I am studying International Information Management at the University of Hildesheim and since the 5th semester of this course is planned as a stay abroad, I had to deal with finding a university abroad towards the end of my 3rd semester. MicroEDU was at my university for an information day and they presented some Canadian universities. Then you could take some information sheets and brochures from the universities and an overview of the universities with which MicroEDU works. Since this overview shows semester times and, above all, semester fees, it was very helpful.
The Capilano University in North Vancouver convinced me not only with its top location between the big city, nature, water and Vancouver Island, but also with the comparatively low (but unfortunately still expensive) semester fees.
Application
The application was really with the help of MicroEDU no problem at all. Here you get a manual in which all documents are listed that you need for the application and there was also detailed help for the online application at the CapU. An appointment for the TOEFL test should be made as early as possible (if such a language certificate is required – is also on the overview), as it takes a while before you get the results of the test. In addition, there is a lot of paperwork that has to be clarified for me at the home university, but everything is feasible. The only thing that was perhaps a bit confusing and unsettling was choosing the courses, but MicroEDU was also very helpful there.
Money
At Capilano University you pay around 1750 CAD per course, which is around 1200 euros. I took 4 courses because I needed 25 LPs (1 course = 3 Canadian points = 6 ECTS) and all in all I paid 8,100 CAD, i.e. around 5,600 euros, to the university. This includes courses, all fees, a ticket for all of Vancouver for 4 months and health insurance from the university. To pay the semester fees, you either need a credit card with a very high limit or you make an international transfer at your bank, that’s how I did it.
The flight from Germany (mostly via Frankfurt) costs something between 700 euros and 1200 euros, at least those are the fluctuations that I’ve seen.
To find accommodation, I can say little because I could live with distant relatives. The housing market is (as far as I can tell) very critical. There is probably far too little living space and too many seekers. The CapU residence is okay, not particularly beautiful, but definitely feasible. There are double rooms, there are lounges on every level and the bathrooms are probably also very good and mostly clean. Otherwise, some friends have also made homestays, i.e. lived with families who offered a room.
I applied for BAföG abroad and received a scholarship from my home university.
Preparation
If you are studying in Canada for more than 6 months, you need a Study Permit, otherwise you only need the ETA. You can apply for it online and it’s super fast – you should have the thing within 15 minutes. It would also be important to have a credit card with which you can pay or at least withdraw free of charge abroad. Many of us had a VISA from the DKB, because here (in the first year) almost everything is free.
University
I lived in the deepest part of Burnaby, so I always had a little trip around the world to get to the university (about an hour by bus and train). Most of the time, however, the whole thing worked out well and didn’t seem that long to me. Buses run relatively regularly, Skytrains almost always run (i.e. every 3 minutes). My courses were all very interesting and not particularly difficult. The lecturers were all really cool, nice and very helpful and there were small groups (mostly around 20-25 people). It was much more school-like here than uni, lots of smaller tasks, midterms and exams at the end, group work, presentations. In summary, a little more work and relatively stressful spread over the semester, but the finals week goes by relatively quickly at the end.
Leisure
According to ehuacom, there is so much to see and do in and around Vancouver. The Lynn Canyon Park, the Capilano Suspension Bridge (probably free with CapU student ID) or the Ambleside Park are just a few of the things to do in the immediate vicinity. Definitely go to Deep Cove, hike to Quarry Rock, or ride the Seawall Path around Stanley Park by bike (relatively cheap to rent) and then eat at Granville Island Market.
On other trips, Whistler, Vancouver Island or my personal favorite: the Sloquet Hot Springs in the middle of nowhere are not far either. You can also drive to the USA relatively quickly and fairly easily (border controls a bit long and annoying), but when you get there, Seattle, Mt Rainier and Portland are not far either. You can rent cars from the age of 21 and I would definitely do it on the German website, as this is significantly (!) Cheaper. Alcohol and partying is 19+ in British Columbia, which I didn’t know before. Otherwise, be sure to look out for cool concerts, musicals or ice hockey ! And the basketball games of Čápů Blues can be really good!
Conclusion
Finally, I would really recommend a semester abroad at CapU and especially in Canada to everyone! I really enjoyed my time there and would go back anytime. I saw and experienced a lot and in the end I didn’t want to leave. If you want to see more photos, you can take a look on my Instagram (alvipalvi) or if you have any questions, please send me an email.
