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Toronto
One of The Safest Cities to Visit and Walk
Toronto
is one of the world’s truly outstanding cities. With a population
of over 3 million, Toronto is Canada’s largest city. In addition,
it is the capital of Ontario, Canada’s largest province. Toronto
is located on the north shore of Lake Ontario, one of the North
America’s five renowned Great Lakes. Therefore, Toronto is
a great place for you, the international student, to travel to,
to study.
 Toronto
has earned its reputation as a safe, clean, peaceful city, with
an exiting international population. It is a cosmopolitan city,
rich in theatre, music and music and culture. Some of the internationally
known attractions are: on Ontario Science Centre, Royal Ontario
Museum, Art Gallery of Ontario, Roy Thompson Hall, O’Keafe
Centre, Royal Alexander Theatre, Canada’s Wonderland, The McMichael
Collection, Ontario Place and the Canadian National Exhibition.
Studying
in Toronto
Toronto’s post secondary institutions have long recognized
the benefits of having people from many different countries as part
of their student population. Many colleges and universities have
an international office of liaison person dedicated to looking after
the needs if international students and providing services designed
to help them adjust to life in Toronto. All diploma / degree-granting
colleges and universities are government regulated, and subject
to very high quality standards, ensuring that both diplomas and
degrees are nationally and international recognized.
In Toronto,
there are 3 universities, offering a range if undergraduate, graduate
and English language programs. Most bachelor’s degrees take
three to four years of full-time study to complete. There are also
5 colleges in the metro region, offering diplomas and certificates
in a variety of fields, such as Business, Arts, English, Applied
Arts and Technology. In many cases, students are able to transfer
their college diplomas towards university degrees. Time spent in
a college can vary from 1-3 years. You will also find many short-term
training programs in the Toronto area.
English training in Canada/Toronto is knows as English as a Second
Language (ESL). This is offered in most colleges and universities,
as well as many private institutions. Students can choose ESL for
either academic or conversational purposes.
The academic
year runs from early September to August, and if often divided into
two or three semesters - September to December, January to April,
and May to August. September is the main entry date, although many
other many institutions offer start dates in January or May.
The People
and the Culture
 Students
coming to Toronto are often amazed and pleased by the rich blend
of personalities and ethnic groups that have brought their unique
experience to Canada’s increasing diverse population.
Toronto is a
multi-ethnic society, and Canadians are recognised for their tolerance,
understanding and respect for human dignity. As an international
student, you can expect to be welcomed whatever your heritage, cultural
or religious beliefs. In Toronto, women and men, and all people
regardless of their cultural background or economic status are treated
as equals.
Canadians are
outdoor enthusiasts. Favourite pastimes include hiking, beach combing,
rollerblading and cycling. They also enjoy winter sports, including
downhill and cross-country skiing, ice-skating and hockey. The food/restaurants
in Toronto reflect the diversity of its people. A wide range of
different cuisines can be found. From Chinese to Indian, and Italian
to Ukrainian. Canadians generally eat three means a day; breakfast,
lunch and dinner. Tipping in restaurants, and for some other services
(10 to 15 per cent) is customary.
Toronto,
Day to Day
The dress code is more conservative than in the United States, and
less formal than in Europe, Students dress casually, usually in
jeans and a T-shirt are standard in the summer. You will need warmer
clothes, wool sweaters, by late October. You will need purchase
winter wear once you arrive in Toronto.
Toronto has
four very different climates. During the summer, the weather is
warm and pleasant. Autumn is cool and spectacular, with leaves changing
colour, and clear crispness in the air. Winter’s cold weather
offers students the opportunity to participate in skating, ice hockey,
down-hill and cross-country skating skiing. The spring is warm and
fresh as the city renews itself.
Many colleges
and universities have on-campus residence. Living on campus is a
great way to meet Canadian students. Many students live separately,
or in groups in off-campus house or apartments. Most college and
universities operate a home stay program, where they arrange for
you live with a Canadian family.
Most of the
world’s major airlines fly into the Toronto Pearson Airport.
When travelling within Canada, keep the size of the country in mind.
Travelling by plane or train are the two main forms of transportation
when travelling to another province. Different means of transportation
within the city include: automobile, subway, bus, street car and
taxi. Conducted bus tours or rail/bus excursions are offered, especially
in the peak tourist months. Canada’s cross-country train service
provides travellers with a unique way to see Canada’s/Toronto’s
breathtaking landscapes.
Author: J. Susan Byng
International Student Recruitment
Seneca College
photo
courtesy of Ontario Min. of Culture, Tourism & Recreation
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