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Archeology Schools and Programs in Canada

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Archeology Studies in Canada

Are you an archaeology student who is considering the possibility of studying abroad in a foreign country?  Have you thought about Canada as a potential study abroad destination?  Canada offers a bounty of advantages as a study abroad locale, particularly for students who intend to study archaeology at either the undergraduate or graduate level.
 
Occupying the entire northern portion of the North American continent, Canada is a country consisting of 10 relatively autonomous provinces and three territories.  The nation extends all the way from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west and northwards towards the frozen tundra of the Arctic Circle.  With nearly 10 million square kilometers of geographic area, Canada is the second-largest country in the world, after Russia, and the border it shares with its lone southern neighbor—the United States—is the largest continuous land border in the world between two countries.
 
Canada is organized as federal parliamentary democracy and a constitutional monarchy, with Queen Elizabeth II serving as the head of state.  A very multiethnic and multicultural nation, Canada’s diverse population is the result of large-scale immigration from many different countries around the world, most notably France, the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy and Ireland, and more recently from China, Japan and other nations in Asia.  Though Canada is a vast country in terms of total area, its population—a mere 35 million—makes it one of the least-densely populated countries on the globe.
 
Canada is a highly developed and very modern country, and its advanced economy is one of the largest in the world, largely due to its abundant store of natural resources and well-developed trade networks.  The people of Canada enjoy a very high standard of living, and the country ranks high in the various international indexes that measure quality of life, civil liberties, government transparency, economic freedom and education.  Its higher education system is also one of the finest in the world, boasting a number of universities that are globally ranked for their quality and the achievements of their faculty, graduates and student bodies.
 
Archaeology Education in Canada
 
As a course of study, archaeology is offered by the majority of Canada’s major universities at both the undergraduate and graduate level, leading to bachelor and master’s degrees, respectively.  Archaeology programs at the undergraduate level typically span four to five years for full time students, depending on the university and availability of classes.  Graduate or master degree programs usually take an additional 2-3 years to complete.
 
A degree in archaeology provides students with the necessary qualifications to pursue a career in this fascinating discipline, in which they will have the opportunity to research artifacts, relics and even ancient human and animal remains at historical sites throughout the world.  Some graduates of this popular degree program go on to positions as curators of renowned museums and galleries, while others prefer to engage in field work, unearthing the history and cultures of ancient societies.
 
Undergraduate programs in archaeology consist of general education coursework as well as classes in which archaeology is the primary focus.  General education coursework includes classes in English (or French in the province of Quebec) composition, physical and natural sciences, social sciences, mathematics and foreign languages.  Upper-division courses, which usually begin in the third year of study, include subjects such as world religions, introduction to archaeology, sociology, genealogy and anthropology.
 
Students who opt to pursue a Master’s degree in archaeology are required to take approximately 30 to 36 hours of advanced instruction.  Most programs also require students to complete an original thesis and defend that paper in front of a panel of expert faculty.  Other programs include a capstone project of some kind and/or a comprehensive examination.
 
Why Study Abroad in Canada
 
The opportunity to study abroad in Canada can be a life-changing experience, and the memories you will create as a participant in one of these programs will be something you will cherish for the rest of your existence.  Canada is a vast and wondrous country, featuring some of the most scenic natural beauty in the world.  The country is home to some of the world’s most modern and cosmopolitan cities, including Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, and the largely French-speaking city of Montreal, the second largest Francophone city in the world, after Paris, France.
 
When not busy with your classroom studies in one of Canada’s world-class universities, such as the universities of Calgary, Toronto, Alberta, Montreal and Waterloo, you’ll find an abundance of interesting sites and attractions to keep you busy.  Some of the popular sites include:
 
Whistler Blackcomb
 
As you’ll quickly discover when interacting with the native Canadian population, nobody can call themselves a skier until they have tackled the majestic slopes of the Whistler Blackcomb ski resort.  Located in the province of British Columbia and a key site during the 2010 Olympics, Whistler Blackcomb is one of the largest ski and snowboard resorts in the world with around 8,000 acres of terrain.  Thousands of skiers and snowboarders flock to the slopes of Whistler each year to try their luck on the world-class peaks of this renowned resort, which boasts several challenging ski and runs. In addition to the amazing ski conditions at Whistler Blackcomb, you will also find a variety of 5-star hotels, restaurants, day spas and shopping venues, which together make this locale one of the most entertaining places to visit in Canada during any time of the year.
 
Perce Rock
 
If you enjoy the beauty and wonder of majestic natural sites, you simple must check out the attraction known as Perce Rock.  Meaning “pierced rock” in French, this astonishing geological attraction can be found off the tip of the Gaspe Peninsula, just across the Gulf of St. Laurence in the province of Quebec.  The enormous rock configuration, layered with tons of limestone, measures 1,300 feet in length and rises nearly 300 feet in height.  Perce Rock takes its name from the unique hole in the center of the rock formation, which forms an arch-like passageway.  A favorite locale for both locals and tourists, Perce Rock draws thousands of visitors each year.

Calgary

The largest and most populous city in the province of Alberta, Calgary is nestled between the Canadian Prairies and the foothills of the Canadian Rockies. Once nothing more than a tiny prairie town, Calgary underwent a population boom in the early 1900s when oil was discovered in the region.  Today Calgary is one of Canada’s largest and most influential metropolitan areas, boasting a number of museums, galleries and historical landmarks.  One of the more popular annual events held in the city is the world-renowned Calgary Stampede, a heart-pounding rodeo event that draws people by the thousands each year from every corner of the globe.