When planning to study in Canada, students usually prioritize going to a college in populous cities like Toronto or Vancouver to have the fullest international student experience. However, there is so much that Canada has to offer that colleges located in regional areas can provide the same holistic international student experience and more. This article will dive into that “more”, taking in the case of one of our partner institutions College of New Caledonia.

College of New Caledonia (CNC) has served the learning needs of BC interior students since its establishment in 1969. The college takes pride in providing quality education and preparing students for the next stage of their life whether that be university or launching their career. It has six campuses all located within the central interior region of British Columbia: Quesnel, Prince George, Burns Lake, Fort St. James, Mackenzie, and Vanderhoof.

Here are the top three reasons why studying in BC’s interior at the College of New Caledonia can give you the best international study experience and more:

1. Low Cost of Living

One of the greatest considerations when studying abroad is finances. As an international student, you will only be allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during the semester if you need to partly support yourself. Hence, studying in a more affordable area can make a big difference and reduce any financial burden.

For instance, a student studying in CNC at their Quesnel campus will only need to pay an average rent of 800 CAD per month for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre. Compare that with the average 2,000 CAD per month rent for the same apartment size in downtown Vancouver. Meals and public transportation are also reported to be cheaper in Quesnel.

2. Affordable tuition and Smaller class-size

College of New Caledonia offers the second-lowest tuition in British Columbia. The affordable education, coupled with the low cost of living in the BC interior will ensure that you can focus on making more memories instead of having to feel restricted by a tight budget. The college also recognized the benefits of having a smaller class size for more intensive learning and better interaction with instructors and peers.

3. Untouched Nature at your Doorstep

Last but not the least, studying at CNC means having the great British Columbia outdoor at your doorstep. Areas north of Metro Vancouver are usually less visited but they offer breath-taking, pure natural beauty. A few destination close of CNC campuses are:

Beaver Point Resort, approximately 15-minute drive (~18km) from CNC Burns Lake campus

Forest for the World, approximately 10-minute drive (~7km) from CNC Prince George Campus

Bowron Lake Provincial Park, approximately 2-hour drive (120 km) from CNC Quesnel campus

These are just three examples of where you and your peers can go during the weekends. There are tons of other picturesque mountains, luscious forest, and serene lakes, nearby CNC campuses. Not to mention the cultural and historical landmarks, cafes, and restaurants in city centres waiting for you after a long day of exploring the outdoors.

Living in BC’s interior and studying at one of the most affordable and high-quality learning institutions like College of New Caledonia offers a unique and holistic international student experience - your basic needs are addressed at a fraction of the cost of big city living, your education delivered at highest standards, and you get the chance to discover the best places and sceneries of beautiful British Columbia.