University of British Columbia (UBC)

Before starting our studies in September I travelled to the USA. I can highly recommend this trip. We travelled from Vancouver to Seattle and down to San Francisico.

This University has a "fantastic" support for exchange students. They prepare and organize all informations. They prepare a full week for interaction. We have visited clubs, banks, parks, university tour, , etc.....

Travel in summer when the "sunshine" is not "liquid". Register for some of the university clubs - it's great fun! UBC offers a group insurance which is quite good. Not necessary to open a bank account, I paid everything with credit card and maestro. Participate at the "international week" and other events to meet your new friends.

Improving my english was definitely one reason to go to Vancouver, however due to interacting a lot with german speaking students I did not improve as much as I had hoped for. Nevertheless I was able to enrich my vocabulary quite a bit.

Nightlife is good and diverse, even though hip-hop and r&b clubs tend to dominate. They can be avoided, and trendier places like Au Bar and Shine is definitely recommended if you like club and dance music. Before going out, don't miss one of the cheap restaurants close to English bay. When eating, you will be able to see the magnificent view of the sunset over Stanley Park and the bay. And when the NHL season starts of, Canucks is always worth seeing in the new Garage stadion. And of course, skiing is not to be missed. Whistler 1,5 hour away and smaller skiing areas just outside the city will keep you fit.