Curious about what it’s like to study in Canada? In this blog post, you will learn about life in a Vancouver college, the culture, and the quality of living.
At Alexander College, we want students to succeed on their academic journeys while experiencing everything Canada has to offer outside of class.
As a private college in Vancouver, BC, with campuses located in central areas of Metro Vancouver, this guide will walk you through what to expect and how to make the most of your time in Canada!
Life is filled with big decisions and deciding on a post-secondary institution is an important step! This is especially true when these big decisions involve choosing a program, school, and moving to a new country.
We will also cover details about the variety of programs that we offer here at Alexander College, such as the University Transfer, Associate Degree and English for Academic Purposes programs.
Lastly, we will share more information on our Alexander College student life and community to give you a better look into student life after enrolment.
When you arrive in Canada, you will be arriving at the 2023 Second Best Country in the World! With incredible views, stunning landscapes, clean cities and friendly people, Canada has a lot to offer! Canada ranks high in the ratings of safety, work satisfaction and the health of the overall population.
Vancouver is located on the west coast of Canada in beautiful British Columbia! Since Vancouver is close to the ocean, the weather is more agreeable to newcomers compared to other big cities in Canada, with mild winters and cool summers.
When it comes to post-secondary education, Vancouver colleges offer a variety of courses to suit your needs. In addition, you will be able to experience all that Vancouver life has to offer! What’s not to love?
As a coastal city with an active seaport, Vancouver is home to many ethnicities and cultures. Here, you will meet people from all over the world. It’s as easy as visiting a local event to have an opportunity to practice any language.
“The environment at AC gave me the opportunity to learn more about other cultures and helping people”
If you’re curious about learning new languages, look no further than our very own campus! Students at Alexander College share parts of who they are by teaching us their native languages such as Portuguese, Japanese, Korean, Farsi, and more in our AC Exchange video series!
Our goal is to foster a sense of community and Alexander College is an open learning environment for you to learn more about other cultures and languages!
Our Student Life team, in conjunction with the Alexander College Student Association (ACSA) runs a variety of events! This is to enable opportunities for cross-cultural learning amongst students, staff, and faculty.
You may be wondering what a day in the life of an Alexander College student is all about. Is it all about academics? What happens outside school?
As a student at Alexander College, you will be guided to fully experience all that Vancouver has to offer. Through the various events held both on and off campus, students are given the opportunity to explore Vancouver.
You will be able to join events, such as heading to Whistler (our popular ski resort), hiking at Grouse Mountain, cheering on the Vancouver Canucks (our National Hockey League team), and more!
Vancouver is a city filled with people who care about our impact on the environment. We will help you gain knowledge and provide opportunities for you to protect our world.
We want to educate students on sustainable habits like sorting garbage, so we offer events that aim to inform students and bring a positive impact to the environment. This includes recycling workshops, beach cleanups run by students at local beaches around Vancouver, and more!
Vancouver being a multicultural city also means you can experience diverse cuisines from around the world!
Imagine taking a tour of Vancouver local eateries! Virtually, you can join our students as they share their love of food! Through our International Food in Vancouver series, you can experience food and the cultural significance of the dishes through the eyes of our students and staff.
Not only is Vancouver home to stunning landscapes and nature, it also has urban areas. We have the best of both worlds!
Need a place to study or relax between classes? You will find a variety of local cafes conveniently located close to both Alexander College campuses!
Learn more about Vancouver in our International Student Guide
“I was in the University Transfer Program, and then I transferred to UBC and majored in Human Resource Management and Organizational Behaviour”
One of the most popular programs at Alexander College is our University Transfer Program!
We offer a wide range of first and second-year university courses to help you transfer within the BC Transfer system. Plus, our small class sizes mean that you will get more individualized attention in the classroom.
If you don’t meet the admission requirements from universities right off the bat, or if you would benefit from beginning your post-secondary studies in a smaller environment, the University Transfer Program is a great option for you right after completing high school.
Through the University Transfer Program, you will have the opportunity to make progress toward getting into a bachelor’s degree program at a university. This is also an alternative for you if you have not yet decided on a career path.
If you need an in-depth look, our University Transfer Program page includes Frequently Asked Questions, Sample Study Transfer Plans, and more!
You will also find more information about which universities you could transfer to, such as the University of British Columbia (UBC), plus more on how to use the BC Transfer Guide.
“I’m in my third year in Marketing at UBC and previously, I studied at Alexander College and had a lot of good experiences.”
As a student of Alexander College, you will have access to help with choosing the right courses that may allow you to successfully transfer to the university of choice! In addition, many of our courses are also available through online learning. You can get advice through our Academic Advising Services which are available to all students.
Our Academic Advisors help students to understand university and faculty admission requirements, such as what courses are transferable through the University Transfer Program. Also, our Academic Advisors can help you create a study plan that will put you on the right path toward fulfilling bachelor’s degree program requirements.
At Alexander College, we offer the Associate of Arts and Associate of Science Degree programs!
The Associate Degree program is a foundational degree consisting of 60 credits in total. It is typically completed over a two-year period. Program requirements include a minimum of 36 credits, including 18 credits at the second-year level taken in two or more subject areas.
These degree programs can be customized to your interests with over 12 different concentrations to choose from and we are always working towards adding more!
What happens after you complete the Associate Degree program?
Upon completion of the Associate Degree program, you may choose to to continue your undergraduate studies. You can also use your associate degree to transfer to the third year of a four-year bachelor’s degree program at a university.
Learn more about our Associate Degrees.
“When I first came to Vancouver, I barely spoke a word of English, but now I think I’ve improved a lot!”
Within the English as an Additional Language Program (EAL), you will develop core English language skills within a post-secondary context. Within this program, you will also be able to approach college and university studies with the required English language competencies after completion.
The English as an Additional Language Program (EAL) consists of 2 parts: English as a Second Language Program (ESL) and English for Academic Purposes Program (EAP).
The English as a Second Language Program (ESL), which includes 3 levels, focuses on foundational English skills so students can build confidence in their English-speaking skills.
The English for Academic Purposes Program (EAP) consists of 2 levels focusing on language learning in the context of academic subjects such as:
Learn more about our EAP Program.
In addition to this program and the many subject areas offered at Alexander College, you will find support through various means when completing your courses.
Among them are the extensive resources available at the Alexander College library and the Writing and Learning Centre. We will go through these in more detail below!
At Alexander College, we want to ensure that students are able to succeed in their academic journeys.
The variety of services available is towards supporting you in your personal and professional development.
Let’s get into some of the student support services that are available at Alexander College:
As a student at AC, you have access to the AC Writing and Learning Centre services!
At the WLC, you will get free one-to-one tutoring for your courses, grow and develop your academic skills and know-how, and learn how to apply them across all disciplines.
The WLC also provides useful resources so students can learn and practice skills like academic writing, academic integrity and more.
Here, you will have access to a constantly growing and dynamic list of print publications. You’ll also be a click away from accessing millions of subscription online articles, e-books, films and many other electronic resources!
Our libraries at both campuses are the ideal place to help you pursue your many interests and to get started on projects and assignments for your courses.
Plus, you will also have access to a variety of video games to help you de-stress and have fun, such as FIFA – one of our students’ favourites!
Through the AC Library page, you will find a series of videos that can further help you in understanding the variety of services offered and how to access them.
The Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities at Alexander College provides advocacy for students in the form of policies and appeals. During your time as a student, life happens and we’re here to help!
Through the Office of Student Rights and Responsiblities, you can contact us for help in regards to looking for accommodations, needs during bereavement, if you require attention for academic appeals, course deferrals, and more!
Whether you’re an incoming, current, or graduating student at Alexander College, the Student Services department can help you identify academic concerns, access academic and emotional support services, and offer opportunities to help prepare you for experiences beyond Alexander College.
“Thanks to AC, I was able to complete my degree in a good amount of time.”
At Alexander College, we encourage students to pursue their interests outside of academics and connect with people who share similar interests.
The Alexander College Student Association (ACSA) supports numerous clubs every term, such as the AC Explorers Basketball Club, Bhangra Club and Coffee Club!
Our selection of clubs changes every term depending on interest and demand and you can always submit an application to start your own club!
You will also have the opportunity to be a part of ACSA and be provided with a review for university applications. Our alumni and current students can share their experiences and how their involvement in ACSA has helped them in university!
You will also play a role in supporting the various academic events like our convocation ceremonies and new student orientation.
As a student, you receive up to 10 free, on-site, Health and Wellness Counseling sessions each academic year. We aim to provide you with a safe, supportive, and confidential space to discuss issues that may be causing you distress and personal struggle.
Mental health is an important topic for us as we believe in removing the negativity surrounding mental health issues. So don’t worry, we’re always ready to lend an ear!
If you’re a student living away from home, we regularly provide tips to manage and overcome homesickness and adjusting to a new environment.
You will be supported through all of these services readily available to you! Be sure to stay informed and learn more about our Student Support Services!
Our Registrar and Enrolment Services teams support students by providing student services related to admissions, course registration, academic advising, and more.
If you are a prospective student looking to apply to AC, our dedicated team of Enrolment Advisors and the Office of Registrar are here to guide you through every step of the application process.
The application process is completed online via our student portal known as myAC.
myAC is the primary institutional portal for our students. Using this system, you will be able to apply for admission, check your application status, book a placement test, register for courses, view your grades, view your billing and payment information, order your transcripts, and more.
Before you apply, be sure to check the admission requirements needed for both domestic and international students.
After reading about our admission and documentation requirements, you may find that you are missing some documents for your English and math competency. Not a problem! We provide free English and Math assessments via placement testing services.
Looking for information about tuition and fees? You can find tuition and fees information, and find out if you may qualify for financial aid, on our website.
Check out our step by step guide on all the things you should know before and after you arrive in Vancouver in order to thrive as a student in the city!
We also have introduced a Google Translate option on our website in order to provide information in your native language!
After you arrive at Alexander College, you will want to register for courses. Our Registrar and Enrolment Services teams will help you to understand which courses you should select.
Our Academic Advisors will teach you about all things course related. For example, they can tell you how your courses will be applied to your program of study and what grades you should aim to achieve.
In addition, they can help you to prepare your plan of study to meet your program goals, whether that goal is to complete an Associate Degree program, or to transfer to university in the future.
Do you have questions about your student record or documents? The Office of the Registrar is here to support students. They provide access to records such as official transcripts. They can also issue official letters, such as letters confirming your enrolment status.
Are you transferring from another post-secondary institution? Have you completed post-secondary coursework (or a degree) in another country?
If you have, our team of transfer credit officers can help to assess the courses that you completed elsewhere. If approved for transfer credit, those courses can be used to meet your program requirements and earn your credentials from Alexander College faster.
When it comes time to apply for graduation, our Academic Advisors and Office of the Registrar staff will double check that you have met all of the program requirements, help you to apply for graduation, and issue your new credential!
You can stay connected to the college, your friends and Vancouver through a variety of social media means!
Alexander College acknowledges that the land on which we usually gather is the traditional, ancestral and unceded territory of the Coast Salish peoples, including the territories of the xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. We are grateful to have the opportunity to work in this territory.
Alexander College acknowledges that the land on which we usually gather is the traditional, ancestral and unceded territory of the Coast Salish peoples, including the territories of the xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. We are grateful to have the opportunity to work in this territory.
+1 604-435-5815
4805 Kingsway
Burnaby, BC
V5H 4T6 Canada
+1 604-681-5815
#100 - 570 Dunsmuir
Vancouver, BC
V6B 1Y1 Canada
