Written by: Joaquín Pinto, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
If you're thinking about studying abroad, keep reading to find the five reasons why Montreal is the most popular place for students in Canada and should be your top 1! Being an international student in Montreal is integrating yourself to an open-minded, warm, and diverse society. Living in a safe city that is buzzing at all hours of the day and night.
1. Top destination for international students
Montreal is one of the top cities chosen by international students to pursue their dreams and advance in their careers. This city receives approximately 50,000 international students each year and is ranked as one of the top student destinations in 2022. Montreal has the best of both worlds, from the modern building structures to the beauty and culture of Europe. It is well-known for its relaxed and vibrant lifestyle, distinctive and creative industries, nightlife, and cafe culture. You can choose to explore modern, high-tech buildings in the downtown core, have an immersive experience in the Society for Arts and Technology (SAT) or enjoy great views in Old Montréal.
2. Affordable City
Tuition fees for international students in Quebec are among the lowest in North America. At the university level, studying in Montreal is generally less expensive than studying elsewhere in Canada. While finding a place to live as an international student is always a challenge, you should be aware that student housing in Montréal is among the most affordable in Canada. Indeed, in this city, you can have great possibilities compared to other cities in Canada, which is just one of the reasons students adore it.
3. Bilingual environment
As you may know, Canada is a bilingual country with English and French as official languages, having provinces where the primary language is French. Montreal is in Quebec, Canada's French province but do not think that without French you won’t survive. Actually, Montreal vibes provide students with a multicultural environment, allowing you to learn a new language while studying and even get paid for it. Yes, the Quebec government provides free courses to international students, and each student can apply for financial aid as well as other benefits. Languages enable you to learn about other cultures and establish yourself as a global citizen.
4. Easy transportation
Unlike large metropolises, Montreal is very easy to navigate in. Thanks to The Société de transport de Montréal (STM), Montreal has a local network of trains and buses that will take you anywhere in the city.
And don’t think about this as a greater expense while studying. In Montreal, you can get great discounts on a monthly pass and have unlimited access to public transportation. That will undoubtedly be a quick and inexpensive way to get around the city.
In addition, Montreal is one of the first cities in Canada to permit biking safely throughout the entire city, so if you'd rather take in the scenery and support the environment, go ahead. You can use Bixi to travel from one location to another for a very reasonable price, especially in Montreal.
5. The city of the festivals
in Montreal, there is no time to waste or be bored. Actually, you'll wish you had more time to explore all of the amazing experiences that this city has to offer.
Festivals and major events are an important part of life in Montréal, from illuminated winter festivals like IglooFest, art expositions, gastronomy fests, and outdoor sports to international rhythms and circus performances in the summer heat.
Spring, summer, fall, and winter all have a plethora of seasonal events to keep you energized and inspired. Then there's the food: Montréal's gourmet multicultural food scene caters to all tastes, including those from home.
And following graduation? Being one of Canada's most significant centers of commerce, tourism, and other economic sectors, Montreal naturally creates a more rapid and stable path to a successful career after graduation.
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Joaquín Pinto, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
A serial entrepreneur, Joaquín led several enterprises ‒ including an editorial and a consultancy - before co-founding Boom Studies in 2019, after identifying critical weaknesses in international students´experiences in Malta. Boom Studies is a travel to study agency which offers unique tailored support all along the customers´ journeys so that they have the best possible experience abroad. As the CEO of Boom Studies, Joaquín has managed to grow this start-up despite having launched a few months before the pandemic. Rough seas make good sailors, and Joaquín and his team were able to establish Boom Studies as a leading agency in Malta, thanks to dedication and innovative thinking. We also expanded to new destinations (Canada, Ireland and Dubai) and have big plans for the future.
A political science graduate from Sciences-Po Paris, Joaquín has lived abroad for most of his life, and is an expert in engaging different people, from government to private sector, or civil society representatives. Joaquín is a cosmopolitan citizen of the world with a passion to help others and connect people. So launching Boom Studies came naturally, and leading this company whose mission is to help people accomplish their dreams is the most fulfilling role Joaquín could have.
