Recently I've been thinking about moving to Canada, I'm just sick of the US and I know that if I have kids that I am definately NOT raising them in this country. Even though what I want to do doesn't really require a degree, I'm still going to college next year to study painting and because I think it'd be a cool experience, so I was thinking about a Canadian college, but my brother says that colleges in Canada are pretty prestigious and the students are pretty strict and academic focused, which isn't bad, but I'd want to meet people who have some of same interests which for the most part aren't really "professional". So does anyone have any information about Canadian colleges and how someone like me would fit in Thanks.
look up O.C.A.D. ontario college of arts and design. i think that's wat it's called. you need a 70% in english and a 15 ish peice portfolio. don't forget your pre sketches to your work. the end product is nothing to them with out the birthing ideas.
Let me know when you're leaving so I can catch a ride with ya, I'm ready to get the hell out as well!
Been there, done that. I am American and went to art school in Quebec. It worked well for me and i can give you some info. Do your research first, lots of it. Got the internet, check out all the schools, programs, etc. For an American (or any other international student) it is a bit easier to get into schools as there is a bias bc we pay international student fees which are considerably higher than those that Canadian residents pay. And its all about the money really for schools and their funding needs, esp Canadian ones that run on tax payers money as opposed to the crazy-priced private institutions in the States. There is also a lot to deal with in regards to getting your student visas, health insurance, etc. This is all government fee crap that must be sifted through and taken care of. You are going to be living in a different country with its own rules and regulations, this is something i learned; you've got to be serious about keeping up with your documentation or you WILL get fucked, either financially or by not being able to re-register. Don't let this put you off, in my opinion it is worth it, you just can't be lazy or apathetic, you have to really want it i guess. Also, i don't recommend school in Quebec if you don't speak French. OCAD was mentioned and is something to check out. Dead on though Papa, an arts degree will most likely not get you a job but it is a great experience leading to other paths. Hey, look at me, I went to school in Montreal, had some great experiences, met my husband, and now i live in beautiful British Columbia, residing in a quiet rural place where i am able to continue my work, something so many artists do not do (but really the most important part) after leaving schooling which is quite unfortunate. So, take the chance, you never know what the future holds unless you take some chances, look into schools and visit too, VERY important even if you are far. It gives you a feel for where you will call home for a few years. It is wrong, in my opinion, just to go somewhere for school without having been first, i've seen it backfire a few times and no one wants to be stuck and miserable. Make sure you can deal with the weather (you live in Louisiana right?), out East and on the Prairies there are some pretty brutal winters, i remember biking to school in Montreal and my eyelashes freezing shut! Anyway, if you have any specific questions Papa, just shout 'em out, i've been through a lot of cross-border doings and i'll give ya what advice I can. Good Luck -Sarah
>.< Just curious, but how much does college in Canada cost? I know the prices in America are pretty steep, and they probably don't offer financial aid to Americans or scholarships if you go to a colege in Canada, do they? I'm just considering my options, as I don't want to be around such close-minded people, and I'd have to go out of state at the least, which would rise the price. Even education isn't free.
The three major cities in Canada are Toronto (Ontario), Vancouver (British Columbia), and Montreal (Quebec). You'll find some open minded folks in and around these cities, but the rest of Canada can be pretty religious and/or conservative. OCAD in Toronto was a good mention, so are University of Toronto, Mcgill(sp?) in Montreal, McMaster in Hamilton (crappy city, though)... have a look see on the web and see if anything catches your eye. Tuitions vary widely based on what you're taking, and supplies can be a killer. In Ontario, OSAP handles student loans. I know that they do have options for foreigners, but I'm not sure what they are. Google Google! I think that if you moved here, you wouldn't see that much of a difference between Canada and the US in terms of public mentality. A little, sure (Canadians aren't usually horrified at the sight of nipples), but I'd look into some of the bigger cities in your own country as well, as it might be just as good and save a little hassle. I've always thought that Seattle, Washington would be a nice place to live, if I had to live in the States.
I go to Cegep du Vieux-Montreal, which is Quebec's version of College. 150$ cnd/semester, located downtown Montreal, very militant Cegep...but it is a French school. There are english cegeps, but they tend to be more classy and trendy. There's about one hippie in Champlain, and he's one of my best buddies heh.
