What students in Canada have to say

Why do international students choose to study in Canada? What do they have to say about life in this country? Do their expectations match the reality of living in a new country? 

Since its founding more than 50 years ago, IDP has helped more than 500,000 students achieve their education and career dreams – including more than 20,000 who come to Canada every year. Our education counsellors work closely with these students to help them choose the best school for their goals, put together an excellent application, and increase their chances of gaining admission. 

We asked some of our students about their experience working with IDP. They also spoke about how they chose their institutions, what the process of applying was like, and why they recommend Canada as a great destination for students from around the world interested in studying abroad. These testimonials speak about their time spent studying in Canadian universities or colleges, how this has impacted their lives, how they made new friends, experienced the process of cultural exchange, and eventually felt like part of a family away from home. 

Hathaway studies nursing in Toronto and has always dreamed of working in healthcare. She tells us how IDP’s counsellors helped her find a program that would help her fulfill that dream. She also speaks about what she did in China before moving to Canada, the help she needed before applying to a Canadian institution, and how her counsellor’s advice made all the difference. Hathaway has already begun working at a hospital and is well on her way to success in her chosen career. 

Abhinav says that leaving India and moving to Canada was possibly the biggest decision of his life. Having already worked with IDP before coming here, he knew where to turn when he wanted to continue his studies. He explains how IDP’s counsellors helped him successfully get into the right program for his career. He also speaks about continuing studies, and how he landed his first internship. Fun fact: He is now working in Toronto, in the field of design. 

Jojin needed a post-graduate work permit and knew he would have a better chance if he continued his studies. In this video, he talks about how working with IDP’s counsellors made that process “fast and stress-free.” He also talks about his reason for coming to Canada from Abu Dhabi, his course of choice, and how IDP helped with his application process.

Counselled by IDP India, Parneet came to Canada for a bachelor’s degree in microbiology at the University of Guelph. She tells us why she chose Canada for an undergraduate education rather than a post-graduate degree. Parneet lists the advantages of studying abroad, what it teaches you, how it helps you develop as a person as well as a professional, and more. Find out how IDP’s collaborative process of functioning helped her. 

Counselled by IDP Philippines, Ana Marie did her Master of Laws at Dalhousie University. In this video, she explains how her local IDP office helped match her with the best-suited program in her desired field. Ana describes her experience as “fulfilling” because of how her counsellor guided her through every step. She found a university based on her specific needs and believes IDP offers students a lot of support that goes beyond helping with their educational goals. 

Mahsa came to Canada from Iran to pursue a Bachelor of Engineering at Dalhousie University. She talks to us about how easy it was to adjust to her new life, why she chose Canada for its international student community, university staff, environment, and quality of education — all of which makes a huge difference to students considering getting an education abroad.