Geet

Thanks Inspace, and one again congrats and have fun.

pattu

Hi Inspace (aka GregP?):

What a news Man !!! Enjoy your time.

But still could not understand, being a US citizen why are you so excited in getting Canadian immigration ?

guest210

Thanks Pattu, yes it is GregP, lol! I hope your number comes up soon you really deserve it the most, your wait has been excruciating.

Well, when I moved to Canada as a student 7 years ago, I thought that I would go back to California after a couple of years. But it didn't take long before I realized that *life is much better in Canada* than the USA. I mean, I could have never afforded a PhD in the states, with the crazy tuition, the price of medical insurance, and no tax breaks! Here in BC they even offer the same health care that Canadians get to students! It's so much more relaxed and secure here. I developed a sense of gratitude for my "host" country for helping me to do what I could not have afforded to do at home. I know that salaries are a little less in some sectors--but who cares! I would trade in a higher salary for a place I am proud to live in any day. Although I do confess I miss northern California where I am more-or-less from.

Also, within a couple of years my entire "life" moved here, and this is where I am established. So, once the reality of all this dawned on me, I thought, "better apply for PR before my degree ends" because I didn't want to have to leave the place I have called home for so many years.

pattu

Thanks Greg for sharing your thoughts. I am also a PhD student in Canada and have similar opinion about this country. In my case, tuition fee here is a lot more compared to my home country. However, there are so many other factors to be taken into account.

I guess you are in UBC. When are you graduating ?

Best wishes.

guest210

Hi Pattu,

I am at UBC. Right again you are. My committee wants a completed draft by

guest210

Hi Pattu,

I am at UBC. Right again you are. My committee wants a completed draft by September so I can defend in December. So, I am going to try my best to make it. I really want to start teaching somewhere in the Fall, even if as a sessional.

It's true that a Canadian education is expensive compared to much of the world, but compared to the USA, its free. My European acquaintances constantly remind me that in Germany, its free, and you get a stipend from the government until you graduate. But, University of California in-state tuition, for example, is more expensive than foreign student tuition at UBC. In addition, UBC offers an across-the-board scholarship to all international students in the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, so it comes out to about $3600 a year (Cdn)--barely a semester at most state universities in the USA. University of California is currently at $2800 USD per trimester for California residents. Imagine if you are from out-of-state!

mhhp

Enjoy your freedom

guest210

Thanks MHHP, I am just curious--where will your porch and rocking chair be? Have you chosen a place and Canada to live yet? Are you German/Swiss by nationality? I have spent a lot of time in Germany and many Germans have told me that they dream about living in Canada. They usually pick BC or AB as they like the Wild West (vielleicht die haben zu viel Karl May gelesen?!) Can't blame them though the West is beautiful.

mhhp

I am German by birth, however have lived in many countries, including Canada (Toronto actually). We will move anywhere, where there is a good job opportunity. But I f it was our choice It would be Toronto *because of all the friends we have there* or Vancouver area, because of the scenery.

We will see...............

cryout

that's good Abraham Simpson...maybe it will be my pleasure to buy you a pitcher of Moosehead at a Toronto bar when all this nightmare will be over... :scared:

ABW

Hey Inspace:
You forget to mention Wreck Beach to the audience
Congratulation on your PR status.

guest210

The beach is certainly beautiful, but as it is on the UBC campus, it is still technically work/school, therefore I stay clear of the place. On my time off (wait, do doctoral students have time off), I keep at least one solid kilometer between myself and that campus!

Jill-D

Any idea how long it will take for Buffalo to return passports? My passport was received on March 22, 2005.

guest210

It seems to be rather inconsistent. On these forums I have read that sometimes they are on their way back after only 5 business days of receipt. Then I have heard of people waiting an entire month.

Let's hope for the former.

mhhp

Hey dont blurt out my real name, I am trying to stay anonymous on this forum.


And yes we will have a huge party when all this is over.