The U.S. College Expo in Toronto on April 12 was a bustling event, featuring an array of stickers, booklets, and pens distributed across booths. Dozens of American universities and colleges were present, offering pamphlets and engaging with prospective students and parents eager for information about higher education opportunities in the United States.
Ji Yoon Kim, a high school student, is considering pursuing her education in the U.S. Despite her aspirations, she harbors concerns about studying there as an international student, given the current tensions between Canada and the U.S. She fears these tensions might introduce an element of uncertainty into her student life. Nonetheless, as a golfer with ambitions to major in business, she is particularly drawn to Stanford University in California, known for its strong sports reputation and successful female golfers.
Kim was among hundreds of students who gathered at Roy Thomson Hall in downtown Toronto for the US College Expo, an annual event organized by Prepskills. This Toronto-based company offers admissions preparatory courses to Canadian students. According to the organization’s founder, Joanna Severino, nearly 2,000 students attended the event this year.
This year’s expo occurred against the backdrop of U.S. President Donald Trump’s trade disputes with Canada and speculative comments about making Canada the 51st state. The Trump administration has also been noted for its funding cuts to U.S. universities and measures against international students involved in campus protests, including detention and deportation. Despite these conditions, interest in studying in the U.S. remains strong among attendees.
Before the expo commenced, participants were already queuing outside. Once inside, the venue buzzed with activity as students and parents navigated the numerous booths. Annika Kho, a Grade 11 student, attended the expo with her family, aspiring to become a professional violinist. She believes pursuing education in the U.S. could offer her broader and more promising opportunities in the field of music.
Jackson Brown from Fisher College in Boston and Abbey Swanson from Saginaw Valley State University in Michigan were among the representatives from 40 institutions present. They reported receiving few inquiries regarding the political landscape, with most concerns focused on the exchange rate.
Grayson Carter, a Grade 11 student aiming to continue his golf career in the U.S., seemed unfazed by the political climate, focusing on improving his game and academic performance. His mother, Michele Carter, expressed more reservations, worried about the current state of U.S.-Canada relations and its impact on her son’s ambitions. However, she recognized the educational and scholarship opportunities available in the U.S. as significant advantages.
Kim remains optimistic about studying in the U.S., believing the potential opportunities outweigh political concerns. Nevertheless, she plans to apply to Canadian universities as a backup, should her plans to study in the U.S. not materialize.
Your World Now
This annual U.S. College Expo provides crucial insights for Canadian students eyeing educational opportunities south of the border. Despite geopolitical tensions, the event highlighted the enduring appeal of American colleges, known for their sports programs and academic prestige. For students and parents, weighing these opportunities against the backdrop of current U.S. policies remains a vital consideration.
For prospective students, the expo underscored the importance of staying informed about international relations, as these can directly impact educational pathways and experiences. Additionally, the event illustrated the necessity of financial preparedness, especially in light of concerns about the exchange rate. Ultimately, the expo served as a reminder of the complex interplay between educational ambitions and global political dynamics, urging families to explore all options and plan accordingly.
