After decades of flying under the radar, Canada’s reputation as a destination for international business students has taken off. Since 2000, the number of international MBA candidates in the country has more than doubled. Canada is attracting more and more students from outside the country because of its low unemployment rate and its stable economy through the global economic crisis after 2009. The high rate of graduates who stay there after their studies is a result of the growing reputation of its schools. Dynamic cities like Toronto and Waterloo also offer many graduates opportunities to work in finance, the tech sector, marketing, and to start up their own companies after their degrees.

A recent survey found that 80% of MBA candidates from overseas remained in the country within one year of earning their degree. Many find it easier to work and live there after completing their education compared to other countries with more competitive schools and higher unemployment.  Diverse cities in Toronto are also known for their openness to people from other cultures. Toronto is more than just a hub for international business; it’s also home to many different cultures from all over the world. Half of the people living there were born in other countries. An MBA is a jumpstart to a career anywhere in the world, whether it’s in Mexico City, New York, or Toronto.

More schools also offer international immersion programs that give their students firsthand experience in business abroad. Canadian schools can be stepping-stones to a career anywhere in the world. Programs range from two-week trips overseas to participate in company tours and business meetings to summer terms at European universities. These trips and summer terms are great for giving insight into the corporate practices of other nations. They are open to all candidates, regardless of whether they are domestic or not. Global cities like Toronto also do business across borders in all corners of the world. An understanding of other cultures and fluency in languages other than English gives graduates a huge edge in Canada.

Many schools in the country are also known for their hands-on approach to studies. Laurier’s Integrated Core Term puts students in a position to face challenges from the real corporate world. Candidates must draw simultaneously from all areas of study, like, strategic management to economics and marketing. It’s a holistic teaching model that changes the way participants think and improves their ability to make decisions.  MBA candidates at Laurier work in teams designed with diverse backgrounds in mind, combining different skill sets and perspectives.

The MBA with Co-op program at Laurier are also known for giving students real world hands-on work experience. Wilfrid Laurier University was the first school in the country to introduce a co-op program in an academic business degree that allows students to gain real paid work experience in new industries while earning a degree.  . They have a 100% placement rate, as well as access to Waterloo’s exciting incubator for entrepreneurs. For practical experience in the corporate world, Laurier is one of the best MBA schools in Canada. Study in Canada and get a competitive edge across the world.

By Eddy

Eddy is the editorial columnist in Business Fundas, and oversees partner relationships. He posts articles of partners on various topics related to strategy, marketing, supply chain, technology management, social media, e-business, finance, economics and operations management. The articles posted are copyrighted under a Creative Commons unported license 4.0. To contact him, please direct your emails to [email protected].