Oh yeah, it’s Canada! With blossom cities like Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, and a lot more beautiful, Canada is a dream destination for millions of students. It’s one such place you often hear your friends seriously discussing (in fact, very solemnly), silently whispering (at times), and loudly dreaming. By this, we mean to say that Canada is everywhere, and everyone is speaking about it, but why?
Because this world’s 2nd largest country is an internationally recognized country with cost-effective degree programs and one of the safest places for the multicultural environment. (many students feel very welcoming) Notably, thousands of students pour into the country to pursue their big dreams, and these numbers seem to get better and better, and you’ll know why in this blog. If you plan your higher education here, there are 15 things you should know about high school in Canada prior. So, without any late, let’s start with no. 1.
Why should you study high school in Canada?
Wherever we go, we seek some respect and a lot of welcomeness. Canada, on that note, is at the pinnacle. It’s not just a well-recognized education hub but has a top-notch quality of life at every level, and it’s quite visible to the world. The federal government is bettering its efforts to keep the students safe and future-ready (stay in country or employment after graduation) in their own country. That’s why anyone with a secure mindset can go for or start with high school in Canada. And if you are still wondering why Canada, do reread the lines.
1. Those wow modern classrooms
Technology has become such a vital part of every education system in the 21st century. It is a no-brainer if you want to keep up with the industry trends, continually advance the business, and stand out from the competition. Digital literacy and technology are in full demand after the pandemic’s arrival, and they are growing ever since. Canada has a well-funded public education system in place. Meaning that the students have access to world-class technology aiding their daily education. The more you stay close to the latest technology, the more exposure you get. What can be better than a technology-proof classroom? And technologies like interactive whiteboards, tech labs, tablets, and more to begin with.
2. Exceptional teaching and Staff
It all comes down to how good the teachers are and how effective is their delivery of knowledge. Here, Canada’s teachers are supposed to meet specific qualifications to teach. (again that’s highly regulated) These teachers are well trained in their subject of knowledge and competent in providing in-depth knowledge to many students at one time. So, the students can ably receive quality learning in every topic. Even the Canadian high school offers tremendous support for teachers and guidance counselors to help students learn and grow.
3. Career guidance and opportunities
Have you ever wondered why we opt to move to another country for study despite having many good colleges in our native countries? One reason being is to obtain excellent career opportunities. Think this way; you have brilliant internship options with you (that too if you work hard for it); as soon as you are in high school, it is just amazing. Again, work-related opportunities like internships and Co-op especially support international students from a work experience perspective and a financial perspective. Taking the full benefit of such placement opportunities also supplements you in your high school credit. That means you’ll have the workforce skills and expertise that you require for an actual real-world workplace before you finish high school. Just brilliant!
4. Globally Acknowledged Credentials
The Canadian high school programs are acknowledged by post-secondary institutions internationally—it’s solely due to the country’s powerful education system. Wherever you go holding a high school diploma in Canada, your credentials will certainly be well-respected throughout the world. Another plus point here is many schools offer international programs that can encourage your post-secondary application. For instance, several schools in Canada provide the international Baccalaureate (diploma course), which will use a standard grading system that will allow the colleges to convert grades to their systems rapidly.
5. Nearly how many years of high school in Canada?
Don’t ponder too much on how many years it would take to complete your high school in Canada; just ask us 😉 By the way, the number of years can actually depend on the province you prefer because education in Canada is run on a provincial level. Usually, most provinces provide a four-year course. Most Canadian schools offer these programs starting from 9th to 12th grade or a few others starting from 10th grade or 7th to 11th. Typically, Canada’s schools would run from September to June, and they are split into two semesters. The 1st one would start from September to January and 2nd from February to June.
6. Can you take the high school in Canada for free?
This might be the most interesting or an awaited point one for a few. Let’s get straight to the facts. The high school level of education is free for Canadian residents pursuing in public high schools. This means being an international student, you’ll have to pay a certain amount as a tuition fee. The fee must be or range from about $8,000 to CAD 15,000. The students must also take care of their meals and stationery by themselves. Lastly, you can expect some assistance in getting books and study materials in your school for free.
7. How to apply for high school in Canada?
Unlike applying to universities in Canada, application in high school is a lot easier and less exhausting. Ideally, you should have a 50% if passing grade. You’ll have to submit a few documents as a part of the application process. For international students, you’ll require a copy of your passport, school history of the past three years, and declaration of your eligibility. You need to have proficiency in English at least intermediate to a high level. However, you can submit your application without an English language test, but you’ll have an online test once you receive an acceptance offer letter. In case you get a low-level rank in that particular test, you’ll need to take ESL courses, and it may cost you some extra dollars at times.
8. Canadian Public Schools for International students
It’s a very cost-effective and fantastic way to get your high school study, especially for international students. Students can access extracurricular activities like sports, arts clubs, theater, model UN, social justice, leadership groups etc, etc. And high school students on a visa can stay in the country after their graduation if they prefer to. Notably, Canada’s public schools massively support international students (even with a low level of English). They help students get placed in different ESL courses, which will help them enhance their English while studying with their peer Canadian students.
9. What are the subjects you can take during your high school in Canada?
As discussed earlier, Canada’s schools run on a provincial level, and that factor also affects here. Every province provides an apt, engaging, and appealing curriculum of subjects for students to opt for. All of these help students improve critical thinking skills, find innovative solutions and get future-ready. In some core subjects like math, science, and English, the students must obtain particular credit numbers. You can also take different classes to satisfy your interests like film, social science, business, and more.
10. Can I work as a high school student in Canada?
International students on a visa in high school in Canada are not supposed to work. There is an age restriction to who can start working in Canada and differs from province to province, but it generally ranges from 14 to 15 years of age. But, the Canada Labour Code permits students below the age of 17 to work in Canada.
11. What’s the impact of studying high school in Canada on Post-secondary Education?
Let’s hark back a bit here; a diploma in Canada is a globally recognized credential, no doubt about it. It remarkably improves your chances of getting admission to post-secondary education compared to just having an international diploma. They are as honored as the diplomas in the US.
12. How is high school different from high school in the US?
They both are so alike, but we’ll talk through one key differentiator here. Both country’s schooling is outlined to support post-secondary application a little differently in their country itself. Like the US, high schools will support their students to prepare for the SAT, whereas in Canada, it’s not needed. Some other general differentiators would be the use of different terminologies. For example, freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors in the US and Canada simply term them 9, 10, 11, and 12.
Lastly, if you want to start with your high school abroad, Canada is a good option. All you need is the right amount of assistance and education, and that way, we are always here to help. We hope that these 13 things are helping you make a better choice for yourself. Remember, studying abroad should be a happy-go-lucky thing, not exhausting.
