From Blackberry to Blueberry Canada is gaining attention of being an acknowledged leader in technology, research and innovation.

WHY CANADA
• Canada yesterday, today…
A United Nations survey comparing a total of 174 countries, utilizing 200 performance indicators including access to education, quality health care, a low incidence of crime and a clean environment, ranked Canada as the best country in the world to live, a record nine consecutive times. Canada was ranked highly in particular for its access to education, high life expectancy (due to universal health care system); and low crime and violence rates.
Canada has one of the soundest economies in the world. Fully integrated into the global system, Canada is the eighth largest trading nation, with relatively low levels of inflation.

• Canada - the leader in International education

Canadian teenagers consistently rank among the best in the world on international tests of reading, science and math - a testament to the outstanding quality of Canadian schools. A Canadian degree, diploma or certificate is well regarded in business, government and academic circles around the globe.

There are approximately over 180,000 international students studying in Canada in any academic year. Degree or a Diploma from a Canadian educational institution is universally recognized for its high academic standard.

Canada is committed to providing a high quality of education. Canada spends more money per capita on education than any other country in the OECD. Most Canadian post-secondary institutions are publicly funded, ensuring the highest quality and consistency of education.

Canada is a world leader in animation and software development, telecommunications, aerospace engineering, automobile engineering, biotechnology, mining technology and environment studies. Some of the worlds ranked institutions in engineering, business management are found in Canada.

With more than 92 universities and over 175 colleges and Technical Institutes offering a variety of academic, professional and vocational programmes, Canada presents a wide choice for the discerning student.

• Culture
Canada has traditionally been a country of immigrants and has a policy of encouraging multicultural diversity. In this vibrant setting, different perspectives are respected and learning together is encouraged.

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. A recent census has shown that 42 per cent of the Canadian population comes from ethnic background other than British and French. In fact, almost a million Canadians trace their roots back to India.

• Industry - connect: The industry in technology is very closely linked with education in Canada, which makes the students coming out of a Canadian institution very employable. Most of the Canadian Universities and colleges offer cooperative education, which is field placement in the related field of study. It is very attractive option for an international student as you get a first hand industry experience and get connected with the industry which helps when looking for job opportunity on completion of the program as well as get course credits and on most occasions get paid too. It is a win - win situation for an international student.

Very rightly said Canada is a nation of innovation. Canada has a list of technological innovations to its credit but it is a story not told as much.

According to Wired magazine, "more than 80 per cent of the world's animation and special effects software comes from Canadian companies like Softimage and Discreet. In 2004, because of its expertise, creativity and continuing top performance, Canada is still the number one worldwide producer of best in special effects software.

Animation movies like Lion King, recently released movie Ice age 2 have either been made by Canadian technology or people who have passed out of Canadian institutions.

Indian companies like UTV Toons are using Canadian animation technology.

Speaking of 3-D vision technology, did you know that three Canadians - Grahame Ferguson, Roman Kroiter and Robert Kerr - invented the IMAX motion pictures for the Canadian pavilion at Expo 1970? Now we have a few IMAX theatres in India as well. So next time when you experience a movie at an IMAX theatre you should remember that it was a Canadian invention.

Did you know that blackberry cell phones, which have become so popular in India- the technology was developed in a Canadian classroom in University of Waterloo?

Canada is a leader in satellite communications, mobile data and fixed wireless technology.

The growth of cellular communications shows the importance of "anytime, anywhere" voice communications and Canada has been a leader in it. From multimedia to e-commerce, and business intelligence to security, from economics to international affairs Canada's education institutions - Universities and Colleges offer world-class education second to none very economically priced.

Today's student is exploring its opportunities in different areas. He/she is thinking out of the box beyond the stereotypical programs.

Star attractions for choosing Canada for its quality education:
1. World class education, cost effective
2. Globally recognized
3. Employment- Off campus work and to be able to stay on completion of the program.

Canada also offers expertise in training in areas like teacher development, early childhood education inclusive education or in very specific sectors like hospitality, tourism, animation, construction, health care, insurance, BPO etc the list is endless.

If you are want to learn more about Canadian education write to our counselors at the Canadian Education Centre, India cecindia@cecnetwork.ca You can also visit our website www.studycanada.ca/india
Hazel Siromoni, VP, CECN Global Schools (SAARC region)