American's Studying in the Great White North

My first reaction to reading this article in the Globe & Mail about an increasing number of American student's enrolling in Canadian universities was surprise. I cannot completely explain this reaction. Perhaps it has to do with the media exposure that the US generally receives in Canada, the history of the US being the destination for many students from around the world or the fact that US students on Canadian campuses receive little profile compared to students from other countries. At my school students from more than 100 countries are represented it would be difficult for students from any particular country to receive all of the attention.

Towards the end of the article I began to realize it should not be that surprising considering the quality of our educational system and the proximity to the US. Increasing recruitment efforts would certainly contribute to this increase as well. I would be curious to know the outcome of the points raised around finances and whether schools receive more funding from an international student when compared to a domestic student. The point about school's not making money on international students because of increased expenses related to recruitment or services is not new to me.

From a learning and student life point of view bringing students from abroad is a great move. The different points of view and diversity that will be added to the campus will benefit the entire community and raise the level of learning for all students.