"Are they really safe and comfortable?" Comparing life in Canada and New Zealand [Canada vs. NZ High School Study Abroad: 5-Part Series Part 4]

This article is part of a 5-part series comparing high school study abroad in Canada and New Zealand from five different perspectives.

This is the fourth installment, and the theme is "Differences in Daily Life".

"Is the country my child is going to really safe?"

Both countries are often introduced as "safe study abroad destinations," but there are certainly differences that become apparent once you actually live there.

In this article, we will specifically compare Canada and New Zealand from the perspectives of safety, time difference, climate, and environment.

Looking at the latest "Global Peace Index," there is a surprising difference between NZ and Canada

The "Global Peace Index," published annually, is a survey that quantifies the level of peace and safety in countries around the world.

In the 2025 edition, New Zealand ranked 3rd in the world (score 1.282), Japan 12th (1.440), and Canada 15th (1.491).

It is not wrong to introduce both as "world-class safe countries," but even within the top tier, the gap in numbers is gradually widening.

In the same survey, Canada is pointed out as one of the countries in the North and Central American region where a decline in safety is noticeable.
Of course, it is still a safe environment overall compared to Japan, but I want you to be aware that there are situations where caution is required depending on the urban area and time of day.

Rather than grouping them both as "safe," it is recommended to make a decision after checking the latest data.

Whether the time difference is "3-4 hours" or "16-17 hours" significantly changes the feeling of daily life

In terms of emotional connection during study abroad, the time difference is something that is surprisingly often overlooked.

The time difference between Japan and New Zealand is 3 to 4 hours, with New Zealand being ahead.
When a child wants to call at 8:00 PM in New Zealand, it is exactly 5:00 PM in Japan.
Since it perfectly overlaps with the time parents return from work, it is an environment where it is easy to communicate casually.

On the other hand, the time difference between Japan and Canada's British Columbia (such as Vancouver) is 16-17 hours in winter and 15-16 hours in summer.
If you try to call at 8:00 PM in Vancouver, it is 1:00 PM the next day in Japan.
It is easy to end up in a situation where parents are at work, which raises the hurdle significantly when you want to hear a familiar voice during a night of intense homesickness.

This difference in time zones can directly lead to psychological distress for students, more so than the numbers suggest.

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Things you should know when living in New Zealand

Because New Zealand is in the Southern Hemisphere, the seasons are the opposite of Japan.

If you travel during Japan's summer (July-August), it is currently winter there.
I want you to know in advance that you will be starting your new life during a cold period.

Another thing I want you to remember is the intensity of UV rays.

Due to a combination of factors including the Earth's orbital path, ozone levels in the Southern Hemisphere, and atmospheric clarity, UV radiation in New Zealand is said to be about 40% stronger than at the same latitude in the Northern Hemisphere (Source: New Zealand Science Learning Hub, NIWA).

Even on cloudy days in summer, you can't let your guard down, so sunscreen becomes a daily necessity!

Compared to Japan, the cities are compact, and the environment is primarily quiet and rich in nature.
For children who seek excitement, there may be times when they feel it is 'boring'.

On the other hand, because there is a smaller Japanese community, you are naturally forced to dive into an English-speaking environment, which tends to speed up growth in language skills. It is common to hear from those who have studied abroad in NZ say, 'I felt lonely for the first month or two, but that led to an improvement in my English ability.'

Things you should know when living in Canada

Major Canadian cities, including Vancouver, are among the most multicultural in the world.
People of various nationalities live there, creating an environment where you can receive diverse stimulation.

However, Vancouver also has a large Japanese community and many Japanese-owned restaurants and facilities, which can sometimes lead to situations where you can live your life using only Japanese. (This is often mentioned, especially regarding study abroad for adults.)

While convenient, it is also popular among Japanese students, so compared to schools in the suburbs, a certain number of people feel that 'there are so many Japanese people here. Even though I came all the way to study abroad, I'm not getting many opportunities to use English.'

In terms of climate, Vancouver is relatively mild, but it is characterized by long rainy seasons in winter and short daylight hours.
In the interior (such as Alberta), there is serious cold where temperatures drop below minus 20 degrees Celsius in winter. Since many students find themselves feeling down when the days get shorter, I think it's a good idea for families to discuss whether their child is resilient to cold and darkness.

The perceived climate changes significantly depending on which province or school district you choose, so it is also an important point not to lump all of 'Canada' together as 'cold'.

I want you to think about 'which environment suits you'

This time, I talked about the differences in life between Canada and New Zealand.

Whether it's safety statistics, time differences, climate, or city size, it's not a matter of 'which one is the correct answer,' but rather something I want you to think about based on your own personality and your family's communication style.

'Do you want to grow up amidst stimulation and diversity, or do you want to face English carefully in a quiet environment?'
'Can you manage even if we are far apart, or do you want to hear each other's voices frequently?'

Your options will change quite a bit depending on those factors.
Knowing about safety, time differences, and climate in advance will significantly change your peace of mind after you arrive.

For those who want to know more about these living environments, please take a look at the book written by Study Abroad Papa, 'Overseas Study Abroad for Junior and Senior High School Students: A Book That Expands Your Self and Future Every Time You Learn'.
It summarizes the 'reality of study abroad life,' so please pick up a copy.

'Which environment would suit my child's personality?'
'I want to start preparing for study abroad in earnest from now on'
'I want to consult about specific plans and local information'

For those who feel this way, we are also accepting free consultations and free counseling.

Study Abroad Papa, who has experience studying at a university in the US and has supported his daughter's high school study abroad as a parent, and Erin, who studied abroad at a Canadian high school from the age of 15 with zero English ability, will think about your anxieties and questions together.

We will never force anything on you or insist that 'study abroad is the only way.'
Please feel free to send us a message.

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