Schools in Canada
Remember, that the place to start your career and life exploration is with a greater understanding of yourself. Eventually, though, you may find that you want to develop or further explore a specific area of interest. The educational options listed below could help you do just that in Canada. In the process, please do not picture a school or college as your final destination. It isn’t. You won’t be there forever. Choose a school, rather, based on whether or not it will take you where you really want to go.
1. L’Abri
Francis and Edith Shaeffer started the first L’Abri (French for “shelter”) in Switzerland in 1955. It was a place for young people to explore the claims of Christianity in a family setting, a place to find friendship and meaningful answers. There are now L’Abri centers in 11 countries including Canada. The Canadian L’Abri is located on the west coast on Bowen Island.
2. YWAM
Loren Cunningham initiated what became known as Youth With A Mission in the USA back in 1960. The vision was to send young adults on short-term mission trips all over the world. Since then, the focus has expanded. YYAM operates a university in Hawaii, mercy ships, and is perhaps best known for their Discipleship Training School (DTS). They now operate in 180 countries in over 1000 locations. There are a variety of YYAM bases in Canada.
3. Capernwray
Major Ian Thomas organized the first Capernwray in 1947 in the United Kingdom. He offered a retreat center, particularly for youth, that included Bible teaching. German students, who were involved early on, caused the collection of schools which developed to also be known as The Torchbearers. There are now 26 Capernwray centers around the world with 2 locations in Canada. Capernwray Harbour, on Thetis Island, and Capernwray Quebec, located in the Laurentian Mountains north of Montreal, both offer short-term Bible schools.
4. Christian Higher Education in Canada
CHEC represents the cooperative efforts of 40-some Christian-based colleges and universities throughout Canada. If you are interested in learning more about a Christian worldview as you acquire a formal education and a career this site will provide you with a variety of options. Here is another site that provides similar information although not quite as much.
5. Catholic Colleges in Canada
The Catholic church is the largest denomination Canada. They operate hundreds of colleges around the world and many in Canada and the USA. While I am not Catholic, I mention this site as a useful resource for those of you who are interested in exploring an education at a specifically Catholic institution.
Some may think that trade schools are a second-class choice. I am not one of those people. At one time, I may have been; but no more. Acquiring a skilled trade early on in life, may be one of the best decisions you will make. Having a tangible service to offer, rather than a degree nobody cares about, will serve you well. If you are seriously considering a trade, you could get more information here.
Maclean’s magazine provides an annual evaluation and ranking of major Canadian universities. Your costs will likely be lower if you choose to attend a public university in Canada, but you will also be immersed in a largely secular environment and hear endless advertisements for a post-modern worldview.
All schools claim to expand your world, and they do. But at one level they are all also controlled environments. What type of controlled environment will benefit you the most? Which “bubble” is the best? Something to think about.
*Once you make a decision, here is some information about how to get a student loan in Canada. Interested in serving with the Canadian Forces? If so, it is possible to have your university education paid for.
© Career & Life Direction 2011. All rights reserved.