Top 5 Study Destinations in North America

Many international students are interested in pursuing their studies in North America, and they have good reason for doing so as this is where a lot of the best universities in the world are located much thanks to the United States of America and Canada. The quality of education on the continent is as high as the competition.

There is a diverse mix of Native Americans, Latin Americans, African Americans, Africans and Asians from all over the world living and studying in several North American nations. This means that people on the continent speak hundreds of different languages. The USA and Canada are the leading countries in terms of educational standards on the continent but there are some others which also have universities of international repute and that is what we will be highlighting in this article.

Here are 5 countries which are popular study destinations for international students in North America.

United States

The United States of America is a giant in the very sense of the word. Its size, culture and influence in the world is enormous. It is the largest English-speaking country and an ideal place to study abroad for a variety of reasons.

If you are a student who loves nature or vibrant and fast-moving cities, the United States is the right place for you. Some of the best universities in the world are spread across the country. These institutions are highly developed thanks to huge public and private funding. The dominance of American educational institutions is so great that universities in USA occupy 60-75 percent of the top 20 positions in all global university rankings in recent years.

American universities charge tuition fees, but the cost for international students varies depending on the state or home country. Other expenses include medical costs and living costs, although payment plans are usually offered by the host university.

Canada

If you are a student who loves being in a more relaxed atmosphere then think of Canada. The country is loved for its breathtaking scenery, weather conditions, endless opportunities, high standard of living and low crime rates.

It is a safe and friendly country with is equally applicable to its many prestigious universities, hence why it is a very popular destination for students looking to earn a degree abroad. Canada invests significantly in education, and several of its institutions are consistently ranked in the top 100 in the world.

Some of the top institutions in this North American country are the University of Toronto, McGill University in Montreal, the University of British Columbia, and the University of Alberta. Its tuition fees are lower than many English-speaking countries and it has health insurance which is cheaper than what is obtainable across the border in the United States.

Canada is a bilingual country, with more than three-quarter of Quebec’s population being native French speakers. The country has a proud history of immigration and has promoted diversity and multiculturalism over the years. The most popular sports in this country are ice hockey, basketball, golf, lacrosse and baseball, but soccer, rugby and cricket are also on the rise.

Mexico

Mexico is the ancient homeland of the Maya and Aztecs, known for its rich culture, traditional food with bold flavours and natural beauty. The language which is predominantly spoken in this country is Spanish. Mexico is home to a large percentage of the best universities in Latin America. These higher institutions have a reputation for excellent economic performance, which is why their graduates are highly sought after by top companies.

The Monterrey Institute of Technology and Higher Education is one of the most prestigious technical institutions in the world, known for world-class research while the National Autonomous University of Mexico is consistently ranked among the best universities in the world. The main campus itself is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is filled with sculptures and murals.

Costa Rica

Costa Rica has three universities ranked in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings. The highest ranked university in Costa Rica is the University of Costa Rica, which clinches the 1201th position globally.

Choosing where to study in Costa Rica is one of the most important decisions you will ever make. In addition to having high literacy skills, Costa Ricans welcome learners from all over the world with open arms. They are friendly and willing to share their culture. Additionally, the citizens believe in peace and live a relaxed lifestyle, or what is called “la pura vida” which translates to “pure life.”

Dominican Republic

There are several reasons to study abroad in the Dominican Republic, from the opportunity to improve your Spanish skills and experience Dominican culture to exploring the country’s fascinating features, including beaches, music scene and authentic cuisine.

The Dominican Republic has one university ranked in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings. The highest-ranked university in the Dominican Republic is the Polytechnic University of Santiago (UTESA).

This country may not be a traditional destination for international students, but it does have a well-established tradition of higher education. In fact, Dominican Republic lays claim to have been the site of the first university founded in the Americas: the Universidad Santo Tomás de Aquino, established in 1538.