Just when we thought we were safe, our friendly neighbor to the north revealed it has more on its mind than Mounties and maple syrup.
Canadian universities are increasingly courting American students - and a growing number of them are zipping up their snowsuits at top Canadian schools.
The Canadian Embassy in Washington estimates that, between the years of 1999 and 2002, the number of U.S. students studying in Canada rose by 86 percent.
And officials say it's still growing.
Experts attribute some of the increased American interest in those universities to their relatively inexpensive tuition rates - attending most Canadian schools costs a fraction the price of attending a private American university - and growing prestige.
For the first time ever, McGill University - which styles itself as the "Harvard of the North," according to the school's spokeswoman - broke into the top 25 universities in the London-based Times Higher Education Supplement, which ranks universities across the world.
Harvard ranked number 1, while McGill inched its way up to a coveted number 21 position. The University of Toronto ranked 27th, up from 37th in 2004.
Officials say these rankings are indicative of the high caliber of education at Canadian institutions, which had previously taken a backseat to American schools.
The newfound prestige, officials say, has led to an increase in application rates at both McGill and Queens University, in Kingston, Ontario, though acceptance rates remain the same.
"McGill is really an Ivy League school, but in Canada," said Jennifer Robinson, a spokeswoman for McGill. "We're known around the world for our excellent programs, but we also appeal to Americans because we're in an urban, safe city."
In 2005, 639 American undergraduate students attended McGill, up from 466 Americans who attended in 1999.
Similarly, at Queens, 400 American students are currently enrolled, with the number growing every year, officials say.
Penn officials, however, aren't concerned about the potential American "brain drain."
"We're not at all worried," University President Amy Gutmann said. "We wish [Canadian universities] well because their success is compatible with our success."
The Times also ranked the Queens' School of Business the No. 1 MBA program outside of the U.S., while its competitor, the University of British Columbia, prides itself on its work in the sciences.
"Our research is getting to be quite highly cited by other researchers," said Scott Macrae, a UBC spokesman. "Our scientific research is getting competitive on the world stage."
But the quality of academics isn't the only reason some students are migrating north. According to Robinson, student life in Montreal is a chief pull - perhaps due to a drinking age of 18.
While students who attend Canadian universities ultimately enjoy what they have to offer, some believe there's nothing like an American education.
"You can't compare the quality of education between Penn and McGill," said College senior Stephane Levy, who was raised in Montreal. "I really think the only reason Americans go there is because it's cheaper."
The Daily Pennsylvanian is an independent, student-run newspaper. Please consider making a donation to support the coverage that shapes the University. Your generosity ensures a future of strong journalism at Penn.
DonatePlease note All comments are eligible for publication in The Daily Pennsylvanian.