British Columbia is one of the best places in the world to live. People around the world know about its natural beauty and friendly people. British Columbians will make you feel right at home. Whether you like hiking, skiing or shopping, you will find it right here – safe and easy to reach.
As an international student, you will have many opportunities to meet new people by living on campus or enjoying one of the many homestay programs available throughout the province. For more information about these programs, contact your institution’s international education office.
British Columbia is a natural paradise waiting to be discovered. The province’s varied climates allow you to choose the environment that best suits you. To find out more about beautiful British Columbia, visit Tourism B.C. and explore the province!
Or visit these helpful sites for more information: B.C. Weather | Regional information
British Columbia maintains a high standard of health care, but the costs are very high if you are not insured. There are two levels of public health insurance in Canada: basic and extended. If your study program is longer than six months, you must get basic health care through the provincial Medical Services Plan (MSP). If your family is with you in Canada, it is very important that they also have health insurance for their stay.
Basic MSP health insurance covers costs like doctor's visits and going to the hospital. Visit the Ministry of Health website for more information about the Medical Services Plan. If you choose to get extended health care (which most institutions recommend), this generally covers some of the costs of dental work, prescription drugs, eye care and other treatments.
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You can also arrange private health-care insurance for your stay in B.C. and Canada. Contact your institution’s international education office for more information on health-care coverage in British Columbia.
Health Care also includes eating properly and getting plenty of exercise. These things are important to your physical and mental health –and to your academic success. Many post-secondary institutions have sports facilities and activities for students. You should find out where the athletics and recreation facilities are on campus when you arrive.
Feel free to consult the ActNowBC website which is an online healthy living resource for all ages.
Many campuses have security services and “Safewalk” programs dedicated to making sure students stay safe on campus. These services are often available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Campus security services may also provide tips for personal safety when you are off campus. You should visit campus security or the international education office of your institution for more information, including numbers to call in case of a medical or other emergency.
If you need an ambulance, police services or in case of a fire, you can call 911 from anywhere in British Columbia. To reach the Poison Centre, please call 1-800-567-8911.
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