To Canada in the summer? The US’s northern neighbor is generally associated with a harsh climate and cold, snowy winters than with summer temperatures. The second largest country in the world has a lot to offer, especially in the summer months, so it is not surprising that summer sessions in Canada are becoming increasingly popular.
Spend the summer in Canada
In the densely populated southeast of the country, temperatures rise to up to 30 degrees in the summer months. In the big cities of Toronto, Montreal and Quebec City, colorful markets, street cafes, concerts and festivals invite you to enjoy the pleasant temperatures.
To relax from the hustle and bustle of the metropolises, excursions are available before, during or after the summer sessions. The thundering Niagara Falls, the long sandy beaches of the nearby Great Lakes or the surrounding green forests are popular destinations.
The coasts of Canada also show their best side in summer. On the east coast the temperatures are rather moderate, but the Atlantic provinces score with untouched nature and a multitude of leisure activities.
In Halifax, the capital of Nova Scotia, found, for example, numerous art galleries, restaurants and museums. The beaches and lakes in the area invite you to windsurf and swim during the summer sessions in Canada, a major country in North America listed on smartercomputing.
On the Pacific coast in the west of the country, especially in the region around Vancouver, the temperatures are somewhat milder all year round than in the rest of the country. Summer is the ideal travel time. There travelers can watch whales or go on excursions into the surrounding virgin forests and the wild foothills of the Rocky Mountains.
Summer Sessions in Canada: Benefits
Not only the mild temperatures and the beauty of nature make Canada attractive in the summer months. Many Canadian universities offer the so-called Summer Sessions – also called Summer School or Summer University – in the summer months between May and September. These are special short-term study programs.
In just five to ten weeks, the course content covers the entire semester. These summer programs were originally introduced for two reasons: First, they were designed to give Canadian students the opportunity to catch up on material they missed during the semester. Second, they should be an opportunity for them to take courses from other subject areas and thus expand their knowledge during the summer sessions.
Benefits of Summer Sessions in Canada for International Students
Meanwhile, however, the summer sessions in Canada are also very popular with international students. The achievements or credit points that the students acquired in Canada during the summer can often be credited towards studying in Germany. Participation in a summer session is therefore a unique opportunity: During the German semester break, students can take a kind of compressed semester abroad in Canada without increasing the duration of their studies.
Students can choose one or more courses from virtually any subject at the university. Most universities offer both Bachelor and Master courses. Often, however, the undergraduate courses predominate. During the summer there are not quite as many courses as in the rest of the year. Still standing at most universities in Canada far more than a hundred courses to choose from.
This offers international students the opportunity to adapt the timetable to the domestic curriculum. You can also use your study time in Canada to explore your own interests or choose country-specific courses that deal with the history, geography or culture of Canada.
Since students from all over the world take part in the Canadian Summer Sessions, participating in a summer program is also a truly international experience. The students not only get to know one of the most fascinating countries on earth, but also have the opportunity to meet friends from all over the world win. and to acquire intercultural skills.
With the intercultural skills and language skills gained in this way, you can score points in every résumé. Above all, participating in a summer program in Canada enriches personal experience.
Workload during a summer session in Canada
However, the summer session in Canada is time-consuming and learning-intensive. After all, the same subject matter is taught for a few weeks as for a whole semester. The number of hours per week is relatively high and students are expected to prepare and follow up on the subject matter at home.
Summer Sessions Canada: Requirements
The requirements for participating in a summer session in Canada depend on the university and the chosen program. As a rule, applicants must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma. At some universities in Canada, applicants must already be enrolled in Germany to study in order to take part in the summer program in Canada.
linguistic proficiency
Some universities also require proof of language proficiency. Our Canadian partner universities waive such proof for applicants from the German-speaking area for a summer session. Nevertheless, you should of course have an advanced level of English in order to follow the courses and pass the exams.
Costs and financing options
Participation in a summer session in Canada is associated with tuition fees, the amount of which is usually based on the number of courses taken. Depending on the university and subject, the fees range between CAD $ 1,300 and CAD $ 2,200 per course.
Cost of Living in Canada
Add to this the cost of living in Canada. Rent is probably the largest single item. During the summer months, however, it is usually not a problem to get a place in the university dormitory.
The costs for meals and leisure activities are slightly higher than in Germany. Of course, it also depends on what the individual lifestyle looks like. There are many different ways you can save money and control your expenses.
Financial support for a summer session in Canada?
Unfortunately, almost no scholarship programs or other forms of financial support are offered for the summer sessions. Nevertheless, the costs are often well below those for a regular semester abroad. Anyone who receives a student loan for their studies in Germany or is financed through a fund can find out about the possibility of a special payment for a summer session from the bank or organization.
Visa and Entry Requirements for Canada
German citizens do not need a visa for a stay in Canada of less than six months. From March 15, 2016, it is mandatory to apply for a so-called Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) before entering the country. It is roughly comparable to the ESTA procedure for the USA and can be applied for online at the Canadian immigration authorities. A valid passport is also required for entry. In addition, the travelers must have a return ticket and enough money for the time in Canada.
Who is considering after attending the Summer Session over a period of six months beyond to study at a Canadian university, you need a study permit (study permit / permis d’études). It is best to apply for this at the Visa Application Center (VAC) in Düsseldorf before leaving.
Health insurance during the summer session in Canada
Students should find health insurance for their time in Canada in good time. Since student insurance is compulsory in Canada, universities often offer insurance packages. Often, however, a foreign health insurance taken out in Germany is the cheaper alternative. Special vaccinations are not required for Canada.
