International Students in Vancouver: Living and studying in this diverse city
The best way to experience a new city is to immerse yourself in the culture and community. That’s why many international students choose Vancouver for their post-secondary studies. It offers world-class education, a laid-back lifestyle, and a sense of community that helps support your academic and personal growth and enjoyment.
Vancouver, Canada, is a top destination for international students. Over 70,000 international students study in the province of BC each year, many of which are in Vancouver, one of the largest metropolitan areas in the province.
Why are there so many international students in Vancouver? Keep reading to find out.
Why students choose Vancouver for their studies
Vancouver has a stellar reputation for providing high-quality post-secondary education. Vancouver is ranked 3rd of 47 Canadian cities for students. This is based on quality of life, attractiveness, quality of student life, academic excellence, and cost of studying.
We’ve seen this at Capital College. Our students love how welcoming and inclusive BC schools (and nearby communities) are. They notice this inclusivity and diversity in the classroom and the surrounding community. For international students in Vancouver who may feel homesick, this inclusivity helps give them the support they need during their studies and social lives in Vancouver.
A supportive academic student life
Planning for your future career shouldn’t be taken without planning. Vancouver post-secondary schools are ready to help international students plan their academic and vocational futures.
At schools like Capital College, student support services are available to assist students with:
- Academic advising
- Tutoring support
- ESL programs
- Work placements
- Making industry connections
Living in Vancouver as an International Student
Your school may also have support services for living in Vancouver, such as helping you find suitable housing, apply for a local bank account, get a part-time job, and more.
When attending post-secondary schools, you choose between on-campus housing (usually only available at larger institutions) and off-campus housing in the community. Your choice will be based on your budget and convenience (as on-campus or close-to-campus housing makes commuting easier to school).
While the cost of living in the Vancouver area can be high, you have many options for every budget, including co-shared accommodations and numerous student discounts on everything from eating out to entertainment and bus passes. Ask your local campus about what may be available to help you afford school and live comfortably.
Students embrace Vancouver’s culture and diversity
If a well-rounded student life is valuable to you, Vancouver is the place to study. Vancouver has a diverse mix of cultures and diversity to explore. The city has a variety of cultural festivals, food, and experiences from around the world, maybe even your home country. These events and locations are also great places to connect with local and international students.
Living and studying in Vancouver is a great place to learn about Canadian culture and the diverse cultures of those who call Canada and Vancouver home.
Plentiful work and career opportunities
Canada’s economy and workforce are growing. There are plenty of part-time work opportunities you can take while in school in BC. Be aware of any working restrictions on your visa, as you may be limited regarding the number of hours you can work on your Canadian study permit.
Many vocational programs also provide internships and work placements in your chosen field. These are an excellent way to get on-the-job experience and a Canadian employer for your resume. Some work placements turn into full-time job offers when you graduate. This could support a pathway to permanent residency upon graduation.
Students loving Vancouver’s outdoor lifestyle
Vancouver is close to the ocean, mountains, forests, and many green spaces. As a student studying in Vancouver, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to enjoy Vancouver’s outdoor and recreational lifestyle.
Vancouverites love a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, skiing, and cycling. Many also enjoy relaxing at the beach, in the mountains, or at local parks. These activities are part of Northwest Coast’s “work hard, play harder” lifestyle.
As an international student, take time to enjoy some of the city’s outdoor and recreational activities, including:
- Hiking (Grouse Grind, Quarry Rock, Lighthouse Park, the Richmond Dyke Trail)
- Beaches and Waterfront (Garry Point Park, Kitsilano Beach, English Bay, Stanley Park Seawall)
- Winter sports (Grouse Mountain, Cypress Mountain, and Whistler)
- Cycling and walking (Stanley Park Loop, Richmond Dykes, UBC Endowment Lands, Iona Jetty and Park)
- Weekend getaways (Whistler, Victoria, Squamish)
Choosing a Vancouver post-secondary school
Vancouver is an ideal place for international students to attend post-secondary schools. There are many schools and areas of study to choose from.
Capital College is located in beautiful Richmond, BC, just outside Vancouver. Our programs are designated by the Private Training Institutions Regulatory Unit (PTIRU) and certified by BC Education Quality Assurance (EQA) as a Designated Learning Institution.
If you enjoy working with children, you should study to become an Early Childhood Educator or a Montessori Teacher in BC. Capital College has comprehensive programs for both career paths. In our ECE and Montessori programs, you get a mix of in-class learning and on-site work experience to practice your skills.
Our goal is to help you train to become a successful professional in your future career and contribute in a significant way to your local, national, and global community. Vancouver is an ideal spot to start your journey.
(International students who plan to study in Canada for more than 6 months will require a study permit. The Capital College admissions team can provide more details, or you can learn how to apply to study in Canada as an international student on the Government of Canada website.)
Browse the comprehensive programs Capital College offers, and submit your application today. We look forward to helping you achieve your educational and career goals at Capital College.