What are the reasons Japanese students should choose to study English in Canada?

Dear Dennis, 

There are many reasons to do it: 

- Canada is an English speaking country. There is nothing better than
to study a language in the country where it is spoken. This is also
true regarding languages other than English: it is better for a non
native speaker to learn Japanese in Japan.

- Canadian culture incorporates a variety of cultures,
Native-American, European and current North American. Students will
have a chance to learn much about the culture;

See for example: 

Bev MacWilliams, "Cultural Homestays in Small-Town Canada",
<http://www.cic.sfu.ca/japanese/Twinning%20Lectures/macwilliams.html>
- on the option to stay with Canadian families in small towns and to
learn more about Canada

- However, Pacific Canada inhabits, among others, a large Japanese
community. It might help some with immersion. It is a multi-cultural
society, and one would get to know a living, dynamic, environment.

See for example: 
"In essence, the issue that you make in comparison to Louisiana and
Quebec is very lopsided. The Americans CHOSE not to compromise with
language. Canada did. It is not the Canadian way, to reject other
cultures for the sake of preserving one's own. Instead, it is to
educate and understand cultures, which is also why Canada has a policy
of Multiculturalism."
(SOURCE: "Comments from Chris Cheng", United North America,
<http://www.unitednorthamerica.org/041503.htm>).

Christopher Guly, "Canadian universities create "the global village"
on campus", <http://www.destineducation.ca/resource/e-zine1_e.htm>

Exchange noted for bridging Pacific 
<http://www.publicaffairs.ubc.ca/ubcreports/1998/98apr02/aucc.html>  

- Because Canada is relatively affordable. It is more affordable than
the UK (and closer to Japan), and also than the US.

- On the other hand, it enjoys high standard of living: 
"For seven years, the United Nations has voted Canada the best country
in the world in which to live! There are many reasons why. Canada is a
beautiful country with a wide variety of tourist attractions. It is
safe, clean and enjoys a lifestyle envied by many." (SOURCE: Lanaguage
School Canda - Abotu Canada
<http://www.language-school-canada.com/en/about_canada.html>).

- And because the Canadian society is known as a tolerant one, where
Japanese students are not likely to encounter hostility.

See, for example: 
 Dr. Dyane Adam - Commissioner of Official Languages, "Canada?s Social Fabric:
Embracing Duality and Diversity" Speaking Notes for the Laurier
Speaker Series on Diversity and the Future of Canada, April 6, 2004,
<http://www.ocol-clo.gc.ca/archives/sp_al/2004/2004-04-06_e.htm>

I hope this answers your question. Please contact me if you need any
clarification on this answer before you rate it.

---

Request for Answer Clarification by dennisinjapan-ga on 10 Nov 2005 18:10 PST

I was hoping to have a little more specific information on which
areas, cost, and the number of
Japansese students studying in Canada.  Your response was very quick
but the last sites listed
in the answers were not really relative to my question.  Dennis
p.s. I am making this presentation tomorrow so the quick response was
very helpful.  So if
you have any clarification I hope I can get it today.

---

Clarification of Answer by politicalguru-ga on 11 Nov 2005 00:36 PST

Dear Dennis, 

I wish you've said that in the first place - how can one, for example,
know that you wanted the number of Japanese students studying in
Canada from the wording of your question? The answer gave reasons to
study in Canada, which is what you've asked for - you haven't asked
for the details you mention now.

(1)  Leonard J. Edwards, the Canadian Ambassador to Japan, has
written: "On Canada?s side, we have the large working holiday program
of 5000 places fully subscribed by young Japanese. As many as 10,000
Japanese study in Canada annually, most of them in language courses."
(SOURCE: Newsletter of the Japan Society,
<http://www.japansocietycanada.com/publications/chowa/Chowa18.html>).

(2) "Some of the most popular Canadian dstinations for studying
English are Vancouver, Vancouver Island, Toronto, Calgary and now more
than ever, Halifax (by the way, Halifax's winter is not nearly as bad
as some other cities in Canada)." (Canada ESL,
<http://www.canada-esl.com/main/studyincanada.html>).

This would be of interest: 
Lorna Clarke and Cameron J. Rizos , 1997. "Japanese Market Demand for
English Language Instruction in Canada"
<http://www.commerce.usask.ca/faculty/links/Japan_CIBS/language_instruction.htm>

Regarding cost of living, try comparison here: 
GLOBAL/WORLD COST OF LIVING RANKINGS 2005 
<http://www.finfacts.com/costofliving.htm>

I needed to be more specific