Stay in the UK or go to Canada?

Hi, I'm actually a Canadian living in the UK so hopefully I can be of some help (though not on the visa issues as I'm not too about requirements and such) I can understand what you say about racism as Canada is a very mulitcultural, open-minded and welcoming country and I am so glad I had the experience of going to school with people from every culture and race - saying that, it does not mean that there are not people in Canada who are racist - you will find them in every country and it just depends how you react to it. 1) and 2) I definitely think its cheaper to study in Canada IF you have residency but if you go as a foreign student then it could be quite costly. For example, back in the day when I was in university, I paid about $2500-$3000 Cdn for one years tuition whereas foreign students would pay $7000-8000 Cdn - maybe check universities that you are interested in and see what they charge for foreign students. If it's too much then maybe get your qualifications in the UK and then go from there. Also in Canada, you have to start paying your student loans 6 months after you finish your studies regardless if you have a job or not (unlike in the UK which is dependent on your income.) 3) Game consoles, computers and other tech stuff are definitely cheaper - I think Canada benefits from not only it's trade with Asia but it's proximity to the U.S! 4) Pests - can't really think of any thing dangerous so you're safe on that count! 5) Stress - depends what stresses you out and how you cope so no I can't see Canada being any more stressful than the UK. 6) Canada is a lot more expensive than it used to be and accommodation has sky-rocketed since I lived there (nearly 8 years ago) You can rent or buy cheaply if you want to live in the middle of nowhere but thats pretty much like in any country - and most uni's are in more suburban areas so be prepared to pay through the roof in major cities like Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver. 7) Canada does seem to be more laidback and outdoorsy and there's plenty of things to do and see - all depends what you are interested in, I guess. Also, when you meet up with friends in Canada it tends to be at a coffee shop (eg Tim Hortons) rather than a pub like in the UK. 8) As a Canadian, I can't really comment but I don't have any regrets leaving Canada (as much as I love it) I think one day I will go back but in the meantime I love being in the UK!! 9) I would prefer to live in the UK or in Canada - they are very similar in many ways and very like-minded on a lot of issues. 10) Not sure about the visa issue and money requirements but I think if it is that amount it's probably because they want to make sure you're not gonna depend on the government to support you. Same thing for me in the UK - I'm not eligible for any benefits which is fair enough and I wouldn't dream of it anyways. 11) I would say a Canadian degree is valued - we have a lot of great universities. McGill, Queens, U.B.C, Simon Fraser to name a few so check them out, do your research and good luck on whatever you decide to do!!!

I did not read it all but Canada its awsome.

i can't answer all your questions but i can tell you this: toronto has THE highest cost of living in the entire country.

No Choice : CANADA every time. Go for it.

Ok Im probably not who you would want an answer from since Im 15 but Il still answer. Canada is pretty calm. It's very diversive. There are blacks, whites, asians and its all a mixture. If you were to live in Canada you will get used to the weather. On summer it can get pretty hot and in winter it can get pretty cold. About the pests, I would probably say not as much as in the UK. Umm, free healthcare.

I would express concern on at least one of your reasons to go to another country... yes, by all means go and visit another culture and way of life... especially one that is in so many ways similar... but do not underestimate the way different cultures/ways of approaching and organising life may impact you. Some go with the flow and thoroughly embrace it, some end up being so annoyed or antagonised by maybe only one or two differences that it prevents them for enjoying the experience. What you should not do, is go with the idea that it will resolve an issue you have at home.. the grass is not greener on the other side. Different yes, and also there will be issues that you do not yet have, that you never knew could be an issue ! (because at your current home it is not one..) Look at it as an adventure, and chance to start afresh but not a panacea for issues. The new adventure and fresh approach may give you a new perspective on old issues, and let you come back with a better way to handle these. Life is however full of challenges for everyone, they are just different, and it is how you handle these hurdles and obstacles that matters... maybe go read one of the 'culture shock' books (there is even a series called that) http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=culture+shock+canada&x=0&y=0 Life is about enjoying the journey, not a actual particular end point or achievement. eg there are many rich but unsatisfied people but many poor but happy people.. Look after and respect your friends and take the many chances that come your way... So do go to canada if you can get an (immigration) approved place, and can get the funding for living there as well as the cost of tuition. for the work route 10 000 dollars is not much (compared to a graduate salary) and is clearly intended to ensure that you have enough to live on while setting yourself up etc. Some other options.are to use the Youth Mobilty/experience visa route. http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/department/media/releases/2008/2008-07-14.asp it would let you go and work/live in canada for a year before making a decision. there are 5 countries in the group (incl UK) http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/workingintheuk/tier5/ also asking the questions on the yahoo.ca site would give more local insight perhaps ? also look at the travel/canada section... BTW. Degrees from all major countries will be considered by subject. but yes, once you try to use a degree from an institution that is not well known (to the person looking at the application), There will be issues with people trying to check its equivelence. But a major college like Toronto should have no major issue.