Canadian and Australian universities

Hi everybody, basically, I’m looking for people who have or had any experience with these universities because I have the possibility to do an exchange in some countries and these two attract me the most, even if I’m not against going in an other country.
Here’s the list: Canada: Bishop’s University, Concordia University, HEC Montréal, McGill University, University of Montréal, University of Ottawa, University of Ottawa ( Telfer), Lava university, Sherbrooke University, York University, The University of British colombia.
And Australia: The Australian National University, University of Melbourne, Macquarie University, University of New South Wales, University of Sydney.
So basically, you can see that there’s a wide choice. What I’m looking for, and these two countries seem to match these criteria, are open minded people in a nice country. This may vary a lot in different universities so I’m valuing this point a lot. In my actual university ( in Switzerland) people are not really open minded.
I’m looking for experiences, to discover a new culture, new food etc…
These two countries seem to accept “out” going students quite a lot, if I’m not wrong.
I have to chose between 3 of these, knowing that my grades, that are average, might not let me in all these universities.
Since the choice is so wide, I’m asking for your help:
Who’s been in one of these universities? What did you think about it? Are foreigner students accepted and well integrated? Which city would be great for a 4 month trip?
Thanks a lot and sorry for this long text
Answer #1
I’m starting to think that posting this topic in the OT section might have been a better idea?
Answer #2
From what I’ve heard, McGill in Toronto has a pretty good business school.
Answer #3
University of Alberta (Edmonton, Alberta, Canada) is quite nice, I went there for a while. The nightlife and city is amazing, and it has a little bit of something for everyone (Edmonton).. But it is the north most city in the world, so they have a pretty long winter which you will get used to after a while.
Answer #4
UNSW, USyd and Macquarie are great uni’s in the Sydney area. I attend Macquarie myself and there are alot of transfer students there, USyd as well. Not too sure about UNSW though. I can say that you will probably have an easy time to meet new people at Maq uni, I know quite a few transfer students myself (no I’m not one though )
With average grades though, I’m not sure if ANU, UNSW or USyd will let you in. It depends on what course you’re taking. The requirements forMaq Uni are probably slightly lower (but it’s not a crap uni) and it does have a huge campus compared to Usyd and UNSW.
Sydney is good for a visit, but probably not for a too long term thing. A week to around 3 is probably the longest you want to stay here to take in the sights. There aren’t too many attractions and Australia is quite expensive to visit itself. But if you do enjoy clubbing, partying and that sorta stuff then it could be your place. But no doubt other cities can probably offer better.
Answer #5
hrykviop replied: From what I've heard, McGill in Toronto has a pretty good business school.
I’ve heard that too, but it seems really hard to get in!
TommyDawkins replied: University of Alberta (Edmonton, Alberta, Canada) is quite nice, I went there for a while. The nightlife and city is amazing, and it has a little bit of something for everyone (Edmonton).. But it is the north most city in the world, so they have a pretty long winter which you will get used to after a while.
I do not have this choice, this is the problem…
AzN_Uber Leet replied: UNSW, USyd and Macquarie are great uni's in the Sydney area. I attend Macquarie myself and there are alot of transfer students there, USyd as well. Not too sure about UNSW though. I can say that you will probably have an easy time to meet new people at Maq uni, I know quite a few transfer students myself (no I'm not one though )
With average grades though, I'm not sure if ANU, UNSW or USyd will let you in. It depends on what course you're taking. The requirements forMaq Uni are probably slightly lower (but it's not a crap uni) and it does have a huge campus compared to Usyd and UNSW.
Sydney is good for a visit, but probably not for a too long term thing. A week to around 3 is probably the longest you want to stay here to take in the sights. There aren't too many attractions and Australia is quite expensive to visit itself. But if you do enjoy clubbing, partying and that sorta stuff then it could be your place. But no doubt other cities can probably offer better.
This is why I value Australia: the people there, they really seem nice ( correct if wrong). I’ve seen so many Australian vids on youtube having fun. Plus the country is absolutely beautiful, I’ve seen so many documentaries about the nature, animals etc.
So I might put Macquarie in my choices then, not so sure about it. I’ll have to call the international relations guy on monday from my uni to talk a little bit about my chances in my choices.
As for the money, I’m pretty sure it’s still cheaper than Switzerland. How much do you pay for a month ( students appartment or studio)?
Thanks for your answers guys
Answer #6
Sorry to bump but does anybody else know things about Canadian or Australian universities? What are your experiences in these unis with transfer students, did they enjoy their time?