Plan B: Travel or Study? Why not do both!

When it comes to devising an alternative study plan, why not think outside the square … and we’re talking waayyy outside the square … in fact, we’re talking outside the country!

Studying at an overseas university allows you to combine travel with education – except you won’t just be seeing the world; you’ll actually be living in another country where you can experience a whole new culture and lifestyle … without interrupting your plans to earn a qualification.

As an added bonus, prospective employers tend to look very favourably on job applicants with international experience. They believe it shows a level of maturity and a global outlook; and it may just give you the edge over your competitors when it comes to securing your dream job.

Australia is a popular choice for many Canadian students. First and foremost, there are no language issues in the classroom and our two cultures are relatively similar.

One of the main attractions, however, is Australia’s outdoor, beach-focussed lifestyle, particularly in the northern state of Queensland where the climate ranges from sub-tropical to tropical and surfing is the No. 1 sport.

Bond University on Queensland’s Gold Coast attracts a strong contingent of Canadian students, drawn by the fact that it is a private university modelled on North America’s exclusive ivy league colleges.

Set on a 50-hectare campus just five minutes from the beach, it offers a boutique study experience with only 5000 students who work in small, personalised classes learning from internationally renowned academics who serve as mentors and friends, as well as teachers.

When it comes to resources and facilities, Bond students have access to the very best of everything – from the very latest workplace technologies in each of the available disciplines through to an Olympic size swimming pool, fully equipped gymnasium and sporting fields.

Another key attraction is Bond’s fast-tracked timetable. By running three semesters per year, they enable students to complete the average 24-subject undergraduate degree in just two years. The Australian system doesn’t require Canada’s one year of General Education either, so a two-year degree from Bond is equivalent to a four-year degree from any Canadian university.

Making the experience even more fun is the opportunity of living on campus with fellow students from all over the world. Bond is renowned for its social life and the on-campus clubs and societies organised by the Students’ Association.

There have been some remarkable Canadian success stories from Bond – including Alberta parliamentarian, Brian Jean who has a Bond MBA, and Microsoft Business Development Manager, Robert Bannerman who studied his Master of IT at Bond and returned to do his MBA.

The Canada Student Loan Program offers financial support for eligible students wishing to study overseas at an approved educational institution such as Bond University. For more information on the loans available, go to www.canlearn.ca and to see the full range of programs available at Bond, visit www.bond.edu.au.