Thanks, you've been really helpful!
Yeah, I know that the european system is different than the american one, and it's less competitive. Besides, professors are more involved in the process because they are the ones that are interested particularly in you.The canadian system is similar to the US one, some colleges even ask for the GRE and other standardized tests.
The funding issue really stresses me out. YOU have to search for it, and it's not that I'm lazy or anything, but It's easier if you send an application and find out if you're admitted to a program AND funded. What if I get admited to an interesting project, with an enthusiastic advisor, but I a can't find funding? Or the other way around, I get an scholarship or award, but all the projects in that city/country are sh*t... that would really SUCK!.
It would be easier to just apply and wait to see If I get any kind of finantial aid. Imagine to apply, for a single project in one university, to 4 o 5 scholarchips, prizes or awards... I would have to wait for 5 responses!! I would go crazy !!
Anyway, I'll write my experiencies with that system when I graduate and start applying.