Why study in British Columbia: Benefits and opportunities for international students

If you have British Columbia in mind, then here are some of the key factors which will help you know more about the province.

1. Quality of education with a promising future

This Canadian province is recognised worldwide for its quality of education and irrespective of the batch size i.e., large, or small class, the educators are highly trained professionals. It openly speaks about Education Quality Assurance (EAQ) and this EAQ designation is given to all public and private institutions to be sure of all post-secondary institutions compete at an international level with other institutions.

2. Employment opportunities

British Columbia indeed offers a no dearth of opportunities as Vancouver is one of the renowned tech cities of Canada made of small businesses, start-ups & other entrepreneurial activities which attract 98% of the province’s trade. To add, the last decade has seen considerable growth in the tourism industry, contributing to an increase in various jobs in the sector, and in the province.

3. Hollywood of Canada

Vancouver is popularly called the Hollywood North, it’s an ideal destination for students planning to pursue careers in film and media. The industry’s potential is evident from the success of popular series and movies like Star Trek, Deadpool, X-Men, and even tv shows such as Supernatural have been shot in Vancouver.

4. Mesmerising landscape and loveable city

The province is famous for its beautiful landscape, lush green rainforests, and colossal mountains which is one of the most beautiful provinces in Canada. Since the climate is influenced by the coastline the place experiences summer pleasant and mildest winter as compared to other regions. Also, the unity between people and communities in Vancouver makes it one of the most liveable cities in British Columbia.

British Columbia’s economy has traditionally been dominated by natural resources where Forestry and mining remain important industries. Therefore, international students interested in studying natural or environmental engineering have bright career prospects.

Being Canada’s tech hub, Vancouver is a great option for graduates, particularly those interested in software development, biotechnology, aerospace, and video game development. Also, it’s a promising place to pursue a career in animation, television production, and the film industry.

The institutions host many big art fairs that offer great cultural experiences, making it an apt choice for students pursuing Arts as a career. In addition, tourism is a considerable source of revenue for the province.

British Columbia's post-secondary system is an integrated system, that comprises career colleges, community colleges, and universities. This further allows transfer and articulation systems among post-secondary institutions offering a range, of course, options where students can move easily from one institution to another while transferring credits.

• The universities are public entities that offer degrees at various levels such as bachelor, master’s, and Doctorate. The courses are research-intensive and highly recognised across the globe
• Community colleges are public institutions offering certificates, undergraduate degrees, and postgraduate diplomas. The curriculum offers employment opportunities in line with the needs of the industry. Since the curriculum is in line with the ongoing needs of the industry it offers promising career opportunities to the students
• Career colleges are privately owned and operated colleges that offer short-term and career-ready certificate and diploma programs approved by the provincial education board to meet the need of the current employment demand

In addition, accredited institutions have to apply for the EQA designation i.e., a provincial seal of quality education.

1. University of Fraser Valley

2. Royal Roads University

3. Thompson Rivers University (TRU)

Once you've decided where to study in British Columbia, the next step is to find where you’re going to live. There are numerous options available. Whether you're staying on campus or living in a private residence, each housing has its policy.

• On-Campus Housing: Accommodation located on or near campus is in the form of dormitories called residence halls or townhouses/ apartments. So, it’s probably easier to stay on campus than to search for off-campus housing as you will be in the vicinity of your classroom thereby providing the expediential experience of studying in the same to network with other students and establish connections
• Off-Campus Housing: To save on living you might look for private, off-campus housing. Try to check with your student union office on campus for a list of nearby rental units. Remember that these accommodations are not inspected by your institutions, so it is your responsibility to contact the landlord and examine the premises. Further, make sure while deciding on off-campus housing to consider the following points the proximity of the apartment from your campus, monthly rent, transport facility, and roommates.
• Homestay: Some institutions provide an option to stay with a Canadian family in their home which includes private and shared furnished room facilities. This gives you a complete cultural experience and a home away from home. Mostly this option is given to under-18 students arriving in Canada

Whether you're commuting across town, following bike trails in the city, or searching for a car or a ride, British Columbia has a well-established public transit system, since it's bike-friendly, and you’ll also get several options to share the car and ride-hailing programs to take advantage.

• Campus connection: Multiple universities provide the transit pass to their students with unlimited bus, Skytrain, Seabus, and Canada Line services 
• Bus service: You can explore different types of bus services like regular and express buses within the transit network
• Skytrain: It connects the outer regions of Greater Vancouver like Richmond, New Westminster, Surrey, and Burnaby, with downtown Vancouver
• Seabus: This is a passenger ferry to connect downtown Vancouver (Waterfront terminal) with the North Shore (Lonsdale Quay)
• Biking: It’s easiest to travel in any of the British Columbian cities and is counted amongst the popular transport option. But, before you get on your bike, please be aware of the rules like wearing a helmet, lights should be installed on the bike (front and back), adhering to traffic rules while using designated cycle routes
• Carpool:  There are several car-sharing and ride-hailing options by Uber and Lyft for dedicated pick-up and drop-off spot
• Taxis: There is a 24-hour taxi service within the province

British Columbia is an ideal place for graduates in Canada as the unemployment rate in the province is substantially low compared to other provinces.

• The region is primarily dominated by natural resources, but lately, it’s diversified significantly to an extensive industrial and service economy
• Forestry and mining continue to remain significant industries like construction
• Telecom is the focus of BC’s booming technology sector, while tourism is the industry attracting major revenues for the province
• Vancouver city is an important financial, technology, and business centre with a major film and television production centre in North America

If you are still deciding why to wait, follow your dreams British Columbia offers a great cultural experience with progressive education and career opportunity.

With the cosmopolitan environment, and progressive and flexible education system British Columbia offers a wide variety of employment opportunities to graduates. But if you are still confused then reach out to our international education expert who can help you make the right choice.