Know the numbers: Why do Canadians choose to study abroad? 

Listed below are the reasons Canadians study abroad from three different surveys: the 2010 CaRMS Survey of CSAs, the 2013 CMSPA (Canadian Medical Students in Poland Association) Survey of CSAs in Poland, and one given to SOCASMA by CSAs:

A.  Source: 2010 CaRMS Survey of CSAs

1. Unable to obtain a place in Canadian medical school: 77.6%
2. Allowed direct entry from high school: 7.8%
3. Wanted to live in another country: 6.6%
4. Tuition costs were lower than Canadian medical school: 1.8%
5. Family was living in this foreign country currently: 0.5%
6. Other: 5.8%

B. Source: 2013 CMSPA (Canadian Medical Students in Poland Association) Survey of CSAs in Poland (76 respondents)

1. Save time: high quality and time efficient medical program: 40.79%
2. Explore the world and experience different cultures and languages: 27.63%
3. Did not want to risk not getting into Canadian medical school: 27.63%
4. Low tuition fees: 21.05%
5. More hands on experience than Canadian medical school programs: 3.95%
6. Did not get accepted by a Canadian medical school: 2.63%

C. Additional reasons given to SOCASMA by CSAs:

1. Followed a loved one;
2. Wanted to study in medical school that had international rating higher than any Canadian medical school;
3. Wanted to study in a medical school that had an excellent international reputation in a specific discipline.