Entrepreneurship is being linked with education and as result trends in education has been changing where students are making choices which are not stereotypical and prepares them better for being employed. Canadian education offers this very platform to pursue academic excellence in a system that is creating broader and global perspective among young people. A report put together by Hazel Siromoni of Canadian Education Centre, India in a recent visit to different education institutions in Canada

From Blue Berries to Blackberry Canada indeed is a leader in education and innovation and that is why for several years, United Nations survey has found Canada to be the best place in the world to live in. This was my experience when I traveled across a few cities in Canada visiting the different education institutions on a Government of Canada sponsored mission mid March this year. What was so clear in my experience visiting different Canadian educational institution that the Canadian Universities and Colleges teaching methodology, the presentations by the professors, and the nature of the assignments given, developed many valuable skills and encourage independent thinking among the students. Every time I have had an opportunity to visit a Canadian institution it has always showcased the opportunity a student has in pursuing not only their academic program of choice but also pursue any area of their personal interest which grooms them as an all round individual and develops skills set that is required today in the job scenario. Another thing that was so distinct was how international were the campuses. Students from so many nationalities were studying at a single campus sometimes from as many as 90-120 countries. The experience it offers to an international student in terms of global perspective is unmatchable.

Students have an opportunity to choose from many types of institutions in Canada from Large Universities to mid sized university to a community college or University College and or a private college which may offer a niche area of study.

Universities are more academic in nature and research intense but there seems to be a shift where even universities are talking about their degrees being applied in nature but primarily still are more traditional in their approach in offering a theoretical and research based program. Community colleges are also public institutions like universities but offer more hands on and industry driven programs. In some provinces like Ontario, Community colleges are able to offer undergraduate degrees also apart from diplomas and certificates at undergraduate and post graduate level. They have more intakes open for international students unlike universities and in some cases are on rolling admissions as well. The admission requirements are more stringent in Universities as compared to community colleges but in some programs even in community colleges it is tough sometimes to get admission as spaces may fill up very quickly by the brightest and good applicants. University Colleges I find a very interesting concept seen primarily in British Columbia and a few in Alberta. They are able to offer undergraduate degrees as well as diplomas and certificates. In provinces like British Columbia the system offers a laddering system of education through its university transfer system. A student may pursue two years in a college or a university college and transfer all its credits to a university and complete their third and fourth year and earn a degree at the end of 4 years without loosing any time. This works to a great advantage for students who may not have had great grades in their 12th grade examinations but are able to better their grades while studying in a college and maintain required grade point average and then transfer to a university or it may also work wonderfully for a student who may prefer a more intimate environment, small class size and once assimilates in the Canadian education system and environment and is better prepared to transfer to a large university.

Another very notable fact is that Canada's most research capabilities are found in the University or a college classroom and it can be well imagined the opportunity it presents to a student.

Canadian institutions offer co-operative opportunity which is work experience being in-built within the academic program and the objective is to provide the student with both academic as well as real life experience of how it will be on the job. Students have access to all kinds of facilities state-of-the-art infrastructure capabilities, labs which are completely equipped with the latest technology to accommodate the highest level of research capability. Students get opportunity to work on equipments and technology just the way they would experience in the industry. It truly makes the student job ready.

Canadian degrees and diplomas are recognized around the world, and are on par with those of other Commonwealth countries. Canadian work experience is recognized and sought after multi-national companies, who actively recruit on Canadian campuses. 60% of animation technology in Hollywood comes from Canada. The 1998 Gourman report, an independent US report, scored 18 Canadian Electrical Engineering programmes in the top 40 such programmes in North America. The 1997 Global Competitiveness Report ranked Canada first in the G-7 in priority on developing knowledge workers.

The UN survey evaluates quality of life in 174 countries, using over 200 performance indicators. Canada earned particularly high marks for its access to education, high life expectancy (due to universal health care system); and low crime and violence rates. In addition, Canada's largest cities Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal have been recognized as world class cities in which to live and work, for their cleanliness and safety and for their cultural activities and attractive lifestyles.

It is not without reason that Canada's education system is considered to be one of the best in the world today. Education tops the list of priorities of the Canadian government and policy makers. Education being a provincial responsibility, each state or province draws up its own policy and directives regarding education. But education standards are uniformly high across the country.

Canadians place a premium on education and demand first rate schools. Canada spends more per capita on its education system than any other country in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OCED). Cost of education also for an International student is very comparable and economical when compared to countries like USA and UK. On an average an international student at the undergraduate level pays approximately C$20,000 per year including tuition fees, living costs and all personal expenses.

Media, entertainment and artistic endeavours are well-developed in Canada. Canadians are proud of their world-renowned and highly sophisticated broadcasting system which includes more than 1,000 AM and FM radio stations and some 719 television stations to serve, entertain and educate the listening and viewing audience

Canada is a multi-cultural society. Almost all of the world's ethnic groups are represented in Canada. As a result, most ethnic foods and recreational activities associated with specific cultures are available in Canada. Clubs, informal clubs and associations representing a multitude of ethnic backgrounds are also easily accessible. International student advisors at schools can help students get in touch with such groups. This was experienced first hand on campus when interacting with the Indian students who have Indian associations wherein they share about their own culture, language and the like. Canada truly is multi-cultural as it allows its people of all nationalities to retain their own culture and identity. It was interesting to note that one in every 10 Canadians is of Indian origin and the role the Indian Diaspora plays in Canada is very impressive.

Students who come to Canada will witness one of the most beautiful, natural environments in the world. Canada is well-known as a safe, just and peaceful society.

Canada is an international leader in computer and information technologies and has a reputation for excellence in such sectors as telecommunications, transportation and engineering; and specifically, aerospace, urban transport, microelectronics, medical devices, advanced software, hydroelectric and nuclear power, lasers and opto-electronics, biotechnology, food and beverage processing, geomatics; and ocean and environmental industries.

Website: www.studycanada.ca/india

As written by Ms. Hazel Siromoni