Should International Students Look at Faculty to Student Ratio when Choosing a Canadian Institution
The faculty-to-student ratio can have a significant impact on an international student's experience and academic success at university. This ratio may play a crucial role in influencing the overall learning environment, the ability to receive personalized attention, and the opportunity for meaningful interactions with instructors. However, its significance can vary based on individual learning styles, preferences, and the specific requirements of the courses being pursued.
Here are some ways in which the faculty-to-student ratio can affect students:
1. Individualized Attention: A lower faculty-to-student ratio typically means students have more opportunities for individualized attention from professors. This can be particularly beneficial for students who require extra help or have questions about course material, or for that international student who isn’t quite as fluent in English as he/she would like to be. Canada boasts of many reputable public universities and colleges that offer students a smaller classroom size. To find a good smaller university, contact Go 2 Canada Education Services for the perfect place for you.
2. Engagement in Class: Smaller class sizes often facilitate more interactive and engaging classroom environments, where students feel more comfortable participating in discussions and asking questions. If you are an international student accustomed to the rote learning style, you will find class engagement an excellent way to learn. Discursive learning generally means a better GPA.
3. Access to Resources: With fewer students per professor, students may have better access to resources such as office hours, research opportunities, mentorship, and individualized guidance, fostering a more personalized and enriching educational experience. Some Canadian universities, like the University of Alberta, even provide guidelines on how to approach your professor to assist you to start a student club or take you on for a research project.
4. Feedback and Evaluation: Professors in smaller classes may have more time to provide detailed feedback on assignments and assessments, which can be valuable for students' learning and improvement. A smaller class size might mean a difference between a GPA of 2.5 or one of 3.5. Which GPA do you want? Even when looking for a job in Canada, a student with a GPA of 3.5 from a smaller university will have an advantage over the student with a 2.5 GPA from a high ranking university.
5. Building Relationship: In smaller classes, students have the advantage of more opportunities to establish valuable connections with professors, leading to potential benefits such as academic guidance, career mentorship, letters of recommendation, and networking opportunities which can even mean a reference letter from your professor when you graduate and are looking for employment in Canada. It becomes impractical to form a personal connection with a professor in a large class of 500 students, whereas in a smaller group of around 50 students, fostering such relationships becomes significantly more feasible and rewarding.
Courtesy of MacLeans Magazine
However, it's important to note that a low faculty-to-student ratio is not the only factor that determines academic success. Students' motivation, study habits, time management skills, and the quality of teaching and support services available at the university also play crucial roles. Some students may thrive in larger classes, while others may prefer the intimacy of smaller ones. Ultimately, the impact of the faculty-to-student ratio on academic success can vary depending on individual preferences and needs.
Fortunately, Canada provides a full range of universities and colleges where class size differ. Make sure to contact Helen Khan at Go 2 Canada Education Services to find the Canadian university or college that meets your individual preferences.
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