We’re just like you! Everyone on our team has lived and worked abroad at some point, and we know firsthand the excitement and anticipation that comes with moving abroad. Click on our profile to see what makes us tick.
France, Canada, Ireland.
When I land in a new country, I usually go straight to the local market, and check out the type of produce they have, pay attention to the way people communicate and what they eat. Then I usually proceed to the nearest food stall and order whatever people around me seem to be eating and enjoying. Best way to get an immediate shot of local culture!
Vancouver is a very multicultural city, so there are a lot of opportunities to try food from all over the world. If you are on a budget, I highly recommend New Town bakery in Chinatown for a taste of Hong Kong. Their steam buns at $3.50 a piece is a great bargain, and their coconut buns are to die for! One block away is Fortune Sound Club, a great venue with a lot of live music and events.
Years ago in Tofino, on a sunny hot summer day, a local fisherman was kind enough to take a few of my friends and I on his boat and drop us off on a local island a few km away for a couple of days of “remote camping”. After setting up camp, the sun was already setting, and a group of curious otters came to play nearby. I still vividly remember the tangerine orange sunset backdrop with the playful dark otter shadows. Breathtaking.
Spain, Germany, United Kingdom, Italy, United States, Canada.
It does not matter if English is not your first language, you will be surprised by how many conversations you can get started just because of your accent or English. Talk, talk and talk!
Canada is huge, so it can be overwhelming what are the places that you want to visit first. Make a destination list and organize your time in Canada to visit those places. My favourite place is Tofino during the summer, I’m always impressed by how beautiful it is!
When I travelled to the Canadian Rockies during the summer and saw that the blue turquoise lakes are actually that colour. I was always under the impression that they could not be that blue, but YES, they are that impressive blue. I still have the challenge of jumping into one, I have not been that brave yet!
France, England, Canada, and Spain.
Try to get to know the locals! They always have the inside scoop when it comes to knowing the best restaurants, bars, music scenes, activities and places to visit. Locals are locals for a reason, they either grew up in the area or have chosen to make it their home, make it yours too!
Explore! Canada is full of hidden gems and the only way you can discover them is by getting out there and exploring. It can be daunting at first to explore an area you are not familiar with but try to make some new friends and uncover some secrets together.
I absolutely love skiing and ever since I was a teenager, I had dreamt about doing a Working Holiday Ski Season at Whistler Blackcomb. In 2019 I began my 1st season there and on 6th March 2020, I successfully dropped into the notorious Air Jordan double cliff drop-off Peak chair, Whistler. What an experience, but not for the faint of heart!
Canada, India.
My top tip for all of those planning to move to Canada would be to explore all the different options and not limit yourself. Believe in yourself and keep your ambitions high. Set milestones for yourself to celebrate your small achievements.
Networking would definitely be one of them!! If you are attending school or working, it is always a great idea to put yourself out there. Talk to people, and get to know the culture to be more comfortable. There are multiple magazines for new immigrants to help them settle down in a new country.
Getting my first corporate job would be my top moment in Canada. Being an international student myself, I understand the struggles. After multiple failed interviews and applications, getting my first job in this industry was very fulfilling. Hence, I decided to stick to this profession where I can help people like me get some career help.
Indonesia, Canada, Austria.
The Meetup application is a great platform where you can meet people with similar interests. Also, if you’re a student, the University often has social events, so make sure you participate whenever you can, because that’s where you can meet new friends and build your social or professional networks as well!
If you’re new in Vancouver, don’t be afraid to make conversation with strangers. Making friends in Vancouver is not easy, but you’re not the only one, so struck a conversation with someone new and you’ll be surprise how many people are just in the exact same situation as you ☺
I’ve skydived in Victoria on Vancouver Island, discovered the most delicious ‘Raspberry Lychee Danish’ from Crust Bakery while there and taken the helijet from Victoria to Vancouver. Also, hiking to the peak of Cascade Mountain, the backdrop of Banff, and dipping into the third lake in Joffre Lakes.
Ireland, Greece & Canada.
It can be scary and unfamiliar in the beginning, but don’t let that hold you back. Go and explore different places, meet new people and try different foods. Living abroad can be such an eye-opening experience if you embrace it.
Explore outside the city. Vancouver is beautiful but there is lots more to see in BC. Take a car or bus outside the city on your weekends or days off and explore the mountains, lakes and other towns around. They are simply spectacular and totally worth it!
Houseboating on Shuswap Lake.
Germany, Ireland, Canada.
In the beginning it is hard for everyone. No one feels comfortable in a new place with new people right away, so remember that you are not the only one feeling this way. There are always like minded people that are looking for similar things to you, you just have to look in the right places. For example, if you like music you should go to live concerts / music bars!
Vancouver is a very expensive city, so make sure you check the monthly rent before you come and plan to live here. There are cheaper options in Greater Vancouver like Surrey or Abbotsford, it really depends on your needs.
One of my favourite moments ever in Vancouver was skiing during sunset on Grouse Mountain. I looove skiing, but in Europe most places do not offer night skiing so I have never seen a sunset while skiing down a snowy mountain. Grouse probably has the best views of Vancouver and seeing the sunset over my favourite city, doing my favourite sport… just incredible!
Canada, France.
Sniff out the food scene.
Meeting sea dogs for the first time!