Years Abroad in Canada
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In most cases, Canada’s not the first place you think of for a Year Abroad placement, particularly if you’re starting in Europe. Across the board, superficial comparisons are drawn between Canada and her neighbour to the south; often, the larger and more popular American cities are more immediate destinations for Finance, Business or Marketing majors. Equally, those studying French choose, nine times out of ten, the language’s European birthplace over la Nouvelle France in Québec.
Yet Canada is not merely 13 additional American states. Nor is Québec ‘the France that France forgot’. Rather, thanks to her mixed internal heritage and varied external influences, Canada offers a unique Year Abroad with experiences that are neither solely European, nor solely North American, but somewhere pleasantly in between.
Outside of the ERASMUS sphere, you’ll probably be attending a university programme that either you’re department has existing ties with or for which you apply independently. If the former, you’ll doubtless be aware of what’s available to you and what the course is like – be sure to read up on the location as this can be equally as important. If the latter, and particularly if you’re on a French Year Abroad, check out the immersion courses and programmes for non-Francophones at Université Laval.
Also, getting a job shouldn’t be too difficult; there are certainly plenty of opportunities, although it’s easier to hunt when you’re in-country. Just be clear on the visa requirements and restrictions, especially if you need a CAQ in Québec.
