Student Services A Guide for International Students

A Guide for International Students

Living, Working, and Thriving in British Columbia.

Local Community Integration Supports

At Focus College, we are dedicated to helping students feel at home both on campus and in the community. Our community integration supports connect students with valuable resources such as housing and tenancy rights in BC, student clubs and associations, faith groups and cultural societies, sports and recreation activities, volunteering opportunities, and health, safety, and well-being services.

Housing & Tenancy Rights in BC

Focus College does not offer on-campus housing, but Student Services can help you find safe rentals, homestays, or shared housing near our campuses. For support, contact studentservices@focuscollege.com.

Whether you rent a basement suite, apartment, or shared home, you are protected under BC’s Residential Tenancy Act (RTA).

Your Rights Include:

  • A written lease agreement.
  • Security deposit = max half month’s rent.
  • Privacy (landlord must give 24 hrs notice to enter).
  • Fair rent increases (only once per year).
  • Repairs & maintenance must be provided.

Illegal practices include charging extra deposits, eviction without notice, or harassment.

For help: Residential Tenancy Branch | 1-800-665-8779

Community Integration & Indigenous Awareness

Student Clubs & Associations
Build connections and leadership skills through local student clubs and groups:

Faith & Cultural Societies
Find community and support in faith and cultural groups:

Sports & Recreation
Stay active with city fitness centres, sports leagues, and recreation programs.

Volunteering
Gain Canadian experience and grow your network with organizations such as ISSofBC, MOSAIC, WorkBC, IMPACT, SUCCESS, CPC, and etc.

Indigenous Awareness
Focus College is committed to honoring Indigenous histories, cultures, and voices while fostering inclusivity and reconciliation across our campuses. Visit our Indigenization & Reconciliation page to learn more.

 

Health, Safety & Well-Being

Focus College follows provincial health and safety guidelines to keep our campuses secure. Student Services can connect you with local mental health, counselling, and wellness programs. Free Naloxone kits and training are available in BC through pharmacies, health units, and the BC government program.
For guidance or support, contact studentservices@focuscollege.com.

  • Health Coverage: MSP (BC Medical Services Plan) or Guard.Me (first 3 months).
  • Mental Health Support: Free counselling, Here2Talk, Wellness Together Canada.
  • Addiction & Overdose Support: Free Naloxone kits available on campus and pharmacies.
  • Renter’s Insurance: Protects personal belongings, usually $15–$30/month.
  • Focus College Surrey Campus Pharmacy & Clinic: On-site health support.

Daily Life Information

At Focus College, we understand that settling into daily life is an important part of your student journey. We provide helpful guidance on essential areas such as transportation in BC, driving regulations and licensing, working in BC, childcare support services, communications and mobile options, and banking essentials. These resources are designed to make your transition smoother and ensure you feel confident managing everyday life while studying in Canada.

Transportation in BC

Public Transit in Metro Vancouver

  • TransLink operates Buses, SkyTrain, SeaBus, and West Coast Express.
  • SkyTrain lines: Expo Line, Millennium Line, Canada Line (connects to Vancouver International Airport – YVR).
  • SeaBus: Downtown Vancouver ↔ North Vancouver.
  • West Coast Express: Commuter rail to Mission.

Transit in Other Cities (BC Transit): Covers Kelowna, Victoria, Kamloops, Nanaimo, Prince George, and more. HandyDART is available for riders with mobility needs.

Transit Near Campus:

  • Surrey: Steps from SkyTrain (Surrey Central/King George) and major bus routes.
  • Abbotsford: Local bus network connects downtown, shopping, and UFV; airport nearby.
  • Kelowna: BC Transit buses link campus to downtown, UBCO, and malls; close to airport.

Helpful Tools

Payment Options

  • Compass Card (reloadable card for Metro Vancouver).
  • U-Pass BC (unlimited transit pass for eligible students, linked to your school).
  • Zone fares apply weekdays before 6:30 PM. Evenings and weekends = flat rate.

Driving in BC

International students can drive if they:

  • Have a valid home country license (translated if not in English).
  • Carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) (recommended).
  • Are enrolled full-time at a Designated Learning Institution.

All cars in BC require insurance through ICBC. Costs vary based on experience, location, and vehicle type.

Active & Shared Transportation

  • Cycling: Helmets are mandatory. Many cities offer bike lanes and bike-share services (e.g., Mobi in Vancouver).
  • Walking: Safe in most urban centers, use marked crosswalks.
  • Car Sharing: Options like Evo and Modo include insurance and parking.
  • Ride-Hailing: Uber and Lyft operate in major BC cities.

Intercity & Long-Distance Travel

  • BC Ferries: connects mainland to Vancouver Island & Gulf Islands.
  • Ebus / Rider Express: affordable city-to-city bus services.
  • VIA Rail: cross-country train travel.
  • YVR Airport: BC’s main international hub.
    Tip: Student discounts are often available with an ISIC card.

Working in BC as an International Student

Who Can Work?

  • International students enrolled full-time in programs of six months or longer are permitted to work up to 24 hours per week, off campus while studying.

  • To work in Canada, you will need a Social Insurance Number (SIN), which can be obtained online or in person at a Service Canada Centre.

Work Opportunities

  • On-Campus:  IT support, marketing, research assistant, student ambassador.
  • Off-Campus: Retail, food service, hospitality, warehouse, delivery, customer service.
  • Co-op / Internship: Requires a co-op work permit.

Employment Rights

Working in British Columbia is regulated by the Employment Standards Act (ESA), which protects both employees and employers by setting fair workplace rules. It covers:

  • Minimum wage and overtime pay
  • Work hours and breaks
  • Vacation pays and statutory holidays
  • Termination and severance guidelines

These standards ensure that employees are treated fairly while maintaining responsible business practices across the province.

Visit Work off campus as an international student page for information regarding eligibility to work as an international student.

Childcare Support

Licensed childcare centers and after-school programs are available near our Surrey, Abbotsford, and Kelowna campuses. You can get information regarding licensed childcare facilities from Fraser Health. Families may qualify for reduced childcare fees through the government’s CCFRI initiative.

Communications

Banking Services

All major Canadian banks (RBC, TD, CIBC, Scotiabank, BMO, National Bank of Canada) and local credit unions have branches and ATMs near our Surrey, Abbotsford, and Kelowna campuses. ATMs are widely available for quick cash. To open an account, bring: Passport, Study permit, and your Canadian address.

Credit Unions
Options like Vancity Credit Union offer community-focused banking with competitive services.

Online & Mobile Banking
Most banks provide apps for paying bills, transfers, checking balances, and managing finances anytime.

Postal Services

Sending letters, parcels, or important documents is simple, with multiple Canada Post outlets located across Surrey, Abbotsford, and Kelowna. Services include regular and express mail, package shipping, and other postal essentials. Visit Canada Post for more information.

Libraries and Community Centres

Canada is home to a vibrant network of public libraries and community centers, perfect for study, recreation, and community connection.

Surrey:
City Centre and Fleetwood Libraries provide books, online resources, and free programs. Community centres like Surrey Sport & Leisure and Grandview Heights Aquatic Centre offer sports, wellness, and cultural activities for students.

Abbotsford:
Students can use the Fraser Valley Regional Library branches (Clearbrook, Abbotsford Community, Sweeney). Study spaces, computers, and free resources.

Kelowna 
Students can visit Okanagan Regional Library branches (Downtown Kelowna, Rutland, Mission). Quiet study rooms, Wi-Fi, and support services.

Support at Focus College

Our Student Services team is here to help you settle, succeed, and thrive.  studentservices@focuscollege.com
+1 250 861 5808 | +1 778 624 2010

Surrey Campus: 13710 94a Ave, Surrey, BC V3V 1N1
Abbotsford Campus: 2777 Gladwin Rd #306, Abbotsford, BC V2T 4V1
Kelowna Campus: 1753 Dolphin Ave #10, Kelowna, BC V1Y 8A6