International Student Resources

Welcome to JCI

Moving to a new country to pursue your education is a big step—and we’re here to make sure you feel confident, prepared, and supported every step of the way. At JCI Institute, our international students are a vital part of our creative community, and we want your transition to life in Vancouver to be as smooth as possible.

This resource hub is designed to help you get settled and start your JCI journey with clarity. Whether you’re looking for housing, figuring out public transit, or wondering what to expect on your first day, you’ll find practical information and helpful links throughout this page. You’ll also find details about your rights and responsibilities as an international student in British Columbia, who to contact at JCI for support, and what services are available to help you succeed—both in and out of the classroom.

About Vancouver

Vancouver is a diverse playground for creative and entrepreneurial minds alike. Known for its natural beauty, it provides endless inspiration for those of us who are lucky enough to live here year-round. Vancouver is a safe city that’s relatively easy to navigate.

As a student, we encourage you to make the most of what Vancouver has to offer—by immersing yourself in the creative, cultural scene, as well as grounding into nature.

Here’s what every Vancouver-transplant needs to know:

  • The Vancouver Airport (YVR) is located in Richmond—just 30 minutes from the downtown core

  • Vancouver summers are legendary (July, August are great times to explore local islands and be near the water)

  • It rains most of the year here—part of living in Vancouver is braving the rain with proper gear and umbrellas

  • To stay up to date on all things Vancouver, check out these resources:
    Scout Magazine, The Georgia Straight, Step Your World App, NYT 36 Hours in Vancouver

  • Connect with your neighbours and take classes at local community centres

What to Expect at JCI

All of our programs are in-person, hands-on, and built for creative, career-driven students. From day one, you’ll be learning through real-world practice, whether it’s in our on-campus makeup labs, fashion studios, hair salon, or esthetics spa.

Here’s what you can expect:

  • Small class sizes and personalized instruction

  • Supportive instructors with industry experience

  • Opportunities to collaborate with students from other programs

  • Access to professional tools and creative equipment

  • A vibrant downtown campus surrounded by art, fashion, and culture

If you’re nervous about your first week—don’t worry. Orientation will walk you through everything and introduce you to the JCI community. You’ll also receive your program-specific student hand book, which outlines course information, kits, textbooks, additional supplies, dress code, institute information, policies, procedures, adjusting to life in Canada and available support services.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

  • Finding the right place to live is a big part of feeling at home in a new city. Vancouver offers a range of housing options—from furnished student residences to shared apartments, homestays, and private rentals. We recommend starting your search early and using trusted platforms like Craigslist, PadMapper, or Facebook Marketplace.

    Tips for international students:

    • Look for housing close to transit for easy access to our Robson campus (opening Jan 2026)

    • Consider homestay programs for a more supported living experience

    • Be cautious of rental scams—never send money before verifying the space

    • Know your rights as a tenant in British Columbia

    • Read this resourcebefore starting your housing journey

    About Vancouver, Neighbourhoods, Average Rental Costs, and Tips

    ​Rental Costs in Vancouver

    Housing prices vary by location and condition. Use these general guidelines to plan your budget:

    • Shared Housing (room in a house or with roommates): $1000+

    • Studio/Bachelor: $1,500+

    • One Bedroom: $2,000+

    • Two Bedroom: $2,800+

    • Three Bedroom: $3,500+

    Additional Expenses to Consider:

    • Utilities: Heat, water, electricity, internet, cable

    • Deposits: Security deposit, pet deposit (if applicable)

    • Furnishings: Furniture and décor for your space

    • Living Costs: Food, laundry, entertainment

    • Insurance: Tenant’s insurance for your belongings

    • Transportation: Transit pass, bike, or vehicle costs (parking, insurance, gas)

    Housing in Vancouver can be expensive, so don’t hesitate to explore other areas in the Lower Mainland.

    Thanks to JCI’s close location to Waterfront Station, commuting to campus is simple and convenient.

    Tenancy Rights in BC

    Tenant Resource & Advisory Centre

  • Getting around the city is easy thanks to TransLink, Vancouver’s public transit system. Most students rely on the SkyTrain, buses, or the SeaBus to get to and from class.

    What you need to know:

    • JCI is located in downtown Vancouver (Gastown until January 2026, then Robson Street)

    • You’ll need a reloadable Compass Card to ride transit—available at most SkyTrain stations

    • Use the Transit App or Google Maps to plan your route and track buses in real time

    Our campus is centrally located, so you’ll have access to cafés, shops, and everything you need between classes.

    Getting to JCI:

    JCI’s campus is conveniently located in the heart of Gastown. Waterfront station is a 5-minute walk from us and is the central hub for Canada Line, Expo Line, Seabus and Westcoast Express. 

    • Transit Access: Located in the downtown core, our campus is accessible via multiple bus lines, as well as the Canada Line, Expo Line on the SkyTrain, Seabus, and Westcoast Express.

    • Westcoast Express runs Monday - Friday and services Port Moody, Coquitlam, Poco, Pitt Meadows, Maple Ridge, and Mission. The latest train arrives at waterfront station at 8:45am and the last train leaves waterfront at 6:20pm.

    • Parking: Find paid parking next to JCI on Water St. at the Easy Park Lot. They offer daily and hourly rates, or at nearby lots and meters in front of JCI and the surrounding area.

  • Your well-being matters—inside and outside the classroom. Whether you need medical care, mental health support, or just someone to talk to, Vancouver offers a wide range of health services for international students. Below, you’ll find links to clinics, emergency resources, and wellness programs to help you stay healthy and supported during your time at JCI.

    • Here2Talk
      Here2Talk is a Government of B.C. initiative that connects post-secondary students in B.C. with mental health support when they need it. Through this program, all students registered with a B.C. post-secondary institution will have access to free confidential counselling and community referral services, conveniently available 24/7 via app, phone and web. http://www.here2talk.ca/

      Toll-Free Phone: 1-877-857-3397
      App: Here2Talk

    • Bounce Back Online
      Bounce Back Online is a self-help program for those who want help with everyday problems, such as feeling depressed, stressed or anxious. The program is comprised of modules for you to work through at your own pace. You can choose which modules are appropriate for you.

      https://www.bouncebackbc.ca/
      Urgent Phone: 604-874-7881 ext. 2
      Phone: 1-866-639-0522

    • Foundry
      Young people aged 12-24 and their caregivers can utilize the Foundry to access mental health and substance use support, social services, and be able to drop-in or schedule virtual counselling appointments, find peer support, join a group or browse their library of tools and resources. There are multiple locations throughout the lower mainland.
      https://foundrybc.ca/

      Look online for the nearest convenient location for more info.

    • Kids Help Phone
      Kids Help Phone provides 24/7 anonymous and confidential phone calling, text messaging or online counselling. Kids Help Phone also offers youth programs and resources.

      https://kidshelpphone.ca/
      Phone: 1-800-668-6868
      Text: 68-68-68

    • Covenant House
      Covenant House provides shelter, food, immediate crisis care and a variety of services to homeless youth.

      http://www.covenanthousebc.org/Phone: 604-685-7474

    • VGH Access and Assessment Centre (AAC)
      Provides a range of mental health and substance-use services for Vancouver adults (ages 17 up), residents for non-urgent, urgent, and non-emergent intervention.

      http://www.vch.ca/locations-services/result?res_id=1186
      Phone: 604-675-3700

    • Support Groups in Vancouver

      http://vancouver.angloinfo.com/information/healthcare/support-groups

      Alcoholics Anonymous

      http://www.vancouveraa.ca/
      Phone: 604-434-3933

    • Narcotics Anonymous
      Phone: 604-873-1018

    • Cancer Support
      Phone: 604-877-6000

    • Mental Health Issues
      Phone: 604-872-4902

    • Mental Health Support Line
      Phone: 604-310-6789

    • Suicide Crisis Centre
      Phone: 1-800-784-2433

    • Crisis Center BC
      https://crisiscentre.bc.ca/

    • Online Chat Service for Adults
      http://crisiscentrechat.ca/
      Noon to 1 AM, BC residents

    • Health Link BC Resources
      http://find.healthlinkbc.ca/

    • Online Chat Service for Youth
      http://youthinbc.com/
      Noon to 1 AM, BC residents

  • No matter where you're from or how you identify, Vancouver is home to vibrant, supportive communities ready to welcome you. We've gathered a list of local organizations that offer cultural connection, resources, and safe spaces—especially for Indigenous students and members of the LGBTQ2S+ community. Whether you’re looking for community events, health services, mentorship, or simply a sense of belonging, these groups are here for you.

    Indigenous Groups

    MVAEC (Metro Vancouver Aboriginal Executive Council)

    Metro Vancouver Indigenous Services Society

    LGBTQ2S+ Community and Resources 

    QMunity

    Youthco

    Vancouver Pride Society

    HiM

    Prism Services

    THiP

    Big Bros Barber Shop

    Prideline: 1-800-566-1170