)
12:00 - Campus lunch - CAD$ 8-12 for a full meal
14h00 - Study at the library or laboratory
17:00 - Part-time job (if you have)
20h00 - Dinner with flatmates
21h00 - Free time to explore the city or study

Weekends are for:

• Explore the Rocky Mountains or Niagara Falls
• Travel to other provinces (with tickets starting at CAD$ 50!)
• Attend university events
• Discover the famous Canadian cultural scene

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Cities that are pure charm for students

Each Canadian city has its own unique personality. Toronto or Vancouver - the eternal doubt of exchange students. Toronto is the financial heart of the country, ideal for those who want to pursue a career in finance or business. Vancouver, on the other hand, offers this incredible mountain and ocean vibe, combining quality of life with opportunities in tech.

Toronto - The multicultural metropolis

• Effervescent cultural life
• Financial and business hub
• Incredible diversity

Vancouver - Premium Quality of Life

• Proximity to the mountains and ocean
• Milder climate
• Technology Center

Montreal - European charm in America

• Lower cost of living
• Unique bilingual culture
• Vibrant nightlife

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Career opportunities that will impress you

Canada isn't just a cool place to study - it's where you can build a solid career. The country is in enormous demand for qualified professionals, especially in IT, health, and engineering.

Trending sectors:

• Information Technology
• Health and nursing
• Engineering (all areas)
• Business and administration
• Hospitality and tourism
• Digital marketing

And here comes some valuable information: How to do an exchange in Canada in 2025 it's more accessible than ever. After graduating, you can stay in the country with the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). Once employed, the path to permanent residence is much simpler.

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Cultural Adaptation: What to Expect

Canadians are polite (and that means they really apologize if they bump into you), multicultural, and take equality very seriously. But do you know what's cool? All this diversity makes the country work like a perfect symphony.

O Culture shock at the exchange it's real, but it happens smoothly in Canada.

Things you will learn to love:

• Public transport efficiency
• Safety to walk on the street at any time
• Respect for cultural differences
• Quality of products and services
• Everyone's environmental awareness

And some that may challenge you initially:

• Long and severe winter in some regions
• Initial formality in relationships
• Higher prices for some products
• Distance from cities (the country is huge!)

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For families: it's also possible!

If you are thinking of taking the family, know that Canada offers an excellent structure for exchange student families. The Canadian education system is of the highest quality, and there are plenty of options for spouses to work as well.

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Admission process: less complicated than it seems

A common question is about the equivalence of Brazilian high school education to Canadian universities. The answer is yes, the Brazilian diploma is recognized, but it may be necessary to carry out some validation procedures depending on the course chosen.

Required basic documents:

• Apostilled and translated school transcript
• Certificate of language proficiency
• Motivation letter
• Updated curriculum
• Financial proof

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Be Easy

Na Be Easy, we know every detail of this journey because we have already helped thousands of Brazilians to transform their dreams into reality. Our specialized team offers full support, from choosing the ideal program to adapting it in the country, ensuring that your experience is safe and successful. Contact us today and discover how we can make your dream of studying in Canada a reality!