The purpose of this post is captured in the following tweet:
I have been meaning to write this post for some time. I am motivated today because of a chance conversation with a couple yesterday. Turns out that their daughter had decided to attend university in Ireland. Apparently, she had applied to a number of U.S. schools and had a mixed record of acceptance. Attending school in the USA would have cost the family approximately $70,000 USD per year.
The daughter applied to well known university in Ireland, was accepted and will pay approximately $22,0000 per year. That’s approximately $200,000 in saving over a four year period!!
I then remembered an article – dated April 8, 2025 – in the Boston Globe where Globe writer Carrie Simonelli described how her daughter was interested in attending McGill University in Montreal. Ms. Simonelli’s article included:
Politics aside, for students, financial considerations always weigh heavily. On average, US students going to Canadian colleges pay between $20,000 and $30,000 a year in tuition (in US dollars), Miller, of Universities Canada, says. For comparison, in Massachusetts alone, more than a dozen private schools charged at least $60,000 in tuition for the current school year, with Williams College topping the list at $72,170 — without factoring in the cost of living on campus.
The strength of the US dollar versus Canada’s also helps bring costs down. And, aid through the FAFSA application and other sources may still be an option: American students at 64 of Canada’s universities are eligible for federal US student loans, says Mark Kantrowitz, the creator of Finaid.org and the author of How to Appeal for More College Financial Aid. In addition, he says, the Canadian government offers a small — though highly competitive — number of scholarships for international students.
The comments to the article are interesting and varied. Generally, they focus on the experience of living in Montreal, the quality of McGill as a school and the opportunity to experience life outside the United States.
On June 6, 2025 the Globe published some letters to the editor (including my own) in response to Ms. Simoelli’s article. The letters included:
Headed North
I enjoyed reading “The Lure of Canadian Colleges” (April 13). Nine years ago my daughter and I visited McGill on a college road trip. Alas, she went to UMaine because she wanted more green space. But I fell in love with Montreal! It has such a European flavor. The cafes, patisseries, and restaurants are all so fabulous. I visited Montreal at least twice a year and in 2021 I purchased a condo there. I’m retired now and I spend a significant amount of time in Montreal. McGill has excellent academics and is right in the middle of downtown.
George Hom
Needham
As a Toronto-based lawyer who assists US citizens and green card holders living in Canada, I read this article with great interest. I have always believed that attending university in Canada is a wonderful opportunity for US residents seeking post-secondary options. Leaving aside other considerations, schools like McGill offer excellent opportunities at much lower cost than comparable US schools. There is a second benefit: There are various ways to leverage the student visa into permanent residence in Canada and eventually citizenship. This is a distinct advantage for those who see the value in dual citizenship.
John Richardson
Toronto
Trump bump? Try: “brain drain.” We’re going to lose scientists, international scholars, and our own smart young people who have good reasons to give up on this country.
somervilleny
posted on bostonglobe.com
Students in my town have been going to Canada for college for quality, affordability, and proximity to Mass. since we moved here in mid 2000s. Smart move.
Tess McGill
posted on bostonglobe.com
If I were a young person, I would ABSOLUTELY flee to Canada faster than you can say “Eh.” Trump is shredding our democracy, and Canada has a very tolerant society.
Mbbs
posted on bostonglobe.com
Acquiring dual citizenship – An additional reason to consider studying abroad for a post-secondary degree
If properly planned, study abroad can create pathways to obtaining residence and citizenship in that country. This can sometimes be achieved at little or no additional cost to the education. Canada’s Post Graduate Work Permit is the springboard to one of the best second citizenship programs in the world.
The acquisition of citizenship can benefit a family for generations.
When considering educational opportunities abroad it makes sense to consider what those opportunities might imply for citizenship or permanent residence leading to citizenship in that country. Some countries have opportunities. Others don’t.
Why a second citizenship may be a huge asset
To put it simply:
Citizenship gives one the right to live and work in that country. Obviously this would enhance life and professional opportunities.
Q. Do you want to create an option to leave your country of residence?
A. If you have to get a university degree anyway, why not explore options that are (1) more cost efficient and (2) create opportunities for future live mobility.
In conclusion …
It is possible to study abroad AND leverage that “study abroad” into a second citizenship.
In a world where multiple citizenships have increasing value, the possibilities of studying abroad are more valuable than ever.
John Richardson – Follow me on X.com @ExpatriationLaw