Even if you are fluent in English, if you come from a country where English is not your main language you must take an exam to measure and prove your ability if you want to live, work or study in an English-speaking country.

How do I prepare for IELTS?

The IELTS exam is validated by over 10,000 institutions worldwide. There are many advantages to having this qualification on your CV, so it is important to prepare for IELTS well.

– Time management:

To take a test of this scale, preparation is essential. The 4 sections: speaking, listening, reading and writing must be prepared by taking regular breaks.

– Know how to spread out your studies:

No matter what exam to prepare for, it is never advisable to study 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It is advisable to organize your studies in a rational and balanced way by taking well-deserved breaks.

– Prepare yourself well:

Anticipate the exam by recreating the environment you will face: familiarize yourself with the exam format, practice by setting a time limit.

– Surround yourself with language:

Talk to a native speaker, listen to different accents, do exercises, practice your writing by starting a blog or writing short stories. Thanks to new technologies, it is now possible to practice by installing applications on your laptop, tablet, following online tutorials or registering on a learning platform. Click here for more.

The best training applications

What applications are needed if you have books, a teacher or tutorials to prepare your IELTS?
The applications are easy to use, always available, regularly updated and easy to use. With the number of applications available to everyone, you can easily get lost. Here are the 3 best applications to prepare your IELTS.

– IELTS pre app :

This application is available on IOS as well as on Android. Free, it covers all sections of the exam with videos, quizzes, practices and exercises.

– IELTS Test pro 2019 :

With more than 3000 questions created by experts, this application offers exercises and worksheets to help you review.

– BBC learning english :

BBC is the reference for all things English. With this application, get a lesson every day and practice your English strategically.

Online courses

To prepare you for your exams, there are many online courses available, three of which are listed below:

– Understanding IELTS:

This free online course is designed to help you prepare for your exams by giving you an overview of what to expect by tackling the 4 sections you will encounter during your exam.
It lasts 6 weeks for 2 hours per day

– IELTS preparation course :

This platform puts all the tools at your disposal: applications, videos, tutorials, blog and email support.

– IELTS Band 7+ :

Udemy’s IELTS Band 7+ has been created by an IELTS and TOEIC specialist to help you acquire all the necessary skills to face the exam but also to reach a level of English that you will use outside the exam.

The English Language Evaluation Tests

There are many tests available to assess a person’s ability in the English language. Among these tests, the best known and recognized are IELTS, TOEIC and the Cambridge English exam.

– IELTS or International English Language Testing System :

This exam is in two stages: the first stage, which consists of assessing the person on their listening, reading and writing, takes place in one day, the second stage, which assesses the speaking, can take place 7 days before or after, or the same day as the rest of the exam.
In total, this exam lasts 2h45 and you will be graded between 1 and 9, 9 being the “expert” level.
The result of your IELTS exam is valid for two years for a fee of $200 to take it.

– TOEIC or Test Of English for International Communication :

The TOEIC is generally taken online except for countries where the internet is not readily available.
Like IELTS, the test covers reading, listening, speaking and writing. Each section is worth 30 points and a 10-minute break is given after the first two. The exam is taken in a single session that lasts half a day.
It is more advantageous for a person who does not handle stress well in front of foreigners to choose the TOEIC because the speaking part is recorded but not taken in front of an examiner.
Depending on your country, the rate can vary between $165 and $250.

– The Cambridge English exam :

Unlike IELTS and TOEIC, the Cambridge English exam does not score your abilities. There are three levels: PET for the lowest level, FCE for the intermediate and CAE for the highest level. The fee depends on your level and the centre from which you will take the exam.

The exam will say whether or not you failed and has no expiry date, so you can post it on your resume indefinitely.

Individuals who want to work or study in English-speaking countries must take the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) test to acquire a certificate that certifies their level of English language proficiency. Please see below a few words about IELTS, the four main parts in this test, the usefulness of this and the topics and means of taking the test.

A few words about IELTS

IELTS is a test or examination of English that is standard and the most recognised in the world. It is administered mainly by the British Council and has been in existence since 1989. After the test, candidates who wish to work or study in a country that adopts an English-speaking environment obtain a certificate that assesses their level of English. Most of these individuals are individuals who want to start an international career and students who want to pursue university studies abroad. Currently, IELTS is accepted by more than 10,000 private and public organizations.

It is the most popular language test in the world, with more than three million people deciding to take it every year. The test exists in 2 versions. The IELTS General training which is made for professionals who want a certificate of English language level to work abroad. This test is necessary to assess the candidates’ ability to work or study in English. The IELTS Academic which is intended for students for their integration into a higher education institution in a country adopting the English language for study, training or work experience. It focuses on basic skills for survival in the wider context of professional and social relations in an English-speaking country. It is notably used by immigration agencies in the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Canada and Australia. Both versions of the test require online preparation for IELTS with specialized platforms like Global-exam so that you will not be surprised the day you take the test.

The four main parts in IELTS

The IELTS exam assesses 4 language skills. The Listening which is a similar test to the Academic test and the General Training test. The 4 parts that make up Listening consist of listening to audio extracts, texts, conversations and monologues. The test taker must answer 40 questions based on what they have heard. This test lasts 30 minutes. The Reading is also a similar test for both versions as the Listening, but the texts to be presented are different. The candidate reads 3 texts and answers 40 questions for 1 hour. These texts are of increasing difficulty and are taken from extracts from websites, newspapers, magazines and books.
The Writing test consists of two essays, the 2 texts are composed of 150 and 250 words minimum to be completed during 1 hour. For the subject of the first text to be written on the IELTS Academic version, the candidate must deal with a table or graph. For the General Training, the candidate must write a letter. The second composition of the test is based on a problematic subject that the candidate must develop his/her point of view. The last part of the test is Speaking. In this test the candidate must go face to face with an examiner. The role of the examiner is to assess the candidate’s level of English by giving a mark ranging from 1 to 9. The discussion lasts between 11 and 14 minutes and is divided into 3 parts. This is also similar for both versions of IELTS.

The usefulness of IELTS

The IELTS is a very well-known and well-known test of English that is also taken most often. It offers you professional and academic advantages through its recognition by many institutes and universities around the world. It can open up to 9,000 doors for organisations across 140 countries. This includes South Africa, New Zealand, Ireland, Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, but also professional organizations, immigration services and non-English speaking nations. In some of the universities and Grandes Ecoles in France, participants in the IELTS exam can be partially or totally exempted from English tests. This type of test allows them to acquire ECTS credits for certain international programmes.

How to take the IELT test

To take the test, you can register online on the British Council website. After being asked to choose the date and place for the test of your choice, you will be asked to fill in a form containing personal information. Then, you must send by post to the British Council a photocopy of the confirmation email, a photocopy of an identity document, your passport photos… These supporting documents must be sent within five days of your online registration. You have the choice to pay the registration fee by credit card, cheque or cash.

Currently, the practice of a foreign language like English is necessary in the job market. For this reason, many companies are calling for a TOEIC test, also known as the Test Of English for International Communication. There is also the IELTS, known as the International English Language Testing System. The TOEIC program, which has been running economic activities for 40 years, is the model for the assessment of English language skills in a professional context. TOEIC tests are used by approximately 14,000 companies, government departments and learning projects in 160 countries around the world. IELTS is also the most widely used test of general and academic English internationally. It is mainly used to enter the world of work.

The TOEIC test as a whole

The TOEIC test and the labour market are interdependent. As mentioned on the GlobalExam platform, the purpose of this test is to discuss in English with non-resident English speakers. Various international organizations approve this test as an indispensable level of ability. Indeed, around 7 million tests are performed each year and exercised by entities. As such, earning a good TOEIC score is a great help in making a career in the field of professionalism shine. Taking the TOEIC test is a great opportunity to easily find work in international organizations. A priori, the student has the privilege of taking three exams including reading, listening, speaking and writing. Without forgetting the “bridge” variant which is the least complex for students. From the point of view of the TOEIC reading exam, it takes only 2.5 hours to complete. The TOEIC Speaking and Writing takes 1 hour and 20 minutes and the TOEIC Bridge is 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Special features of the TOEIC test

There is absolutely a link between TOEIC and the job market, as it is used by more than 5,000 companies worldwide. For this reason, it is important to mention in one’s CV the completion of the TOEIC test in order to easily find a job. Thanks to this language test, many recruiters will detect it directly on your CV. If you have passed the TOEIC test, try to mention your score and attach the result interpretation grid. Some firms may claim between 750 and 800 points to apply. This is appropriate for a perfect level of professional English. It should be noted that the TOEIC is not a diploma, it is likely to be repeated until a triumphant score is obtained. It is also necessary to specify one’s new score recently on the CV to be eligible. In addition, to register for the test, the first step to take is to locate a test center near your building. Then, look at the vacant dates and choose what you feel is appropriate. Set yourself some time to get used to it in advance. Keep it at least 2 months in advance. Afterwards, you must register online.

The IELTS exam in its entirety

IELTS is a popular English language exam for the labour market. It is internationally recognized as an assessment of the level of English of employees in a professional setting. The subjects developed are identical to those of the TOEIC. The exam virtually defines the ability of specialists to practice a profession in an English-speaking country. Be sure to choose the International English Language Testing System test that matches your ambitions, as the main differences between IELTS Academic and IELTS General training result from the topics covered. It is necessary to look at these different points: to accurately measure your adaptation to learning easily and to interacting with friends. It is also necessary to ensure one’s ability to work in an English-speaking company and to discuss with colleagues in an easy way. Of course, in order to receive an ideal score on the IELTS test, it is crucial to know English, but also to master the typical vocabulary on the test.

The different sections of the IELTS test

IELTS remains the English test used by employees to integrate into the business context. As a result, the person concerned must take these four tests: Listening assesses oral comprehension by listening to an audio recording, accompanied by 40 questions of various selections. There is also Reading, which qualifies written comprehension. Forty multiple-choice questions are assigned along with three other texts. Writing assesses the student’s ability to write in English by ordering two separate texts. Finally, Speaking is a test under the eyes of an examiner with whom the examiner communicates for 10 to 15 minutes. Thus, the student must complete the test for 2 hours 45 minutes. It occurs in two stages. The participant appears in a test centre for the Listening, Reading and Writing tests, which are taken on the same day without interruption. However, the student has the option of doing the Speaking for a week in advance or afterwards.

To be internationally qualified in English, you can take internationally recognized English tests. The TOEIC is one of these tests. Indeed, it can make your next interview easier, boost your CV a little more and give you the possibility to take certain training courses. Find out what the TOEIC test represents.

The TOEIC: what is it?

The TOEIC (or Test Of English for International Communication) is a standardized test of English, recognized internationally and in a broader way. The TOEIC test is used to assess the skills of non-native speakers of English used in a professional English-speaking environment. Candidates are generally employees of international companies, individuals who wish to better position themselves in the job market or those who want to train internationally. In addition, candidates are advised to do some training before taking the exam. The test is recognized by many higher education institutes, universities and companies all over the world. There are currently different kinds of TOEIC tests, namely the TOEIC named Listening and Reading, which has the ability to measure your English comprehension skills in written and spoken English, with intermediate levels to advance. It can then take the form of an MCQ (or multiple-choice questionnaire), which will be administered on paper. On the other hand, there is the TOEIC called Speaking & Writing which measures your English speaking and writing skills, with intermediate levels to be advanced. The Speaking and Writing will be done online. Then there is the TOEIC Bridge which measures your comprehension skills in English, in writing and in speaking, which are intermediate levels for beginners. It is also an MCQ (or multiple choice questions), given on paper. You can start training for the TOEIC now on online platforms

The TOEIC: recognized by all recruiters

The TOEIC is intended for students or professionals who wish to enrich their CV, giving proof of a good level of English. The test is exactly the kind of test that recruiters would like to see in a profile, just as it is for some companies, even the biggest ones. The latter are very familiar with this test and there are even those who make it a special criterion when recruiting. Notably, this is the case of Air France, which has in time replaced its internal language test for candidates when hiring via the TOEIC. Many companies and institutes in English-speaking or even non-English-speaking areas favor the TOEIC as a better guarantee of language level. This is the great advantage of the TOEIC with good international recognition. In case you know your level approximately on the CERCLE scale (or Common European Framework of Reference for Languages), if you are going to face the different simple levels like A1 to C2, it does not mean much on your CV. This is because it is sometimes complicated to prove it, as it is just a benchmark and not a real certification.

Why take the TOEIC?

Even if you are a student, a recent graduate, or even an active person, you should know that it is mandatory to prepare yourself in the field of English. For companies, universities and other renowned institutes or schools, know that the selection will work in your favor, in case you have a certification in English. It is undeniably important to know that the first favourite of companies is the TOEIC when recruiting. Currently, the economy and the world of business are becoming more international, the English language has become an emblem of expansion in the world, which means remarkable growth for the company. Some recruiters in the requested positions are attracted enormously by the profiles which have precisely a large international dimension. Equal to your diplomas and past experiences in the professional world, the mastery of another language apart from your own is an effective element to attract the attention of an employer. In fact, there is no standard profile for taking the TOEIC test, but there are various profiles that benefit from a TOEIC certification in CVs.

The TOEIC to optimize studies

For all levels of post-baccalaureate studies, the TOEIC test can allow you to do specialized training, or to validate your diploma. In particular, this is the case for some management institutes, which require students to take the TOEIC test when the Bachelor’s degree is about to end in order to get the diploma. In another case, some engineering schools require you to take the test to validate your degree. These grandes écoles wish to receive a score that equals a B2 level, so there should be a minimum of 785. However, for practical purposes, the better or more focused engineering schools require a score of at least 850. Recently, the grandes écoles and some universities that offer gap moments have diversified. The condition for students from these schools to succeed is to obtain a score of at least 750 on the TOEIC.

English is the official language of many countries around the world. It is one of the six universal languages and two working languages along with French at the United Nations. It is also the most widely taught foreign language in the world and the most used on the Internet. All this means that a good knowledge of this language is a definite advantage.

What are the English reference tests?

The English reference tests are also called TOEIC exams or Test of English for International Communication. They are tests to assess an individual’s English skills and are internationally recognized. They are reserved for those whose native language is not English. The certificates issued are recognized around the world by several companies, organizations or governments. Approximately 7 million tests a year have been carried out and the beneficiaries are employed by more than 14,000 organizations.
Achieving good scores on these tests can help to advance a professional career, but it can also open up new job opportunities or even join a larger educational institution in several countries around the world. What’s more, it means that you have a complete command of English. You can perform TOEIC Tests online with different training modes. These tests are therefore very useful for personal development by improving your ability to communicate anywhere in the world.

The different types of reference tests

Students must pass three exams to earn the desired title. The written and oral comprehension test lasts two and a half hours, including 75min of listening test on paper and 75min of reading on paper or online. It consists of multiple-choice questions with 100 questions each. It is used to determine the student’s level of English, from beginner to advanced. It also determines a person’s ability to communicate in English for professional purposes with people in all parts of the world.
Secondly, the written and oral expression test lasts one hour and twenty minutes. Candidates have twenty minutes to complete 11 oral exercises and sixty minutes for eight written exercises. The test determines the candidate’s ability to communicate in English in the professional world by telephone or via e-mail and letter. Scores are scored out of 200 with eight tasks.
The bridge test or written and oral comprehension is the easiest and lasts one and a half hours. It is a test for beginner to intermediate levels with 25 minutes for the listening part and 35 minutes for the reading part. It is used to measure the level of English at the time of the test and to set a learner’s objectives and monitor his or her progress. It is therefore aimed at students of English or people using the language for work or travel.

Reasons for choosing to take the TOEIC tests

The TOEIC tests lead to an internationally recognized certificate. The certificate tells the candidate the score obtained and the results section by section. It is therefore possible to detect his or her weak points in order to improve them later.
Regardless of the status of the applicant, whether employee, student or job seeker, the tests make it possible to achieve several objectives depending on the person’s choice. For example, the person can show themselves on the job market or demonstrate their ability to communicate in English. They can also prepare to enter the professional world thanks to their English skills or strengthen their qualifications for a new position or promotion. Finally, with her diploma she can prove her mastery of the language of Shakespeare.

How to take the benchmark tests

To take these exams, you must first find a test centre nearest you. They can be consulted on the official TOEIC website, where the test dates can also be found. Online registration is required with a period of practice and preparation beforehand. Applicants must then complete a registration form, choose the test date and pay the related fees.
Official identification documents such as a passport or at least the identification number may be requested. Just make sure that the documents are valid at the time of taking the tests.
The English test can be taken in many countries around the world. To prepare for it, the provider offers an online program with different learning tools allowing students to develop the skills they need such as vocabulary or grammar for the TOEIC tests.
Taking the TOEIC tests is very useful since the certification is recognized worldwide. Especially since the mastery of English is a significant asset for doing business or simply to advance in one’s professional career.

Being able to go to Canada is often a unique opportunity, whether it is for a vacation, a long stay or to live here for good. The culture, language, access to employment, quality of education, standard of living, make the country the ideal place for many. However, to live well here requires knowledge and good management of daily expenses. And this, even before preparing the necessary papers to get there. The cost of living in Canada and the way daily life works are somewhat unique.

Living well in canada: preparing for the cost of living

Living well in Canada is no big deal. All you have to do is plan all the expenses up front and prepare for the cost of living in this country. If you have a fairly tight budget, it’s best to choose to live in the country or away from the big cities. It also depends on the type of stay you want. Whether you want to work, study or live here, knowing the cost of living in Canada will surely help you in your choice and preparation.

It is when you arrive in Canada that the expenses will be the highest, but that is normal. The installation, the subscription to all the offers related to communication, furniture or even adequate clothing require additional expenses that you should plan for upon arrival. Thereafter, you will only be left with the monthly fixed charges and a few miscellaneous expenses.

Cost of living in canada: daily expenses

The standard of living in Canada is not the same. It all depends on the city where you want to live. Life is more expensive in Vancouver and Toronto, for example. For a single person, monthly expenses can be as high as €2,500. In Montreal, it is €1800 per month. Moncton is one of the cheapest, since you will only need to spend between €1000 and €1500 per month.

One of the reasons why Canada is attracting more and more visitors and immigrants is because the cost of living in Canada seems cheaper. Food, cars, fuel, energy, restaurants, outings, recreation are more accessible. However, it is necessary to check the rates carefully, as everything is posted tax-free. Therefore, you have to add 10 to 15% of the total cost to get the real value of a good or service.
On average, a one-way bus trip is worth $2.25 CAN. For a local call, the minimum charge is $0.25 CAN. For recreation, a movie ticket costs between $11.5 and $13 CDN. For a dinner at a restaurant, you should plan on spending $10 to $25 CAN per person.

Housing and health: major expenses

Before settling in Canada, it is essential to have housing and to plan for health-related expenses. Rents also depend on the city and the neighbourhood. They are cheaper in areas far from major cities. So the closer you get to the big cities, the more expensive the housing will be. Toronto and Vancouver are among the most expensive cities in terms of rent.

The minimum rent for a studio apartment is $600 CDN, or €450 per month. For a three-room apartment, it is between €500 and €1,000. In a residential area, the rent is much higher. You have to plan between 700 € and 1800 €. If you plan to move to Canada, you will have to take into account the expenses associated with the city where you want to live. The best thing is to go where you can enjoy life properly. It is also possible to live in a shared apartment. For this option, you will need to prepare the modest sum of 150 € per month. You will certainly find the accommodation that suits your needs and your budget.

It is necessary to take out private insurance on arrival, or at least 5 days later. The cost of a private insurance is 650 € per year. If, on the other hand, you are a permanent resident, you will be able to benefit from a health insurance.

Other expenses to be expected

The cost of living in Canada is adaptable to all needs, and depends mostly on the length of the visit. To live well in Canada, it is necessary to plan for all possible expenses. In addition to basic expenses, you will also need to consider such things as work permits, car insurance, income taxes and other personal needs.

The fee for a work permit application is €110. For Quebec City, there is a special certificate to validate any work permit application. The Certificat d’acceptation du Québec or CAQ is obtained with the sum of 80 €.
An all-risk car insurance is expensive in Canada. Indeed, it costs $1500 CAN per year, since each vehicle must take out third-party insurance. This cost can vary according to the age of the vehicle and the owner’s behaviour on the road.

Normally, income tax is deducted directly by the employer from the payroll. All persons residing in Canada must pay it, by contacting the Canada Revenue Agency directly.

Canada is known for its various immigration programs. In fact, many people wish to settle here in order to make a new start. You should know that this country is renowned for the quality of life of its residents. In addition, Canada is currently experiencing a labour shortage and is opening its doors to all talents looking for stability and new work.

How can I move to Canada?

Countless French people have already been able to do so. Also, depending on your situation, you can apply for different types of visas to join the French community in Canada.

– The student visa is undoubtedly one of the most popular ways to cross the Atlantic to the land of the maple leaf. To obtain it, the first requirement is to apply and be accepted in a Canadian institution of higher learning. An agreement between Quebec and France has been put in place to facilitate the departure of French students to Canada. The latter consists of offering students the possibility of paying their tuition fees in France while studying in Canada.

– The working holiday program is, as its name suggests, a document that allows its holder to be authorized to work during his or her holidays in Canada. Thanks to this visa, French citizens between the ages of 18 and 35 have a work permit for a maximum of 24 months during their stay. Valid in all regions of Canada, the holder is able to visit and work throughout the country during the entire period of validity of the visa. Benefiting from the working holiday program does not contain any constraints as to the maximum duration of work for the same employer. In other words, it is possible to remain employed in the same company for 24 months if you wish. Of course, the work permit is only a privilege and not an obligation.

– The Business Start-Up Visa Program is a springboard for French entrepreneurs to create a business and become a member of the French community in Canada. Unlike the skilled worker visa, this program does not require any prior promise of employment from a local business. However, to obtain it, your project must meet several requirements. The activity you wish to start must create jobs but it must also be able to contribute to the competitiveness of the Canadian economy. Contact the designated organizations to verify the eligibility of your project.

Why go to Canada?

Canada is known as the home of skilled labour, and moving to Canada represents an opportunity to export your know-how and benefit from international experience. The immigration programs for workers allow us to welcome a significant number of new immigrants every year. This policy allows the Canadian government to make up for the lack of human resources in certain sectors of activity such as agri-food. Opening its borders to skilled workers is also a solution to support the development of rural and remote areas in Canada’s North.

Canada as a destination of choice

Accustomed to the top five of the best countries to live in, Canada is in third place again this year after leading the podium two years ago. This result was based on a survey of several thousand people around the world conducted by the US News an World Report. If the second largest country in the world is so highly rated, it is largely due to its health system, which is considered to be one of the most developed in the world. Canada’s education system is also among the best performing, with several prestigious universities. However, the quality of the Canadian labour market remains the most attractive asset, which encourages the annual growth of the French community in Canada.

How to contact the French Community in Canada?

The idea of going to live in an unknown land always arouses some fears in spite of its already proven attractiveness. To avoid feeling disorientated, it is strongly recommended to get in touch with fellow expatriates.

English or French language courses set up by the Canadian government make it possible in this case to learn and understand all the specificities of the local language. Participating in these courses is also a way to meet new people and enrich your portfolio of contacts. It is quite possible that members of the French Community in Canada are responsible for the Francophone courses.

An easier way to contact your French compatriots in Canada is to learn about social networks. Several groups have been created by French nationals in Canada on Facebook, for example. Indeed, the French in Canada do not lack initiatives to participate in the integration of new immigrants from France. Joining an association that brings together French people is also an excellent way to contact the French community in Canada.

In general, finding housing in Canada is easier than in France. In addition to sites specializing in home sales and rentals, local newspapers also publish daily classified ads to help newcomers find a place to live. Here are some useful tips that may help you in your search.

Renting an apartment in Canada: prices vary by region

Before beginning your search, it is important to determine the type of home that is best suited to your situation. Do you need an apartment, a furnished apartment, a whole house, for sale or for rent, or a shared house? A youth hostel is also one of the most popular solutions for newcomers on a small budget. Next, find out about the average prices of a furnished rental in Canada. Before you find a place to live in Canada, be aware that real estate prices vary from one region to another. So, you need to know which province you want to live in. Toronto and Vancouver are the most expensive areas to live in Canada. Ottawa, Quebec City, Moncton and Sherbrooke are among the most affordable, especially in terms of real estate rentals. On the other hand, Edmonton, Montreal and Calgary are the least expensive Canadian cities.

Type of housing that can be found in Canada

You will certainly find several types of rental accommodation in the Canadian region where you plan to settle. However, it is important to be aware of the different types of rental housing on the Canadian real estate market in order to better optimize all the search methods used. Therefore, you should know that in Canada, a house for rent can be detached, row or semi-detached (the last two are houses that share a common wall), “condos” or condominiums, apartments with one to several bedrooms, a studio consisting of one bedroom with kitchen and bathroom, but also a large house divided into single rooms and put up for rent to accommodate newcomers who need to find a place to live in Canada.

How to find temporary accommodation in Canada?

Finding accommodation in Canada before you arrive is possible, but not mandatory. You can find out from your country of origin by consulting specialized sites that offer a personalized search service, based on your needs, your situation and your criteria. However, do not commit yourself until you are there.
The most common way to find a place to live in Canada temporarily is also to explore cities and neighbourhoods on the spot by yourself. Once you arrive in Canada, as you walk the streets of major Canadian cities, you will notice classified ads posted on every street corner of furnished apartments for rent, on a weekly or monthly basis. A real bargain for temporary housing in Canada. Therefore, it will be preferable to stay in a hotel or an inn, for example, for a few days, while you find an apartment by yourself and finalize the lease contract with the landlords. This is to avoid unpleasant surprises, especially in relation to the location of the neighbourhood. By doing so, you will be able to better locate public transport, schools, banks, shops and other amenities.

Good to know

Renting an apartment or house is usually done under a lease agreement in Canada. A formal written legal agreement between the landlord and the tenant that both parties must respect. There are still some exceptions, but it is best to be careful. Normally, a lease in Canada is for 12 months. But here too, there are understanding landlords who will accept some agreements with tenants by subletting the apartment, for example, in case you leave earlier than planned. However, before you sign anything, make sure you understand the terms of the contract, especially those related to the fees included in the rent. Check whether electricity, internet, heating, hot water are included in the rent or not.

Although housing is available at all times in Canada, be aware that landlords can investigate your financial status and have the right to refuse you if you happen to be in debt or have a credit history in Canada.
For students, finding housing in Canada should not be a problem. In fact, some schools have residences or dormitories available on campus that can accommodate 3 to 6 people per house. However, these are generally reserved for first-year students. On the other hand, students in second to fourth year have the privilege of occupying a separate room in a townhouse with a main floor, kitchen and living room: heating, hot water and internet included.

In terms of the Francophonie, it was noted that a large majority of Francophones settled in Canada, specifically in Quebec. One of the languages spoken in Canada is therefore French. One of the francophone cities in Canada is Montreal. Officially, it has been defined that this city is French-speaking as well as the entire province of Quebec. This province represents an alternative for francophones who are not very far behind in their English but wish to live an experience of life in Canada. It is not exactly French as we know it, but like Belgian French, it is lively and very soft to the ear.

The place of the Francophonie in Canada

According to statistics, the language of Molière is in first place with 94.5% of the votes as the language used in Quebec. Despite this, only 76% of the population can carry on a conversation in French. Whether at work or at home, and even on the street, conversations will be conducted in French. Without forgetting that many Francophone communities are present throughout Canada, which increases the chances of using French in daily life. This expansion is constantly increasing. Another study has shown that 30% of the Canadian population is currently able to use French in everyday life as the language spoken in Canada, which is equal to 10 million of the total Canadian population. It is useful that this study does not take into account the province of Montreal. This is because it is a so-called federal state that straddles two official languages.

The French language at the provincial level

When we take into account the diversity of language in the Canadian provinces, it becomes more complicated because English is the dominant language. Historically, these two languages have always coexisted despite periods of war and disagreement. Many resources with a Francophone vocation are located just about everywhere in the various provinces. All that is needed is time to research and locate the infrastructure. Its communities can help with the transition to the Canadian standard of living, whether it is at the professional level for English or on a daily basis for house-hunting, for example, or even for understanding legislation. For your information, New Brunswick is one of the cities belonging to Montreal that promotes French as a spoken language in Canada. Recently, Moncton, Edmundston and Dieppe have followed suit.

An asset in Canada?

Speaking a language other than English is highly valued in Canada. Especially if you speak French or have an immersive experience of French culture. It brings credit to a long-term life project in Canada. So don’t hesitate to mention it in your resume if you are applying for positions or functions in Canada. French can also be an asset when faced with British, Australian, German or even Korean immigrants who are increasingly numerous in Canada. For the most part, this is for professional and emotional reasons. Recently, public institutions have started to set up programs to promote French culture in Canada. First, there is so-called Francophone mobility. That is, provinces outside Montreal that wish to welcome Francophones. They therefore recruit candidates directly for various fields of qualification. Then there is the so-called express entry. That is to say that entry to Canada is enhanced by the mastery of French.

Organizations across Canada

It is not an imperative but a fact, every province in Quebec is trying to have its share of Francophonie. Each generation of French immigrants tries to bring its brick to the building. This part of the Francophonie can be attached to a Provençal, associative or even federal government, depending on its size. The desire to be closely linked to the French culture and language has even led to the creation of reception structures for newcomers. The sole purpose of this was to familiarize them with Canada as quickly as possible and avoid any sense of unease or even homesickness. It should be noted that Canada’s climate can be quite harsh during certain months of the year, depending on the province. Its support groups can therefore provide social assistance, English-language support or even organize meetings. It is therefore advisable to find out in advance about the existence of a support centre in the city or province where you will be immigrating. No fear, there are cancelled Francophone gatherings in Canada. They are organized around March and take place throughout the country. They are marked by shows, games, concerts, socio-cultural activities with the sole purpose of celebrating the Francophonie.

Immigration to any country brings economic benefits to that country as well as to the immigrants themselves. Canada is one of the countries that attracts the most tourists, but also workers who want to move here to live and work permanently. But what is it about Canada that attracts so many expatriates?

Quality of life and a dynamic labour market

Expatriates to Canada were initially attracted by the quality of life in the country. Indeed, Canada is a great country to live in. There is more than one reason why it is the second most popular country in the world. Those who live here know that and that is what drives others to go there as well. When it comes to economic and cultural influence, standard of living, overall sustainability or entrepreneurship, Canada is second only to Germany. It has dethroned Sweden, the United Kingdom, but especially the United States. It is also a good place to grow old because of the unique old age pension programs and the health care system. Everything is in place to make sure you live as well as possible. And it’s no wonder that in Canada, there is work for everyone. In every field, there are many job openings. The unemployment rate is low, at just 5%. So job seekers will be more than delighted.

Diversity and welcoming Canadians

If Canada is what it is today, it is thanks to the many cultural heritages that make it what it is today. It is a very cosmopolitan country. Diversification is its wealth. Everyone is welcome. The immigration policy is very flexible. It is also a bilingual country. In this regard, many people tend to believe that because the country is very close to North America, the second official language is English, whereas it is French. Expatriates in Canada will therefore not be expatriated, but will have the opportunity to learn English as well. Canadians are also well known for being bon vivants, and when you arrive there, you will be sure to receive a warm welcome. But Canadians are also famous for being open-minded. As a result, whoever you are, you will be accepted just as you are. Which is not necessarily the case in other countries. To see if Canadians are that friendly, why not go there, even if it’s just for a vacation at first.

Nature and food

If you live in Canada, it is impossible to miss its nature and breathtaking scenery. Although it is a country dominated by cold weather, the landscape still attracts many nature lovers. There are large lakes, islands, beaches, impressive forests, but also nature parks. Don’t forget also that it is the second largest country in the world, so it is very vast. Also, everyone knows, no doubt, the famous Niagara Falls. The fauna and flora are very much in evidence there, as you can see in the Hudson Bay area, which is home to beluga whales and whales in a pleasant environment. In addition to work, it is also the natural environment that attracts expatriates to Canada. However, we must not forget the cuisine which is very famous for its maple syrup and poutine. If you arrive in Canada, you must absolutely try this dish of French fries with a brown sauce made with Canadian meat and cheese. Maple syrup is naturally sweet and Canadians use it in just about every dish. The leaf on the country’s flag explains why it is a must there.

The big-city atmosphere and proximity to the United States

In Canada, there is always something to do and the big cities are always full of people. Indeed, Canadian megacities like Vancouver, Toronto or Ottawa are full of activities for everyone. Expatriates in Canada know this very well and can even say that the atmosphere in big cities is very addictive. But living in Canada is also a chance to take a little trip to the United States. There are many forms of transportation that can easily take you to the major cities of North America. However, you should not be too far from the borders if you want to make regular trips.