I've just finished buying all of my travel insurance, health insurance and visas. Not cheap . . . but really not too bad. McGill is an interesting one:
- International students have to purchase a compulsory university health insurance plan. I actually quite like this, it is affordable and means I don't have to worry about finding a GP etc.
- McGill is in the Canadian province of Quebec. Quebec is Francophone and requires you to apply for a 'CAQ', without which you cannot apply for a Canadian Study Permit. Elsewhere you simply need the Study Permit. While not eye-wateringly expensive, it isn't something I had really thought about before I accepted my place.
More broadly, the situation really isn't that bad. In fact, in many ways, it is actually cheaper for me to study in Canada! My flat, including flat rate bills, has a cheaper rent than my old flat in Edinburgh. More so, the UK government subsidises university fees for those on international exchange - I didn't know this when I applied to McGill. A very nice surprise which pretty much pays for my flights.
In general, the British Pound is fairly strong against the Canadian Dollar at the moment which will make the purchase of my bedding, hair dryers (Canada has a different voltage) and books feel a tad less painful upon arrival.
So overall, really not too bad. The problem will come once I arrive in Montreal I feel - I will have to remember that I'm not constantly on holiday and thus constantly able to buy myself 'holiday treats' (here's looking at you, Sephora!). Saying that, I promised a year in Montreal would be a year to explore and spend some of the savings that I've been saving for an occasion such as this.
Hmm, I guess then being SENSIBLE is key (what an epiphany). Above all, before I can do any spending I have to get myself a Canadian bank account. Watch this space . . .
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