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Published Monday, December 28, 2020
Canadians recognize Costa Rica among
the best countries to study,
agency says
By the A.M. Costa Rica staff
According to a study carried out by Costa Rica's Export Promotion Agency, known as PROCOMER by its acronym in Spanish, Canadian students rank the country among the 15 best places to study.
Canadian students' with interests in topics such as green energy, architecture, sustainability, architectural design, social science, ecotourism and medical tourism, represents an opportunity for Costa Rican universities to attract these students to take short-study programs in the country, according to the study entitled "Opportunities for the export of educational services to Canada" developed by the agency.
The study showed that, although Canadian students don't usually study abroad because they have an excellent educational system, when they decide to do it, they consider four important factors such as:
Language: they can be in a country where the language is different from the native one as long as the classes are given in English or French.
Costs: most of the time they require scholarships, financing and other economic support, therefore, the costs in the destination country is one of the most important factors.
Travel time: From May to August is a good travel time for students, as they are in the Canadian summertime and when they take short trips.
Transfer credit: Study abroad programs lasting 6 months may offer transferable courses and credits as long they are part of the Canadian college course requirements.
According to Maureen Alpízar, the analyst in charge of the study, the top most popular destinations chosen by Canadians are usually the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia. However, she also clarifies that Costa Rica is in the top 15 of the countries of the highest interest, especially in the courses directly related to sustainability.
Other opportunities mentioned in the study are the so-called “short courses.” The recommended periods are from two to four weeks, these short periods are favorable for Canadians as they would enjoy the experience, without having to lose their job, or delay their graduation due to an academic trip that could be part of university courses.
Due to the pandemic most of the Canadian Universities are developing the regular courses virtually, the study said.
According to Marta Esquivel, representative of the agency, another advantage of studying abroad is the use of the International Education Strategy, which is carried out for 2019 to 2024. The program, launched by the Canadian government, acts to stimulate the study abroad of more than 11,000 students.
Specialists advise universities interested in attracting Canadian students, to develop their study programs taking into account the needs of foreign students, such as courses offered in English, sign agreements with Canadian Universities on short-term courses and develop a strategy to promote the advantages of studying in Costa Rica.
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Have you heard of Canadian undergraduates interested in studying in Costa Rica? We would like to know your thoughts on this story. Send your comments to news@amcostarica.com
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