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.
I’ve had the pleasure of working in 3 different countries. I’m originally from the UK so I started my career there, but I did a placement year in the Netherlands as part of my degree and then decided to move to Canada in 2020!
Do your research before making the move.
Take it step by step. There is going to be a lot of change at first and it can be daunting to look at what is still to be done. Take a minute to reflect on all the awesome things you’ve completed and be patient with yourself.
Get yourself out and about! Canada has so much to offer and is full of amazing opportunities. Don’t be afraid to try something different and embrace new challenges. A mistake I made before arriving was thinking it was always going to be cold but we actually have nice sunny weather out here too!
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.
UK, Bolivia, Spain, Portugal, Brazil, United States, Canada
Ask for help! Sometimes in tricky/unfamiliar situations, we start to panic. Take a deep breath and ask for help. Most things can be resolved and people generally are super willing to support you. Find the humour in your mistakes! I once accidentally booked a limo service instead of a taxi for myself! Accept the mistakes in style – to say the least. This is all a learning experience, so go easy on yourself!
Try the snacks, the sushi, the iced coffees, and the breweries. Costco poutine is certified as the best you can find in Vancouver! Go see a hockey game! Even if sports aren’t your thing – soaking up the atmosphere is exciting. Beware of cheeky raccoons!
Kayaking with sea lions in Cowichan Bay. Dipping my feet into a glacier river next to where I did my first camping trip as an adult. Soaking up the sun next to a lake or one of Vancouver’s outdoor pools. Seeing orcas on the way to Vancouver Island.
Canada, United States, & Japan.
Moving abroad is a big risk that can be full of challenges – but what is life without that? You will get so much reward out of making the leap through the memories you make, the people you meet, and the conversations you have with the people around you. It’s a fast-track way to completely shift your perspective and broaden your worldview into something incredibly expansive and rich.
No matter where in the world you’re from, you will find a second family here as long as you are open to and willing to enjoy both your own and others’ cultures and how these cultures make themselves at home in Canada. There is also so much natural beauty from lakes to snow mountains to forests you can explore here. Each day is something new, and you should always keep that magical spark with you!
Some of my favourite memories in Canada include dancing to country remixes (who knew that exists) at the Calgary Stampede, exploring the gorgeous mountains of Banff, seeing the Jays score a big win at Rogers Centre in Downtown Toronto and hiking up the most beautiful mountains of BC… more to come!
Philippines, Vietnam & Australia
Starting a new life overseas requires leaving behind all the conveniences you are accustomed to in your own country. It could be difficult at first. You’ll be shocked, though, at how enriching it is for oneself and one’s soul.
Additionally, now is the time to…
Have fun! Be spontaneous! It’s entirely fine if there are times when things don’t go as planned. It is what adds interest to your story abroad.
Philippines, USA
Moving out of your comfort zone is always scary at first but fun and exciting for the rest of the parts. There might be some inconveniences, but those moments carry the best experiences.
Explore the little things around, sit in a quaint café, start small talks with the locals, visit vintage shops, and drop by art galleries and bookstores. By doing most of these you’ll get the feel of the place and make it your home. Also, don’t skip the local markets.
Visiting art galleries, especially if it showcases local artists. Spending time in local cafés and trying out local produce and delicacies are always on my list.
Canada, France.
Sniff out the food scene.
Meeting sea dogs for the first time!