How to choose the best English test for US college admissions

Known for beautiful snowy landscapes and hot maple syrup on pancakes, Canada has become a popular destination for international nurses seeking new opportunities and a better quality of life.

Discover eight key reasons why international nurses are drawn to Canada:

1. Growing demand for nurses

An ongoing nursing shortage means well-trained international nurses are in high demand with many job openings to pick from. That demand is increasing, with the number of job vacancies for registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses increasing by almost 10% in the third quarter of 2023.

To help address the shortage, Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has allocated $115 million CAD over the next five years, and $57 million CAD ongoing for expanding Canada's Foreign Credential Recognition Program, helping international nurses get their qualifications recognized by the Canadian government.

2. High quality of life

Canada consistently ranks high in global quality of life indices. In 2023, Canada ranked 13th in the World Happiness Report, offering international nurses a stable, safe, and prosperous environment to live and work.

3. Competitive salaries

Canadian nurses enjoy competitive salaries. According to Canadian recruitment site ca.talent.com, the average annual salary for a registered nurse in Canada is approximately CAD 73,000 in 2024, varying by province and experience level.

4. Universal healthcare system

Canada's universal healthcare system is attractive to many international nurses. It offers the opportunity to work in a well-structured, publicly funded system that prioritizes patient care over profit.

5. Professional development opportunities

Canada offers numerous opportunities for career advancement and specialization. Many provinces have programs to support continuing education and professional development for nurses, and the Registered Practical Nurses Association of Ontario offers up to $1,500 CAD per year in education grants

6. Multicultural society

Canada's diverse and inclusive society makes it easier for international nurses to integrate. According to the 2021 census, over 23% of Canada's population are immigrants, creating a welcoming environment for newcomers, and the country consistently ranks as one of the top ten friendliest places to live.

7. Pathway to permanent residency

Many international nurses view working in Canada as a stepping stone to permanent residency. Programs like Express Entry often favor skilled healthcare workers, making it easier for nurses to transition from temporary to permanent status.

8. Work-life balance

Canadian workplaces generally prioritize work-life balance. Nurses in Canada typically work 37.5-hour weeks, with overtime pay for additional hours, allowing for a better quality of life outside of work.

What next?

If you’re eyeing up a move north, you’ll need to submit your nursing credentials, take the NCLEX-RN to qualify for a Canadian nursing license if needed, and show you’ve got the necessary language skills.

Get your move off to a stress-free start with the Pearson Test of English (PTE).

With no additional speaking exam, PTE covers all four skills in one test using computer-based assessments to remove bias. It’s the faster, fairer, simpler way to evidence your English skills and start your next chapter.

Getting a student visa for the US can be a long and stressful process, and one of the final hurdles is the visa interview.

Conducted in English, it’s one of the parts of the US visa application process that causes international students the most stress.

We’ll briefly recap the US student visa types and application process before sharing top tips on how to prepare and build your speaking confidence for a stress-free interview experience.

Understanding the different types US student visas 

To enter the US to study, you’ll need an F-1 or M-1 visa.

F-1 visas are intended for international students looking to study at colleges or universities. This visa category also covers other academic institutions, such as language schools.

M-1 visas are for vocational studies, such as culinary school, trade school programs, and healthcare technician courses.

If you’re not sure what type of visa you need and want to understand more about the different criteria, there’s an official US Visas website with a useful Visa Wizard tool to point you in the right direction.

How to apply for a US student visa

To study in the US, you’ll need to apply for and be accepted on a course at a Student Exchange and Visitor Program (SEVP) approved school before starting the visa process.

Once accepted, you’ll receive Form I-20 and need to pay the SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) fee.

There’s another round of forms and fees (DS-160 and the visa application fee), before it’s time to schedule that all-important visa interview at the US embassy or consulate in your home country.

On interview day, you’ll need to bring documents, such as your passport, academic transcripts, and travel history, as well as details of your intended travel to the US.

You’ll have an interview with a consulate officer and your visa will either be approved or may require further “administrative processing”.

The visa application process does vary depending on the local embassy or consulate, so check your local branch’s process on their website.

What is the US visa interview about?

Most applicants aged 13-80 must attend an in-person visa interview at a US consulate or embassy.

The interviewer is looking to understand your qualifications, study plans, and ability to support yourself during your time in the US.

They also want to make sure that anyone applying for a student visa intends to return to their home country after completing their studies.

You can find more information on what questions to expect at a US student visa interview on the International Student website.

Building your speaking confidence

A high-stakes English interview can be daunting, often making it tough to speak as confidently as you normally would when you’re in the classroom or chatting with friends. Here are four ways to build your speaking confidence ahead of a US visa interview.

1. Prepare answers to likely questions

Knowing the purpose of the interview makes it easier to anticipate the types of questions you’ll be asked. Make a list of anticipated topic areas and spend some time crafting concise answers. Once you’ve written your responses, it’s time to speak up! Practice saying the answers aloud every couple of days so that they feel familiar on the day. You don’t have to memorize the responses, but by planning out roughly what you’d like to say, you’re removing that extra pressure of thinking on the spot.

2. Immerse yourself in English

Confident speaking starts with great listening. The run-up to your visa interview is the perfect time to revisit that US sitcom you love or to start listening to an audiobook in English on your daily walk. You could even try repeating back new phrases or idioms that you hear to build your vocabulary and practice your pronunciation. If you’re listening to English shows, podcasts, and even following English social media accounts on a regular basis, then being faced with questions in English will feel less new and different on the day.

3. Find a language exchange partner

One of the most effective ways to brush up on your speaking skills is to find a language exchange partner. This could be a language swap, where you find someone who speaks English as their first language and who is learning your language, or conversation clubs where everyone is working on learning English. If you can’t find a local tandem partner, take a look at online communities, such as MeetUp, InterNations, or even Facebook, to find someone you can practice with online.

4. Use speech recognition technology 

If you can’t find a language tandem partner or are short on time, several language learning apps now include speech recognition — a technology first introduced by Mondly by Pearson.

This technology allows you to practice pronunciation and conversation without the pressure of another human waiting on or judging your responses.

In Mondly, for example, the app offers over 500 minutes of conversation practice with Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) options to allow you to practice conversations in realistic scenarios.

With less pressure and instant feedback, virtual conversations using speech recognition can be a great way to build your confidence ahead of real-life challenges like visa interviews.

It’s natural to feel the pressure with interviews — especially when your dreams of studying in the US hang in the balance.

Remember, interviewers aren’t looking for flawless language skills, just that your English is at a high enough level to fully participate in your course and enjoy life in the US.

By thinking through the likely topics and actively finding more opportunities to practice speaking English, you’ll be able to head into your visa interview with confidence.

With 50 states to pick from, choosing where to study in the US can be overwhelming.  

There’s lots of information out there about the different universities and courses, but sometimes it just comes down to fit and feel. 

Whether you’re weighing up two different options or not sure where to start, we've matched some major states with personality types to help you find your perfect fit.  

1. California: The Free Spirit 

Are you creative, laid-back, and always chasing the next big trend? California might be your ideal destination. With its buzzing cities, beautiful beaches, and world-renowned tech scene, it's perfect for those who love variety and aren't afraid to think outside the box.  

If you’re at home in the water, then California is the state for you. Surfing is the official state sport and the consistent year-round swells mean it’s home to 29% of surfers in the US.   

There are more than 30 public colleges in the Golden State. The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) is the largest university in the state with almost half a million students a year between its 23 colleges.  

2. New York: The Go-Getter 

If you thrive in fast-paced environments and dream big, the Empire State could be calling your name.  

With multiple urban universities threaded throughout the concrete jungle, New York offers world-class opportunities in fields like finance, fashion, and the arts.   

It's ideal for ambitious types who love the energy of big city life. Over 800 languages are spoken in New York, making it the most linguistically diverse city in the world and the perfect home away from home.   

The State University of New York at Buffalo is the largest public university in New York, and it’s also home to big names like Cornell and Columbia.  

3. Texas: The Bold Adventurer 

For those with a big personality and an even bigger heart, Texas might be the perfect new home.  

The Lone Star State offers a unique blend of modern cities and cowboy culture. And when we say big, we mean big: with more than 30 million inhabitants over almost 700,000 km², Texas is larger than many countries, including France, Germany, and Japan! 

Texas A&M University is the largest university in the state, while the University of Texas at Austin takes the crown for the number one public university in Texas and 32nd best in the US.  

4. Massachusetts: The Academic 

Home to some of the world's top universities, Massachusetts is perfect for the intellectually curious. If you consider yourself a history geek and don't mind a little New England weather, this could be your scholarly paradise.  

Pick Massachusetts and you'll be studying in the birthplace of American sports — both volleyball and basketball were invented here. 

The University of Massachusetts Amherst is the largest public university, but the state is also home to two of the global top five best universities: Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard.  

5. Florida: The Social Butterfly 

Do you live for sunny days, love meeting new people, and enjoy a good party? Florida might be your match.  

Don’t let the jokes about retiring to Florida fool you; the state capital, Miami, is known for its buzzing nightlife. With its beautiful beaches and famous theme parks, it's great for outgoing types who want to mix study and play.

The University of Central Florida in Orlando is one of the largest universities in the country. Alongside the University of Miami and Florida State University, that means Florida has three institutions that rank in the top 100 US universities.  

6. Colorado: The Nature Enthusiast 

If you're happiest outdoors and love staying active, consider Colorado.  

Home to the Rocky Mountains, its stunning landscapes, including the world's largest flat-top mountain (Grand Mesa, covering about 500 square miles), mean Colorado is ideal for those who want to hit the trails or slopes when they're not hitting the books. 

There are nearly 50 institutions to pick from in The Centennial State. Colorado State University is the largest in the state and University of Colorado Boulder is considered to be one of the leading public research universities in the US.   

7. Illinois: The Balanced Achiever 

If you're looking for a place that balances career prospects with a manageable cost of living and four distinct seasons, the Prairie State might be for you. Illinois offers a blend of Midwestern friendliness and big-city opportunities.  

Its state capital, Chicago, is one of the largest cities in the US. Perfect for those who want to combine big-city living with lazy lakeside days, the “Windy City” is right on the edge of Lake Michigan, one of the five “Great Lakes”.   

The state's largest university is the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and it’s also home to global #28, Northwestern University.  

8. Washington: The Tech-Savvy Innovator 

Are you passionate about technology, love a good cup of coffee, and don't mind a little rain? Washington state might be your perfect match.  

With its booming tech industry, stunning natural beauty, and eco-friendly mindset, it's ideal for forward-thinkers. The only state named after a US president, Washington is home to the world's first Starbucks, which opened in Seattle in 1971. 

The University of Washington in Seattle, the largest university in the state, is consistently ranked as one of the most innovative public universities in the world.   

Whether you’re happiest on a sun-drenched beach or exploring windswept mountains, catching a wave or catching up with a good book, there’s a state for you.  

These are just top-level introductions to some of the defining state characteristics. The best way to find your perfect match is to research thoroughly and, if possible, visit before making your decision. 

The US is an incredibly varied, diverse country, and whichever state you pick, we’re sure it will soon feel like home.