City Info
Canada | Vancouver

Sebastian S., language course and internship in website development in Vancouver: “The 16 weeks in Vancouver were an amazing time, during which I had many positive experiences. The organisation was good and the contact with James was very friendly. Sincere thanks to your team. The language school was really good – I especially liked the teachers and teaching methods. The school is centrally situated in downtown Vancouver and has modern facilities. There are lots of Brazilian, Korean and Japanese students there, and not so many Germans, which I personally found really good. I completed my 8 week internship in a small web development company. My colleagues were very kind to me and the work was generally interesting. The good thing was that I had contact with native speakers there and could therefore further improve my English. The working environment is more relaxed than in Germany but is nevertheless very productive. Vancouver is a beautiful city; in particular, the combination of sea and mountains and large city and nature is really fantastic. It is a very multicultural city where the large immigrant population all live together very amicably. The wonderful nature and the really friendly and open-minded people are just some of the things that make this country so amazing. The best part about the trip is that you get the opportunity to meet so many people from different countries. You gain a small insight into the culture of the countries and the chance to make some real friends. Many thanks again for your help!”

Vancouver is a Canadian city in the province of British Columbia. It is the largest metropolitan centre in western Canada and the third largest in the country. It is bounded by the Strait of Georgia, Burrard Inlet, the Fraser River, the Coast Mountains, and the city of Burnaby. Vancouver is consistently ranked one of the three most liveable cities in the world. The 2010 Winter Olympics will be held in Vancouver and nearby Whistler.

It is a relaxed city with many diversions and easy access to outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, boating, and skiing. There is a lively cultural scene. Some have called it a "city of neighbourhoods", each with its own distinctive character. It is consistently ranked at or near the top of the best cities in the world in which to live. The mild climate of the city and close proximity to ocean, mountains, rivers and lakes make the area a popular destination for outdoor recreation. The nearby North Shore mountains are home to three ski hills - Cypress Bowl, Grouse Mountain, and Mount Seymour - each within 20 to 30 minutes of downtown Vancouver. Mountain bikers have created world-renowned trails across the North Shore. Three rivers - Capilano River, Lynn Creek, Seymour River - each within 20 minutes of downtown provide opportunities to white-water enthusiasts during periods of rain and spring melt.

Nightlife in Vancouver had, for years, been seen as restricted in comparison to other "world class" cities, with early closing times for bars and night clubs, and a reluctance by authorities to allow for further development. However, Vancouver has, in the past few years, experimented with later closing hours and relaxed regulations, and an effort has been made to develop the Downtown core even further as an entertainment district, especially on and around Granville Street.

With its location on the Pacific Rim and at the western terminus of Canada's transcontinental highway and rail routes, Vancouver is one of the nation's largest industrial centres. In recent years, Vancouver has become an increasingly important centre for software development, biotechnology and a vibrant film industry. The city's scenic location makes it a major tourist destination. Visitors come for the city's gardens, Stanley Park, Queen Elizabeth Park, and the mountains, ocean, forest and parklands surrounding the city. The numerous beaches, parks, waterfronts, and mountain backdrop, combined with its cultural and multi-ethnic character, all contribute to its unique appeal and style for tourists. The city has been selected to co-host the 2010 Winter Olympics, which is also influencing economic development.

As you can see there is a wide variety of industries where you could gain experience through an internship in Vancouver.