Studying abroad is probably one of the most rewarding experiences a college student can take advantage of. You get to see the world, explore, and learn new cultures. Not to mention how AMAZING it looks on your resume. Employers and grad schools really appreciate that experience when they are recruiting for new employees and students. Especially if you are looking to get into global marketing post graduation, you are an extreme asset because you have that experience and knowledge from another country where you may one day choose to do business.

            Over the last few years, Canada has been climbing to the top of the list of destinations where foreign students are looking to advance their education. Many people are looking at Canada because of their immigration policies. Unlike the US and Britain, they offer a post-graduation work permit of up to three years for eligible candidates.  

            New data states that Canada has moved into the top 5 of international study destinations. Typically the US and Britain are the top choices; however, Canada moved into second place last year as a top choice for prospective African MBA students. They also have been creeping up in popularity with students from Central and South Asia, and surprisingly, is a preferred location for students coming from the Middle East and the US as well! It is said that a lot of these changes could be due to the US and Britain’s anti-immigrant policies and the post-graduate restrictions given to foreign students.

            The amazing thing about Canada is that it has also been deemed a safe and secure location for those incoming students. Having been given the option to receive a three year work permit allows enough time for students to apply for permanent residency in Canada. At the University of Victoria’s Gustavson School of Business, two-thirds of the MBA international student population participates in a three-week orientation that allows them to learn about the Canadian culture. Though Canadian schools are looking to capitalize off of the new foreign student interest, they are still encouraged to attend MBA fairs worldwide. The University of Toronto’s School of Management had a 35%increase in African applicants, and they do intend to send recruiters to Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa in the fall.

Image: Canadian Bureau of International Education (2017)

References

Benefits to Studying Abroad | Study Abroad Guide. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.internationalstudent.com/study-abroad/guide/ten-benefits-to-studying-abroad/

International business students flocking to Canada - The Globe and Mail. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/careers/business-education/canada-an-increasingly-desired-destination-for-international-business-students/article35255564/

Almetia Whitaker is an MBA student in the Huizenga College of Business and Entrepreneurship, Nova Southeastern University. She can be reached at awhitaker@mynsu.nova.edu