Singaporeans in Vancouver?

falconeSG SG

Hey there guys,

virgin post! be nice :)

just thought wanna sound you guys out on how it might be like studying in Vancouver. I will be doing a BSc in Interactive Arts & Tech at SFU.

From stalking the forums can tell the best way to make the most of the time there is really to reach out of my comfort zone and engage the locals to get to know them and really try to assimilate into the culture.

But really, how receptive are they to foreign students? Furthermore once there as a ORD-ed NSF I would be so much older then my coursemates.

Also heard the pace of life and studies there is really slow, but how does it compare to the pace of poly life in Singapore?

thanks for the all tips and advice guys :)

marcteng SG

dun worry you will like it there. the winter is extremely cold, be prepared for it

SpeedStar SG

I have been to vancouver city last fall and I fell in love with the place immediately..But I am there only 3 days nia so might not be able to give you any useful advice...must go stanely park, its a beautiful park. And I must say I see alot of chio japanese and koreans there, think they are doing their studies there. There also a few bunch of singaporeans there, I met one at my hotel and he is working there as part time... So just keep a look out for them! Hope you enjoy ur stay there!

Fatum SG

SFU eh ? ....

pssssst ! ..... check out wreck beach ! ....

falconeSG SG

Anyone have experiences with the people there? Social life and the other X-factors that made overseas studies worth the expense? :)

@Fatum haha! whats up with wreck beach?!

littlestream SG

congratz on your move. i don't know if i can offer much 'cos i last lived there in 1994. i am sure the city must have changed.

i guess what i can tell u is "go with an open mind". their winters are mild compared to toronto. but it is damp tho'.

canadians are nice and friendly but like in every city/country, there are some "different apples". enjoy your academic journey in vancouver. i am sure you will like it. remember to stay focus tho'. :P and oh, no worries about being older than your coursemates lah. no one bothers. ;-)

edit to include : oh, there is a overseas sg students group in facebook. you may wish to check it out. if u r into badminton, there is a huge contingent of sg and m'sian players, including students. check out the badminton forum. good luck!

add: check this out :

http://www.overseassingaporean.sg/forums/index.php?s=b57a89c71e35bed6420017bcc3025abe&showforum=55

Fatum SG

Anyone have experiences with the people there? Social life and the other X-factors that made overseas studies worth the expense? :)

@Fatum haha! whats up with wreck beach?!

clothes are not mandatory .... though of course, sometimes, that can be a traumatic experience for the senses ....

falconeSG SG

thanks all for the contributions! would be great if anyone else as anecdotes or experiences to add too :)

marcteng SG

are there racists there? chanting asians to go home?

viciouskitty74 SG

Chances are, the asians in vancouver already outnumbered the caucasians.

Fatum SG

Chances are, the asians in vancouver already outnumbered the caucasians.

what chances ? it already is ....

going to SFU would almost be like going to HKU ......

falconeSG SG

lol that "bad"? I don't know if that is a good or bad thing considering the whole idea is to gain exposure in a foreign land.

viciouskitty74 SG

lol that "bad"? I don't know if that is a good or bad thing considering the whole idea is to gain exposure in a foreign land.

Well, its definitely foreign.

The weather, the driving, the food,the electronics, clothes, shoes & of course the distance.

Weather~cold, snow is interesting, though most staying there long enough will not agree. Anti histamine is a must, evening primrose oil capsules is a life saver.

Driving~different side of the road

Food~they dont have bak chor mee there. Not sure about roti prata.

Electronics~be careful with the power surges, and dont touch or plug in anything with wet hands. Ohh....and the statics giving you electric shock everything you near a metal something.

Clothes~always bring along a warm wind breaker, never go out empty handed.

Shoes~bring along/buy a pair slightly larger then your normal feet size to accomodate thick socks.

Distance~24 hours flight from Singapore? Hour pluses land commute? Not like Singapore, where MRT brings you from Joo Koon to Pasir Ris in one hour.

kencha87 SG

Hmm theres quite alot of asians ere actually yea : )Definitely a mosaic culture of sorts..

Oh I wish there was some social group for Singaporeans here... I just got here last year ... and it's been alright but I miss Sg like mad... I mean... some of the ppl here I met , have south asian roots as well.. but they tell me how nice it is here... I usually just shoot back a smile... I find it pretty slow here... and public transport is a bust ... City life is grimey here too... Hmm I've been to Robson St and Granville .. and I feel if I brought any locals here to Orchard Rd, it would blow their minds yea?

Oh I was in NYP , and in college here planning to transfer to SFU .. but the classes seem easier in the sense .. you can fully pick how many classes you want... I know ppl who've been in college for like 7 years .. they took a class per sem I think? Anyway hopeyour experience is good