BootsnAll Travel Community

Hey All,

So I know it's not as exciting as moving to Thailand or some exotic island, however, my husband's been accepted to UBC in Vancouver to study for his PhD and I plan on joining him.

However, we're worried about me being able to find a job, or even legally being able to work. How willing are Canadians to hire Americans? Do you know of any Americans up there doing anything but waiting tables? I work in a non-profit in Minneapolis, and would hope to find another good organization there.

I've figured out I think I can get a work permit since I'm a spouse of a student and the employer doesn't have to fill out the paperwork that they tried their best to hire a Canadian for the same exception. I think...

Also, any thoughts on living in Vancouver??

Congratulations on your husband's acceptance into UBC, great school and a great campus. Vancouver is located on a large protected harbour on the Pacific protected by offshore Vancouver Island with mountains on the north and the Fraser River to the south, less than an hour's drive from the USA. If you like outdoor recreation you're going to love the skiing, kayaking, hiking etc. Stanley Park is close to downtown, surrounded by water and populated by huge trees, a great place to get away for a couple of hours. UBC also is surrounded by lots of green space and very close to some nice beaches. Very multicultural city with a significant number of Americans both recently arrived and others left over after coming here to avoid Vietnam. Parts of the interior of British Columbia are swarming with American ex-pats. Canadians are know for their politeness and lack of prejudice so finding work shouldn't be too big a problem. If you work in a non-profit sector there will be plenty of opportunity to volunteer and get to know the agencies and city and gain a little local knowledge which should help catapult you into a job. two issues for you to consider (1) You do need to check with our Embassy to make sure you can indeed work here as you think and (2) because of it's popularity Vancouver is becoming a little expensive with respect to accomodation. You may want to try and live on campus if the price is right. Once agin congatulations and Good Luck.