Lori Meadows
Canada has a reputation for being one of the safest places in the world to live, and this perception of safety is a major draw for international students. The country ranks highly in global indices for safety, civil liberties, and quality of life, with cities like Vancouver, Toronto, and Montreal known for their safety, vibrant cultural scenes, and high living standards. Canada's educational institutions consistently rank highly for both the quality of education and student satisfaction, with world-class research facilities and distinguished faculty. The country is also known for its liberal and welcoming stance towards international students, with policies that support multiculturalism and inclusivity. While Canada is considered very safe for international students, it is still important to follow common-sense safety precautions, such as being aware of one's surroundings, planning safe travel routes, and knowing local laws and emergency procedures.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Public Safety | A major concern of the Canadian government |
| Safety Ranking | Ranked highly in global indices for safety |
| Safe Environment | Safe and inclusive environment for students from all over the world |
| Safe Cities | Vancouver, Toronto, and Montreal are known for their safety |
| Safe Transportation | Well-developed public transportation system, taxi services, and ridesharing options |
| Safe Campuses | Colleges offer "safety escorts" and transportation facilities for students traveling during late hours |
| Safe Drinking | Drinking in public places is illegal |
| Safe Drug Policy | Possession of drugs is illegal and can lead to deportation |
| Safe Accommodation | Students have reported accommodation challenges as a pre-arrival frustration |
| Safe Working | International students can work while studying, gaining valuable North American work experience |
| Safe Policies | Anti-harassment and discrimination policies are strictly enforced, along with comprehensive support systems |
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What You'll Learn
Canada's safety reputation
Canada has an excellent reputation for safety, ranking highly on global indices for safety, civil liberties, and quality of life. It is considered one of the safest places in the world to live and study, with a low crime rate and a strong police presence. This reputation for safety is a major draw for international students, with 79% of students citing safety as a key factor in choosing Canada as their study destination.
Canada is known for its liberal and welcoming stance towards international students, with policies that support multiculturalism and a generally tolerant and non-discriminatory society. The country also offers a high quality of life, with cities like Vancouver, Toronto, and Montreal known for their safety, vibrant cultural scenes, and high living standards.
While Canada is incredibly safe, it is still important for international students to take common-sense safety precautions, such as staying in well-lit and busy areas at night, avoiding isolated areas, and always being aware of their surroundings. Additionally, international students should familiarise themselves with local laws and regulations, such as the legal drinking age and drug laws, to ensure they do not inadvertently break any rules.
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Safety precautions for students
Canada is widely regarded as one of the safest places in the world for international students. However, it is always important to be aware of safety precautions to take while studying in a foreign country. Here are some safety precautions specifically for international students in Canada:
Before Arrival
Before your departure, familiarise yourself with your bus routes and schedules, or keep the number for a taxi company handy. Alternatively, ridesharing is a prevalent and economic option in Canada, with several services to choose from, including Uber.
On Campus
Many colleges in Canada offer ""safety escorts" and transportation facilities for students travelling around campus during late hours. It is a good idea to save these numbers on your phone. Additionally, Canadian educational institutions are proactive in developing and enforcing policies that create safe and inclusive environments. These include anti-harassment and anti-discrimination policies, as well as comprehensive support systems that offer counselling services, healthcare, and legal aid.
In Public
When going out, always walk on well-lit, busy streets and travel with a friend if possible. Avoid isolated areas such as parks or alleys. If you must walk alone, do so with confidence and plan your route. Always inform someone of your whereabouts and expected return time. If you feel you are being followed, change directions and go to the nearest public place.
At Home
To ensure safety in your apartment, avoid letting strangers in and keep your doors and windows locked, even when you're at home. Look through the peephole before opening the door. It is also beneficial to interact with your neighbours so that you have people nearby who can assist in emergencies.
General Precautions
- Do not carry large amounts of money or weapons. Weapons are illegal in Canada and can be used against you.
- Be aware of the legal drinking age in your province. It is illegal to drink alcohol in public places like beaches, parks, or on the street.
- Do not possess any kind of drugs, as this can lead to deportation.
- If you are robbed, do not fight back. Try to attract attention by shouting or blowing a whistle. If your purse or wallet is demanded, throw it in one direction and run in the opposite direction.
- If you are a victim of any crime, no matter how minor, report it to the police by calling 911. Interpreters are available if your first language is not English.
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Safe transportation
Canada has a reputation for being one of the safest countries in the world for international students. This reputation is a major draw for students, with 79% of students citing safety as a competitive advantage for the country in a survey by the Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE).
When it comes to safe transportation in Canada, there are several options available to students. Firstly, public transportation, including buses and taxis, is a convenient and safe choice. Before travelling, it is recommended to familiarise yourself with the bus routes and schedules. Taxis in Canada are also considered safe, with all taxis being required to have running meters displaying the fare. Ridesharing services, such as Uber and other local startups, are prevalent in Canada and provide a safe and economic alternative to driving under the influence. When using ridesharing apps, it is important to check the vehicle's information and the driver's photo before getting in.
For late-night travel, it is advisable to use these transportation services instead of walking alone. Many colleges and universities also offer "safety escorts" and transportation services for students travelling on campus after dark, and it is recommended to save their contact information on your phone. Additionally, always let someone know where you are going and when you plan to return. These simple precautions can help ensure your safe transportation in Canada.
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Safe drinking guidelines
Canada is widely regarded as one of the safest countries in the world, and its reputation for safety is a major draw for international students. However, it is always important to follow common sense safety precautions and be aware of potential risks, especially when drinking alcohol.
Canada's drinking guidelines have recently been updated and suggest that no amount of alcohol is truly safe. The new guidelines provide a risk continuum and identify standard drink levels at which risk goes from low to moderate to higher. According to the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction (CCSA), low-risk drinking is defined as two standard drinks or less per week, with no more than one drink per day. This is a significant reduction from the previous guideline of 15 drinks per week for men and 10 for women.
Drinking more than six drinks per week, especially for women, leads to higher health risks. In particular, drinking three to six standard drinks per week is associated with an increased risk of various forms of cancer. Acute harms associated with drinking include interpersonal violence and driving while impaired, which can lead to accidents and injuries.
To stay safe, it is important to follow the recommended guidelines and drink in moderation. Additionally, be aware of your surroundings and avoid isolated areas when under the influence. If you need to travel, consider using taxis or ridesharing services, which are prevalent in Canada, rather than driving. By following these guidelines and staying informed about the risks associated with alcohol consumption, you can make safer and more informed choices.
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Safe accommodation
Canada is widely regarded as one of the safest places in the world to live and study. However, it is important to follow safety precautions and use common sense.
When it comes to safe accommodation for international students in Canada, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, finding suitable accommodation can be a challenge due to high demand and limited options. It is recommended to start searching for accommodation early and to seek help from the institution's accommodation office or student services.
- Familiarize yourself with the area: Research the neighbourhood and choose a location with low crime rates and a strong police presence. Look for well-lit streets and avoid isolated areas.
- Secure your living space: Keep your doors and windows locked, especially when you are away or sleeping. Use secure locks and consider installing a security system if possible.
- Be cautious with visitors: Do not let strangers into your apartment. Always look through the peephole before opening the door, and use a door chain or security bar for added protection.
- Get to know your neighbours: Introduce yourself to your neighbours and build a good relationship. Neighbours can look out for each other and provide assistance in emergencies.
- On-campus options: Consider living on or near campus. Many colleges offer residence halls or apartments specifically for students, providing a built-in community and additional security measures.
- Utilize safety services: Take advantage of the safety services provided by your institution, such as "safety escorts" or campus transportation after dark. These services can ensure safe travel to and from your accommodation.
- Stay informed: Stay updated with safety notifications and alerts from your institution and local authorities. Be aware of any potential risks or issues in your area.
Remember to trust your instincts and report any suspicious activity or safety concerns to the appropriate authorities. By taking proactive measures and staying vigilant, you can enhance your personal safety and enjoy a positive living experience in Canada.
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Frequently asked questions
Canada is widely regarded as one of the safest places in the world to live and study. Its educational institutions consistently rank highly for both the quality of education and student satisfaction. The country ranks highly in global indices for safety, civil liberties, and quality of life.
It is important to follow the same common-sense safety precautions in Canada that you would anywhere else in the world. Always walk on well-lit, busy streets at night, and travel with a friend whenever possible. Avoid isolated areas, such as parks or alleys. If you feel that you are being followed, change directions and go to a public place. If you are robbed, do not try to argue or fight back, and report the crime to the police.
It is recommended to get familiar with public transportation routes and schedules before you leave for your destination. Canadian taxis are a good way to get home when it is late and dark, and ridesharing is also prevalent in Canada.
Make sure you know the legal drinking age in your province. It is illegal to drink alcohol in public places like beaches, parks, or on the street. If you want to purchase alcohol or go to bars, make sure you carry your ID or passport. Always take a public bus, taxi, or ridesharing vehicle when returning from parties, especially if you are drunk.
Colleges in Canada are proactive in developing and enforcing policies that create safe and inclusive environments. Anti-harassment and discrimination policies are strictly enforced, alongside comprehensive support systems that include counseling services, healthcare, and legal aid.
