Studying abroad

Question

Hey there 👋  
  I am a 23 years old man who lives in Israel. I'm thinking about doing a degree in a university in Montreal/San Francisco.   
  I would love to get some help from anyone who has an idea about any of this two options

Lalith Eshwar · Answer

Hello! I can provide some information to help you with your decision.

Montreal and San Francisco are both vibrant cities with excellent universities. Here are some key points to consider for each option:

Montreal:
- Education: Montreal is home to several prestigious universities, such as McGill University and Concordia University. These institutions offer a wide range of undergraduate programs and have a strong reputation for academic excellence.
- Cost of Living: Montreal generally has a lower cost of living compared to many major cities in North America, including San Francisco. Housing, transportation, and daily expenses may be more affordable in Montreal.
- Bilingual Environment: Montreal is a bilingual city with both English and French as official languages. If you are interested in practicing or improving your French language skills, studying in Montreal could provide a valuable opportunity.
- Cultural Experience: Montreal is known for its rich cultural scene, festivals, and diverse population. It offers a unique blend of European and North American influences, providing a vibrant and multicultural environment.

San Francisco:
- Education: San Francisco and the broader San Francisco Bay Area are home to renowned universities, including Stanford University and the University of California, Berkeley. These institutions have strong academic programs and are at the forefront of research and innovation.
- Technological Hub: San Francisco is a major center for technology and innovation, with numerous tech companies, startups, and venture capital firms. If you are interested in pursuing a career in technology or entrepreneurship, studying in San Francisco could provide excellent networking and internship opportunities.
- High Cost of Living: It's important to note that San Francisco has a high cost of living, particularly regarding housing. Rent, utilities, and general expenses tend to be more expensive compared to other cities.
- Mild Climate and Outdoor Activities: San Francisco enjoys a mild climate and offers a range of outdoor activities due to its proximity to beaches, parks, and natural attractions. If you enjoy outdoor pursuits and a more temperate climate, this could be a favorable aspect.

Consider your academic and career goals, preferred language environment, financial situation, and lifestyle preferences when making your decision. Research the universities and their programs, explore scholarship opportunities, and reach out to current students or alumni to gain further insights.

Shailly Kerkar · Answer

Choosing a university and a city to live in for the next few years is an important decision, and it's great to see that you're doing your research.

Let's consider some factors that might influence your decision:
Living in San Francisco is generally more expensive than Montreal. Housing prices, in particular, are significantly higher in San Francisco. However, potential salaries after graduation might also be higher in San Francisco, particularly in tech-related fields. Montreal is known for its relatively affordable cost of living, especially for a major city.

The climates of the two cities are quite different. San Francisco generally has mild, pleasant weather year-round, with cool and foggy summers and mild, wet winters. On the other hand, Montreal experiences all four seasons with hot summers and very cold, snowy winters.

Both cities have a lot to offer culturally. San Francisco is known for its tech scene, its liberal politics, and its scenic beauty, including the Golden Gate Bridge and the surrounding bay. Montreal is known for its mix of North American and European cultures, its food scene, and its vibrant arts and music scenes.

Both cities have reputable universities. In San Francisco, you could consider universities like Stanford or the University of California, Berkeley. In Montreal, McGill University and the University of Montreal are two top choices. Each has different strengths, so you should consider what you want to study and look at each university's programs in that area.

It might be easier for you to get a student visa in Canada than in the US, given the current immigration policies. Canada also has programs in place to retain international students after graduation, which might be of interest to you if you're considering staying in the country where you study.

While English is spoken widely in both cities, Montreal is in a predominantly French-speaking province, and being able to speak some French would be beneficial. However, most university courses are available in English.

Depending on your field of study, one city might offer better job opportunities. For instance, San Francisco and the broader Bay Area is a major hub for technology and entrepreneurship, while Montreal has a growing tech scene and is also known for industries such as aerospace, video games, and film and television production.

I hope this gives you some things to think about! You might also want to consider visiting each city, if possible, to get a feel for which one you prefer. It would also be a good idea to reach out to the international student services at the universities you're considering, as they can provide a lot of helpful information.