Coming to Vancouver, BC alone & for the first time & need info!!Please!!?

Question

I'm going to Vancouver BC this summer for 3 months to work and would like to have as much info as possible from you guys. Should I apply for jobs once I'm there or should I find one prior to my arrival? Is it possible to get an assistant job if English is not my first language (though I do have a good knowledge of it)?? Would you recommend me to live downtown or far away & then commute?

I'm a bit scared, really, as it's my first time to be totally on my own in a strange city of a country I've never been to before, on the other side of the globe..

Any other advice welcome. Thanks a lot you guys!

Answer 1

Yeah, I'm a little confused too....you're coming to Vancouver for work, but you're looking for work? In general, of course it'd be best to have that arranged before coming. But, in general, there seems to be lots of work in Vancouver. It just depends on what you want and what your level of education is. But I am unsure of what you mean by an "assistant job".  I think you need to elaborate so that we can give you a better answer.

As for areas of the city,  I think the closer you live to Downtown the better--especially for a newcomer. Transportation in Vancouver (bus, skytrain, cabs) are quite accessible, but if you are only here for 3 months, I'm sure downtown would be good as you have everything you need down there...it's just that rent is higher and size of accommodations are smaller. Kitsilano, False Creek, Yaletown, Granville are good urban areas. Some parts of Commercial Drive are good too (in terms of having restaruants, stores, deli's, pubs, transportation) and Commercial Drive has more reasonable rent costs, but just becareful as one street can make the difference between an artsy, restored heritage neighbourhood to an income assisted and rundown street--I'm sure if the rent sounds too good, you will have an idea of whether it is one of the better areas.

In general Vancouver is a friendly city with residents willing to help others when they asked. The city is very multicultural (there is a very high population of Asian people and many people you will meet will not be from Vancouver originally--especially downtown) and diverse so I'm sure once you get here, you would just blend in with everyone else.

Answer 2

It is very expensive place but super beautiful

Answer 3

You're coming to work but haven't got employment yet?

Interesting.

As for applying right there or finding a position beforehand, I'd suggest the latter. Besides, what's your field? How marketable are your skills/qualifications? What kind of job are you thinking of?

As for where to live, depends on your place of work. Though, commuting's not that bad.

Answer 4

Transit in Vancouver is excellent, but since you will only be there for three months, it might be a good idea to be closer to the water. Try looking at Kitsilano, False Creek, or Downtown. Especially in Kitsilano, you may be able to sublet an apartment from a student who is away for the summer. It's a beautiful neighbourhood and very accessible from downtown, if that's where you end up working.

Good luck!