Today@Dal

Gillian MacDonald is currently in Colombia meeting with prospective Dal students.

Throughout my travels I am asked many, many questions by prospective students and their parents. Hundreds, in fact. I receive questions that make me laugh: “Can I just play sports or do I have to study?” and questions that warm my heart: “I want to make a difference. Will Dalhousie help me do that?"

Here is a list of the top 5 questions received during my travels through Colombia thus far:

1)  Does your university offer Medicine?
I LOVE answering this question. Not only because we have an incredible Faculty of Medicine, but also because it’s fantastic to meet somany students with  big aspirations. It’s wonderful to see their enthusiasm when we discuss our hands-on learning and the fact that, much to their surprise, our medical school does not necessarily require studies in “pre-med” for admission consideration.

2) How much does your university cost?
University is a big personal and financial investment, regardless of where you study. Students love to hear that they will receive a high quality education at Dal for prices that won’t have them paying off loans until they retire, that we’re affordable  relative to our American neighbors to the south, and that Dalhousie offers lower international tuition than many of our Canadian counterparts.
 
3) Do you offer scholarships?
Absolutely! Like our domestic students, international students qualify for our entrance scholarships up to the amount of $40,000. It feels great to let students know we take a holistic approach when it comes to our scholarship review – awards are based not only on academic merit, but also leadership, volunteer experience, financial need – and more.

4) Does your university offer on-campus housing?
YES – and a residence room is guaranteed to new Dalhousie students;   many of which are single occupancy. Students love chatting about what to bring to campus, the activities each residence offers, and all the delicious food offered through our on-campus meal plans!

5) Does it ALWAYS snow in Canada?
This has been the most commonly asked question while in Colombia. Understandable – it’s currently 33 degrees Celsius and not everyone is a fan of snow suits and mittens. I enjoy sharing the new adventures a student can have while studying in Canada – building snowmen, skiing and ice skating, as well as snow shoeing and winter surfing. I always highlight that we have four beautiful and very distinct seasons to enjoy and make sure students know there are plenty of shops where they can buy winter gear before the first snow falls.
 
Read more from Gillian at the "Passport to Dal" blog.