Candidate Exposé – Ann Aulbach

My name is Ann-Katrin Aulbach, I’m 25 years old and from Germany, Bavaria. I’m working as a bank Clerk in Germany.

I decided to come to Canada, because I wanted a time-out from my day-life and my job. I booked the practicum program, because I wanted to do something what’s good for my resume. It wasn’t the right choice. But that’s not the fault of INTERNeX. At the end I think it would had be better if I had choose the work-and-travel program. I was working at a manufacturing and export company.  I didn’t like it there. It wasn’t the right place for me. It was a practicum for event management.

In Vancouver I was at a homestay. INTERNeX found it for me. My first impression about Vancouver was: Wow, it was so big and full of people. I really love Vancouver/Canada. It was like in my dreams. I will definitely come back. As soon as possible 🙂

I joined every event. It was so much fun. I really enjoyed it. It was good organized and the people are now friends. I made a road trip with a RV from Calgary to Jasper, Banff, Hinton, Okanagan Valley, Vancouver Island and at the end Vancouver. There I stayed for 2 months with INTERNeX. I did a bungee jump when I was in Whistler. I was at the Capilano Suspension Bridge. I was at Fly over Canada. In the Look-out tower. So much else, I cannot list all of my adventures.

I liked the friendly people the most about Canada. The wide, the nature, the wild. All of it. But definitely not the rubbish. The most memorable thing I did was whale watching. The first thing I did when I came home was eating some real bread, no toast 🙂

I got inspired to travel some more. First I want to go back to Vancouver 🙂 Then Australia and New Zealand. I love the connection with other people, the activities and of course I will recommend the service of INTERNeX.

– Ann Aulbach

INTERNeX International Exchange
International Village,
Suite 2077, 2079 – 88 West Pender Street
Vancouver, Canada -V6B 6N9-
Web: http://www.internexcanada.com
Email: pr@internexcanada.com

INTERNeX Canada: Casual Friday

Albert Einstein once said, “Never give up on what you really want to do. The person with big dreams is more powerful than one with all the facts.”

I saw this quote today while casually browsing online, as you do, and on days like this I really needed some inspiration from the internet. Like many people who have just graduated, I imagined myself to have already figured out my life and know exactly what I want. And guess what, I don’t!

Sometimes I feel so lost in the many possibilities out there, but that’s what so great at the same time. There are many opportunities and options out there for you to try. I read that people change careers 10 – 12 times in their lifetime. That sounds crazy, but it’s also true in this day and age that people rarely stick to the same job in the same company. Heck, many people don’t even work in the same field as their university degree.

While you might still be in school or in a different stage of life, we all get into ruts like this, but we have to stop doubting ourselves. We might not get the highest marks in our class or we might not know all the answers, but if we have a dream or goal that we keep working on, we will get there.

Life is full of surprises. I didn’t know that I would have gone bungee jumping or skydiving or both when I started this internship with INTERNeX. But, I did. It’s time to stop worrying; life is about taking risk and following our hearts.

Cheers,

Queenie

INTERNeX International Exchange
Suite 200 – 211 Columbia Street
Vancouver BC -V6A 2R5-
Web: http://www.internexcanada.com
Phone: +1 (604) 662 8149
Email: pr@internexcanada.com

INTERNeX Canada: Casual Friday!

After so many goodbyes, it’s time for me to start thinking on what to do next… My internship will finish at the end of this month and if I make a balance of all this time… Oh god… Probably these seven months have been the most important months of my whole life, a big challenge to cross the world and start doing something practical and completely different that I used to do at home!

But this is life! If you don’t have goals, challenges, dreams… What kind of life are you living? We are young, ok maybe I’m not that young anymore, but still we are all at the age of our main obligation must be to experiment, travel, falling in love with probably the wrong person, party like there is no tomorrow, meet people from all over the world, laugh loud, learn professional skills, learn about the world, learn about the kind of person that you are and of course learn about the people you want to become someday!

I don’t know you, but all that kind of feelings that’s what I call life! And all that kind of feeling just happen to me here, so… apart of living in one of the best places all over the world, Vancouver will be always special for me, and I’m sure I’m not the only one that thinks in that way.

You’ll have time to settle down…right now the only thing that I want, the only thing that probably all of us should do is just LIVE!

Enjoy your day,

Cheers,

Irene

INTERNeX International Exchange
Suite 200 – 211 Columbia Street
Vancouver BC -V6A 2R5-
Web: http://www.internexcanada.com
Phone: +1 (604) 662 8149
Email: pr@internexcanada.com

INTERNeX Canada: HiGHLiGHTS of the week (and a little more)

What it’s already Saturday again? Let’s take a look back. On Monday, we said hello to our new intern Queenie and are so happy to have her here as a part of the PR team now! Unfortunately, the wakeboarding trip was cancelled but we’re excited about the upcoming day trip to Bowen Island on Sunday, the 23^rd and are already busy planning the Whistler overnight trip in October. So much stuff to look forward to!! Last night’s PuB and CLuB NiGHT was awesome, thanks so much for coming out! Pictures will be online next Monday – we definitely got some nice shots of you guys! 😉 Umm but that was it!? What on earth did we do in the last 168 hours or 10,080 minutes?

Some wise person once said:

Time passes by so quickly. Change happens all around us every day whether we like it or not. Enjoy the moment while you can, one day it will just be another memory.

We are all probably having the times of our lives right now, but don’t you sometimes find yourself taking it for granted? As every day passes so quickly, I also tend to forget that only the fact of living abroad on my own is crazy, let alone the amazing experiences I make! I constantly remind myself not to waste any precious time, not to sit at home because I’m not in the mood of talking to people and always try and get myself going in any kind of way. And it works! We should consider ourselves lucky to get an opportunity like this and grow from every good and bad that happens somewhere on the way. I don’t know about you but I had a damn hard time in the beginning, believe it or not. No place to stay, hardly any people I knew, a new environment at work and all of my soaring dreams and expectations faced sheer reality. I had thought I was prepared and had it all sorted out – gosh I was so wrong. Now, two weeks later, I’ll soon be living in my own apartment with one of my best friends, I have met so many great people already by working for INTERNeX and hopefully getting the winter season job I interviewed for three days ago. Things cannot always be perfect all the time but you have to be patient, work hard for every little step it takes and they will be at some point.

So remember that no matter what happens, keep on going, accept change as part of the deal and don’t ever feel sorry for yourself!! There is one day when every single one of us will look back and say these two words that only one person truly understands: “Oh Canada.” And this person is YOU.

With that in mind, let’s enjoy the weekend! 🙂

Marianne

INTERNeX International Exchange
Suite 200 – 211 Columbia Street
Vancouver BC -V6A 2R5-
Web: http://www.internexcanada.com
Phone: +1 (604) 662 8149
Email: pr@internexcanada.com

Last Days to Sign-Up for a Trip to the Rockies with INTERNeX!

If you haven’t been to the Rockies – you haven’t been to Canada! Get the most out of your summer and experience one of the most spectacular places on earth!

Join other travelers on a 4-day (3 night) tour to the heart of the Canadian Rockies and travel through some of the most awe inspiring scenery to be found anywhere in the world! Embark on a journey from Vancouver to Alberta to see towering peaks, frigid glaciers, and stunning lakes. Four days of breath taking scenery will give you memories to last a lifetime. Don’t have a friend? No problem – you’ll meet tons of people on this trip! For only $350.00 (taxes in!), you won’t find a trip like this anywhere else! This trip begins July 30 and ends August 2, 2010.

Whether you’re just out for an incredible sightseeing journey or you want to try your hand at a variety of fun activities, this tour has something to suit every taste.

This Classic Canadian  Rockies Adventure by West Trek includes:

• The PERFECT MIX of amazing adventures and stunning sightseeing!
• Three nights hotel – 1 night right in the centre of Banff! ( Price is based on 4 people sharing one room with 2 Queen beds. Upgrades available. )
• The hotel in Banff is The Mount Royal.  It’s right in the centre of this beautiful mountain village.  Step out the front doors of the hotel and you’re in the heart of the party – only seconds from the ragin’ nightclubs and pubs!
• Two of the three hotels have indoor pools with water slides and hot tubs.  The fun is just starting when we arrive at our hotels!
• Free entrance to Banff’s best nightclubs!
• Learn to Line Dance.
• All tips and taxes included
• All park fees
• Daily guided sightseeing through some of the most incredible scenery in the world!
• End of tour PARTY at our Partner Camp! Marshmallow roast, songs, a roaring campfire and dozens of new friends. It just doesn’t get any better!
• Have a great time with your cool Canadian guide.
• Getting there is half the fun on the deluxe highway coach with games and movies while you make new friends.
• Hockey tournament in Valemount – Let the games begin as teams face off for a game of ball hockey!

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

• 3 nights of accommodation in Valemount, Banff  and Golden.
• LAKE LOUISE.  Visit the most famous lake in Canada and marvel at the unreal colour of the water framed by a stunning mountain backdrop!
• BANFF.   The most famous, and popular, town in the Canadian Rockies.  Take a boat cruise, soar to mountain peaks on a gondola, or just explore – Banff has so much to offer!
• MORAINE LAKE.  One of the most stunning lakes you will ever see.  (Seasonal.)
• The ICEFIELDS PARKWAY.  This highway has often been described as the most beautiful highway in the world and it is a very fitting description!  Glaciers, mountains, and pristine lakes are found all along this amazing stretch of unbelievable road!
• BOW LAKE.  A beautiful mountain lake not to be missed.
• PEYTO LAKE.  A stunning jewel hidden out of sight of the highway.  (Seasonal.)
• THE COLUMBIA ICEFIELDS.  No trip to the Rockies is complete without taking a Snowcoach Ice Explorer tour out on to the glacier.  Definitely a once in a lifetime thrill!
• ATHABASCA FALLS.  Witness the thundering roar as the Athabasca River drops 23 m through layers of limestone!
• JASPER.  Visit Banff’s little sister.  Quieter and not as busy as Banff, Jasper is a gem waiting to be discovered.
• THOMPSON RIVER VIEWPOINT – Great views of the North Thompson River.
• LAC LE JEUNE PROVINCIAL PARK – We stop for a quick dip in this beautiful mountain lake or you have time to explore the beaches.  A great place for a picnic lunch!
• MT. ROBSON.  This is the highest mountain in the Canadian Rockies and offers stunning views on clear days.
• SPAHATS FALLS.  One of the most dramatic falls in Western Canada!
• 5 NATIONAL PARKS, 1 PROVINCIAL PARK, 3 UNESCO World Heritage sights.  These include Banff National Park, Jasper National Park, Yoho National Park, Glacier National Park, Mt. Revelstoke National Park, and Mt. Robson Provincial Park.
• HOCKEY NIGHT IN VALEMOUNT – Can you get a more Canadian activity than having a game of pick up hockey surrounded by stunning mountains?!
• Super Discount at The Paddock  –  This trip includes an awesome menu with The Paddock Bar & Grill in the heart of Banff.  Now THAT’S Canadian!
• MALIGNE CANYON TREK – Explore this amazing canyon as you cross narrow bridges suspended above the roaring chasm.
• MOUNT ROYAL HOTEL – A hotel is not a highlight you may say.  Wrong!  This awesome beauty is right in the centre of Banff with our favourite nightclubs and party spots just a few short steps away.  You won’t believe that you are on a budget tour when you check in!
• AWESOME ACTIVITY PASS – What can we say?  It’s awesome!  This is the BEST deal going and can say that this deal isn’t offered by anyone else!

What you should bring:

• Swimming suit and towel (hot tub or swimming pool in the hotels + you have 2 chances to go for a swim in a refreshing mountain lake – seasonal)
• Government photo ID (passport) & Student ID (if applicable)
• Proof of Medical Insurance
• Good walking shoes/boots
• Warm jacket, hat, gloves (you’ll need these on the Ice Explorer Snowcoach tour.

To sign-up for this amazing trip, drop by the INTERNeX Office with your payment of $320.00 (cash only, Canadian dollars).

Last day for registration is Friday, July 23, so sign-up quick before all seats are taken!

TOUR OPTIONS

Make the most of your time in the Rockies by participating in some incredible optional activities.   Some activities are seasonal and not available on all dates.

• AWESOME ACTIVITY PASS – Book the Ice Explorer Snowcoach Tour + the Lake Minnewanka Boat Cruise and West Trekl will give you back $3 PLUS throw in the Banff Gondola for FREE! That’s a savings of $32!
• The Cruise and Snowcoach normally cost $93. BUT, with the West Trek AWESOME ACTIVITY PASS you get The Big Three (The Ice Explorer Snowcoach Tour + the Banff Gondola + the Lake Minnewanka Boat Cruise) all for $90!  (That’s like getting PAID $3 to do the Gondola!) – BEST VALUE – STRONGLY RECOMMENDED!
• Banff Gondola – Soar to the top of Sulphur Mountain for incredible 360-degree views.  The gondola climbs 698m (2,292 ft) to the 2,281m (7,486 ft) summit of Sulphur Mountain. Fantastic views of the town of Banff, Mt. Rundle, the Bow Valley, you can even see all the way to Lake Minnewanka on a clear day.  ONLY $29
• Lake Minnewanka Cruise – Relax on board one of the lake cruisers for a stunning tour on the biggest lake in Banff National Park.  The cruise offers some of the most interesting and spectacular scenery found anywhere in the Canadian Rockies.  ONLY  $44
• Ice Explorer Snowcoach ride – A customer favourite for the past 10 years, this tour takes you right on to the Athabasca Glacier aboard massive, specially designed Ice Explorers.  You have time to make a snowman, have a snowball fight, fill a water bottle with “glacier fresh” water or just revel in the amazing scenery.  Not to be missed!  ONLY $49
• Canoeing on the Bow River in Banff or at Lake Louise
• Relax in the Banff hot springs – a beautiful outdoor pool heated naturally with the hot springs.  $7.50

To sign- up for this ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME trip, please drop by the INTERNeX office with your payment in cash. Please bring your passport and contact information with you. For any further information, please contact Laura at pr@internexcanada.com.

Terms and Conditions:

• We recommend paying at least 10 days before departure to avoid disappointment
• The tour is NON-REFUNDABLE within 10 days of departure
• NO REFUND if you fail to show up at the meeting spot on time.
• A small bus may be used for smaller groups

INTERNeX International Exchange
Suite 200 – 211 Columbia Street
Vancouver BC -V6A 2R5-
Web: http://www.internexcanada.com
Phone: +1 (604) 662 8149
Email: pr@internexcanada.com