#17 From France to Vancouver: Carla’s Real Talk About Student Life in Canada
- Canada Student Network Podcast
- Jul 21
- 3 min read
Moving to Canada as a student? It’s exciting—but it’s also a lot to adjust to.
In this episode of the Canada Student Network Podcast, we spoke with Carla, an international student from France studying Business at ILAC in Vancouver.She shared what it’s really like to live, study, and socialize in Canada as a newcomer.
Here’s a breakdown of her experience—from culture shocks to making new friends.
Life in a Bilingual Country (But Not Really)
When Carla first moved to Canada, she was relieved to see both English and French on labels in stores.But living in Vancouver, she quickly realized that daily life is mostly in English.
“At first, when I went to the pharmacy, I didn’t understand anything in English. But when I saw the French translation, it was easier.”
Carla mentioned that if you’re looking to speak French regularly, Quebec is your best bet. In Vancouver, you’ll mostly hear English—but sometimes, that’s a good thing if you want to improve your skills.
The Cost of Living: "It’s Expensive, But I Knew That"
Vancouver is one of the most expensive cities in Canada, and Carla definitely felt that.
Here’s what she shared:
Rent is high, especially if you want to live downtown.
Eating out? Restaurants and bars are pricey, and even fast food is more expensive than in France.
Textbooks and school supplies are manageable, but buying a laptop can be a big cost.
ILAC is more affordable than other universities, but tuition is still a big investment.
“I’m from France, so with the currency exchange, it’s not so bad for me. But still, Vancouver is expensive.”
Balancing School and Social Life
For Carla, one of the best parts about studying in Canada is the balance between academics and fun.
At ILAC, she meets students from all over the world. She says that in high school back home, you mostly hang out with people from your own city. Here, it’s different.
“You meet new people all the time. Every time I change class, I make new friends. It’s so good for people who are shy—you have to speak to people.”
How does Carla manage her time?
She makes plans with friends regularly—like going out for coffee or spending time at English Bay.
She studies when she needs to, but doesn’t miss out on social activities.
Culture Shocks: Weather, Politeness, and New Traditions
The weather?
That was a big shock for Carla.
Coming from the south of France, she wasn’t ready for Vancouver’s long, rainy winters.
“In France, I have the sun all the time. Here, I was like—‘Please! Just one day of sun!’”
The people?
Carla found Canadians to be super polite and welcoming, especially compared to back home.
“In France, people are nice, but a bit cold at first. Here, they help you right away.”
New holidays?
Carla experienced Thanksgiving for the first time, and she loved it. She also looks forward to celebrating Canada Day, which she learned about on social media.
How to Make Friends as an International Student
Carla’s top advice?Put yourself out there. Everyone is in the same boat—new city, new school, new life.
Here are her favorite spots to meet people in Vancouver:
English Bay – Students often hang out there, especially in the summer.
Stanley Park – Great for meeting people while walking or running.
Downtown Vancouver – Just walking around, you’ll meet new friends.
Aura Nightclub & Studio – Popular spots for international students to party and socialize.
Campy Bar – Another favorite for students around the same age.
Handling Homesickness
Yes, Carla sometimes misses home. But staying with a homestay family helps her feel less alone.
“They have dogs, a grandma, and they always speak English with me. It’s like another family.”
She also calls her family back in France when she feels down, which helps her stay connected.
What About Finding a Job?
Carla says it’s hard to find a job in Vancouver without Canadian work experience. But ILAC helps students prepare by offering:
Resume and cover letter workshops
Co-op programs for internships
Networking opportunities
Still, she points out that the school mostly prepares you for working in Canada, not necessarily back home in France.
Final Thoughts
Carla loves living in Vancouver—even with the rain, the high costs, and the cultural adjustments. Her advice for new students?
“Don’t be afraid to talk to people. We’re all here for the same reason—to study and make friends.”
Want to Hear More?
Do you want to hear the full story? Listen to the Canada Student Network Podcast in your favorite podcast app.
#17 From France to Vancouver: Carla’s Real Talk About Student Life in Canada
Comments