Rosy Ceceña, director of Ágora Internacional, points out that the exemption of high school students from the limit of 360,000 annual visas for international students allows more direct and easier access to these opportunities, without the barriers faced by other applicants.
From an academic point of view, Canada has consolidated its reputation as a country with high educational quality. According to John DeFranco, CEO of ILAC Group, “attending high school in Canada allows you to graduate from a high-level educational system and also facilitates entry into colleges and universities without language barriers.”
This direct access to universities and colleges is possible thanks to agreements with more than 100 Canadian institutions, which allow the entry of high school students without requiring English proficiency tests such as IELTS or TOEFL, which reduces a common obstacle in the application processes. admission for international students.
Studying in Canada not only implies academic benefits; The experience of immersion in a diverse culture is another reason that attracts high school students. Living with host families is a promoted option, offering young people the opportunity to experience the Canadian lifestyle first-hand and adapt to a new culture.
“By living with local families, students get a true Canadian experience and quickly adapt to the culture,” DeFranco says.
Even so, the adaptation process is not always easy. Young people must face challenges such as distance from their families and adjustment to a different cultural and educational system, which can complicate their experience in the first months.
This adaptation may depend greatly on the student’s ability to integrate into a new social and cultural environment, which, in some cases, represents a significant challenge. The cultural immersion experience is an advantage for those with a high capacity for adaptation, although it may be a deterrent factor for students seeking a less abrupt transition in their academic life.
Economic investment and accessibility
The cost of studying high school in Canada is one of the aspects that weighs the most in the decision of students and their families. Rosy Ceceña estimates that “to study high school in Canada, Mexican students generally need an approximate budget of between 290,000 and 390,000 Mexican pesos per year,” which includes tuition, materials, health insurance and accommodation.
Although this figure is competitive with other destinations, such as the United States, it still represents an important investment for many Mexican families. In addition, the exchange rate and additional costs, such as study permits and personal expenses, increase the annual budget necessary to study high school abroad.
The costs of studying in Canada can be reduced for some students thanks to scholarships or financing, but even so, the financial aspect is a limitation for a large sector of the population. While for some families this investment can be seen as a way to ensure better academic and professional opportunities, for others it represents an unaffordable expense, which forces them to value the specific benefits against possible economic limitations.
One of the most valued aspects of the baccalaureate in Canada is the possibility of directly accessing higher education without additional language exams, which can simplify the admission process for students. However, this benefit does not guarantee entry to the most selective universities in the country, as some high-demand programs may require additional requirements or specific assessments.
Although direct access to university is an undoubted attraction, not all students who complete their high school degree in Canada choose to continue their studies in the country. Some choose to return to Mexico or explore options elsewhere. This implies that, although Canadian education is internationally recognized, the credits and certifications obtained may require revalidation or adaptation to the admission requirements of universities in other countries.
A decision for the future, is Canada the best option?
For many Mexican students, high school in Canada represents an opportunity to access quality education and a platform towards higher studies in an international environment. However, it is essential that those interested evaluate the commitments that this decision implies, beyond the prestige or projection of Canadian education.
As Ceceña points out, “Canada offers a combination of educational excellence and migratory openness, which makes it an attractive destination for those seeking to build a future full of possibilities,” but each case must be analyzed based on personal goals and available resources.
Choosing to study high school in Canada can open doors, but it also poses challenges and limitations. The decision to emigrate at this stage of life requires an objective evaluation of the benefits and disadvantages, considering both academic preparation and the capacity to adapt and the necessary economic resources.
For some, this experience can be the start of a global professional career; for others, a project that demands more planning and analysis before making a final decision.
