The 2016 Presidential Election was hard on everyone but especially those who were opposed to Trump. I was born and raised in Canada and I moved to the states for the beginning of high school. When I moved, I realized many Americans did not know a lot about Canada, other than Canada is their neighbor to the north. But now there is a different view of Canada. Liberals teens are fearing Trump's reign in the White House and are now looking to the north for other educational opportunities.
I knew I would be applying to Canadian universities because as a citizen it is affordable for quality education. I truly thought I would be going to college in the USA until November 8th, 2016. Luckily I had good grades for applying to Canadian schools because it has become more competitive with more Americans applying than ever before. According to The Toronto Star, "Applications to the University of Toronto from American students have jumped 70 per cent compared with this time last year, while several other Canadian schools have seen increases of 20 per cent or more."
When I first moved to the US I thought I would be a failure if I went back to Canada when there is an Ivy up the hill. However, that couldn't be further from the truth. I applied to both American and Canadian schools and while I have been accepted into all my top schools in both countries, ultimately I have chosen to attend Dalhousie University in Halifax, NS.
In the US, private and out-of-state schools are expensive and many are no better than Canadian schools. Financially, I would have had to pick a SUNY school or a safety liberal arts school where I applied and received a big scholarship. Neither of those options felt right for me. I was interested in multidisciplinary Health Promotion and Public Health programs which are harder to find than a regular biology major. By expanding my search to Canada, I was able to apply to more diverse programs that were a better fit for me.
Let me explain the logistics and positives to going to university in Canada. While it may not be great for Canadians wanting to travel to the US, the exchange rate is $0.77 CDN to $1 USD which means Canada is discounted right now for Americans by almost 25%. Who needs a scholarship when you have foreign exchange? When Americans are willing to pay upwards of $50,000 just for tuition each year, attending a Canadian institution is great value. International tuitions range from $8,800 CDN to $42,000 CDN dependent on the institution. For example, Dalhousie University would cost approximately $16,000 CDN for tuition for a non-Canadian student which is $12,262 USD.
As a Health Promotion major I am very thankful that Canada provides universal medical care. When you become a student for more than six months, you no longer need health insurance because you are eligible to world-class medical care like any other Canadian. Concerned Trump will jeopardize your health care? Have no fear, Canada is here.
So what’s fun about going to university in Canada?
I know attending classes and studying comes first but I believe the atmosphere and life of the institution is just as important. Just like in the US, people get involved with clubs, sports, and travelling abroad during university. So, what is so different about the lifestyle in Canada compared to the US? Not that I am condoning alcohol consumption but the drinking age is 18 in three provinces ( Quebec, Alberta and Manitoba) and 19 in all ten other provinces and territories! Canadians love to party. If you're not into drinking though, there are so many other activities you can take part in to have fun. Canadian universities don't have a fraternity and sorority culture but our school spirit, partying, unique clubs and relaxed atmospheres outweigh having to be pressured into rush week.
So why wait until 21 to have your first drink, spend more money on college and be in a country where Trump is President, when you can go to Canada?
For the class of 2017 who want to join the masses of new American applicants to Canadian universities there is still time to apply! Perhaps one of the best incentives is that you will be gone for four years. And that may be all the time you need!
