#28 From Venezuela to Vancouver: Alejandro’s Student Life Journey
- Canada Student Network Podcast
- Oct 3
- 3 min read
Updated: Oct 6
Meet Alejandro, an international student from Venezuela studying Sales and Marketing at ILAC in Vancouver. In this episode of the Canada Student Network Podcast, Alejandro shares his experiences adjusting to life in Canada, managing school and work, and discovering what makes Vancouver a unique place for international students.
Adapting to a New Country and Language
Alejandro’s Canadian journey started in Quebec City, where he had to learn French from scratch. Moving to Vancouver five months ago gave him a chance to experience both sides of Canada—the French-speaking east and the English-speaking west.
“In Quebec City, people don’t speak much English, so learning French was a challenge. Now in Vancouver, no one speaks French, so it’s interesting to see both sides.”
He describes Quebec City as having a European feel, with its beautiful architecture, but admits Vancouver’s English-speaking environment feels more open and multicultural.
Adjusting to Post-Secondary Life
Transitioning from high school to post-secondary education brought big changes for Alejandro. Unlike high school, where students study general subjects, university-level programs allow students to focus on their career interests.
“Here you can choose what you want to study and apply yourself in areas you find interesting. Plus, you’re an adult here—you’re responsible for managing your own life.”
This independence comes with challenges, especially when balancing a part-time job, studies, and social life. Alejandro shares that managing time is tricky but essential:
Prioritize sleep and meals
Cook at home to save money
Plan your schedule around school and work
The Cost of Studying and Living in Vancouver
Living in Vancouver can be expensive. Alejandro shares some insight into his own experience:
Tuition & books: $2,000–$2,450 every two months at ILAC, including textbooks and software like Microsoft Office.
Rent: Sharing a room with two roommates in Burnaby costs significantly more than renting a 3-bedroom apartment in Houston, Texas.
Despite the high cost of living, he emphasizes the importance of budgeting, working part-time, and finding affordable solutions like cooking at home.
Multicultural Vancouver and Networking Opportunities
One of the highlights of studying in Vancouver is its multicultural environment. Alejandro appreciates meeting students from all over the world and learning from different perspectives:
“I probably wouldn’t know as much about other cultures if I wasn’t studying here. It opens your mind and helps you see there’s no single truth—just different ways of seeing the world.”
ILAC also provides opportunities to network and gain experience, such as volunteering for events like Vancouver Fashion Week. Alejandro notes that even shy students can network by approaching others who may also want to make connections.
Preparing for a Global Career
Studying in Canada provides skills that go beyond academics. Alejandro believes the experience of living abroad, learning English, and working part-time sets students up for a global career:
International exposure: Understanding different cultures and perspectives.
Communication skills: The ability to express ideas clearly is essential in school, work, and networking.
Real-world experience: Even jobs unrelated to your field can teach valuable lessons.
“The process matters more than the diploma itself. Everything you experience opens doors for the future.”
Alejandro’s Advice for Students
Prioritize communication: Being able to express your ideas clearly is a skill everyone needs.
Balance your life: Manage school, work, and social time wisely.
Get involved: Volunteer, network, and explore opportunities to meet new people.
Take care of yourself: Eat well, sleep enough, and stay healthy—it affects every part of your student life.
Conclusion
Alejandro’s journey shows that studying in Canada is about more than academics—it’s about adapting to new environments, meeting diverse people, and developing life skills that prepare you for a global future.
Do you want to hear the full story? Listen to the Canada Student Network Podcast on your favorite podcast app and dive deeper into Alejandro’s experiences.
#28 From Venezuela to Vancouver: Alejandro’s Student Life Journey
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