Understand the Canadian university and college system. In Canada, colleges are diploma programs, and universities offer baccalaureate and graduate degrees.
Determine a geographic area. Attend a Canadian university nearly anywhere in the country, though the majority are within a reasonable distance of the U.S. border.
Learn about the experiences of U.S. students at Canadian universities by visiting blogs and forum websites, or asking for names of people from your area attending the school.
Use the specific university website for the schools you want to attend. Each has application information for international students. Those interested in Ontario schools have to use a general application website called the Ontario Universities Application Centre.
Look at the steps required for a study permit in Canada. Once you are accepted at a Canadian university, you have to apply for a study permit. It's a fairly simple process. However, leave enough time for the paperwork.
Decide about dorm living. Those who attend Canadian universities often spend the first year in the dorm, known in Canada as residence or "rez," then fan out into apartments. Upperclassmen in dorms is not as common as in the U.S.
Bring your sports expertise, if you have it. Canadian universities can consider you for a spot on sports teams, and many offer scholarships.