INTERNeX Canada: Culture shock

I’ve been here for a while so writing Culture Shock post is getting harder for me because I am getting used to all the differences with the Canadians. There is some point that of course is different from home, but you just feel like in a new home, everything that in the beginning caught your attention, now is part of your normal life, and even you live more like the Canadian way…

But anyways, I don’t know what you think about it, but for me Vancouver is a super young city! There are students everywhere who are barely 19, 20… sometimes I am the oldest one (and yes I am not 19, but I am not that old haha) and it’s like where are the thirties?

In Madrid when you go out by night, you can find people between 18-40 years old! There are zones with pubs where the youngest go, and other places for those who are a little older… but still you can see people not that young!

I was so worry about the life after the twenties here that I asked our Chinese-Canadian friend Queenie what the thirties usually do.  She was thinking for a moment and then her answer was: Oh, they have babies.

Babies? Oh my goodness! In the Canadian society I would have to hurry up!  (but I don’t have maternal instinct at all so I can relax)

Right now in Spain, the people finish their studies around 23-25 depending of what you have studied and if you do or not a master, then you try to find a job (right now it can take ages) and when you have saved some money that’s the moment that maybe you move to your parent’s house and start your life for your own.

For what I’ve seen of people who come from Sweden, Denmark and other parts of Europe people start working part time in the High School. Us? Part time during the University is ok, during High School? For the general not at all, at least that you have a familiar retail or something like that. But I repeat each person is different I am just speaking in a general way.

I am not saying that one system is better that the other one, is just curious how different we live!

I guess Spanish people we have a young spirit and we do in our thirties the things that some many other citizens do in their twenties!

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: Rockies Resort life!

For a lot of newcomers Vancouver is just the first stop of a long season of working! Specially Swedish, Danish, Germans…but almost people from pretty everywhere!!! Where are they going?

Some of them to Panorama, others to Hemlock, Jasper, Banff… The Rockies will be full of INTERNeXers this year! Sounds like fun!

What are they going to do? They will work on their resort during the winter season… Working with people from everywhere and with sporty customers from everywhere as well…It sounds like something definitely you have to try at least once in your life!

They will have fun, I am sure, but they will also enjoy an incredible experience gaining some practical experience abroad and at the same time they will improve their English!

And that’s not all, the people and the job are great of course…but what can I say about the Rockies? One of the most beautiful places all over the world; you must go there to believe that!

Are you looking for a real Canadian experience? What better that working in the middle of the incredible Rockies?

Are you looking for gaining some real international experience? You will work abroad in an awesome resort!

And at the same time you will fun that for sure! (Remember young coworkers and sporty customers…)

Kind of jealous for my coworker Marianne! Don’t go! Or take me with you!

But living and doing an internship at Vancouver is not a bad alternative…So many good alternatives… I want to do everything! Please can anyone borrow me a working holiday visa? Need so much more time here!

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: Expose of the week ft Martina

Our expose of the week is Martina a German girl from Hohentengen who came here to do an internship during 2 months.

Why did you go to Canada?

Canada with its impressing nature and the amazing cities like Vancouver offers me the best combination to enjoy my time abroad. For sure, I wanted to improve my English and I also want to get to know other cultures and lifestyles that’s why this multicultural country was my choice.

What kind of internship are you doing?

I am working in a young company that offers group and adventure holidays to people between 18 and 35.

Is your internship useful?

Yes it is, I can get my first practical experience after graduating college and I improve my knowledge of business English while working with Canadian colleagues and talking to customers at the phone.

What kind of tasks are you responsible for on daily basis?

I am responsible for the social media like YouTube and related marketing numbers, but I also assist my colleague in the customer service with doing payments, talking to customers and try to find the best trip for them.

What was the best thing about your internship?

The atmosphere in the office is amazing. I am working together with 3 guys in their mid-twenties and they were all easygoing.

What do you like most about Canada and Vancouver?

There are so many things I like, I can’t even list them. But I love the combination of nature and city; Also it´s important that the people are very friendly and open minded.  

What trips did you do in your free time, also organized by INTERNeX?

I have been traveling around BC before, so I didn’t attend to so many trips with INTERNeX. But I am looking forward to the upcoming events!

Do you attend the weekly Pub-Night organized by INTERNeX and do you think this is a good way to meet new people?

Yes, I attended a few times. It is always fun to meet the others and talk about the last days and upcoming events as well as making new friends with people from all over the world.

 

What’s the best thing about INTERNeX International Exchange?

The best thing was that everything was so fast and reliable. If there were some questions or problems I just had to call the office and they always tried their best to help me.

How did you find a place to stay?

The first month I used to live in the INTERNeX Staffhouse with 14 other people from Germany, the Netherlands and Italy. That was one of the best things I could have done!

When they closed down the Staffhouse, I found a nice place downtown via Craigslist.

How did INTERNeX International Exchange help you to organize your trip to Canada?

They assisted me with setting up the job interviews and also with getting a bed in the Staffhouse.

Would you recommend INTERNeX International Exchange?

I would definitely recommend INTERNeX to others. It is always good to know, that there is somebody who can help you in hard times. And I am more than happy with the internship they offered.

Thank you so much to share your experience with us, Martina.

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: Easytrips Vancouver- Summer Party Silver Sponsor

INTERNeX is happy to introduce a Silver Sponsors for the upcoming INTERNeX summer party 2012: Easytrips Vancouver!

Easytrips Vancouver was born a year and a half ago and all the members of their team are international, professional and young people! They put all their passion into their profession and that´s always inspiring! You can sense that they love Vancouver as well as their job, and they help you feel the same way. The funny and exciting activities they have for you will make you enjoy Canada even more! The main objective of Easytrips is to give student and t­ourists with a tight budget the chance to visit and enjoy all the nature and experiences that Vancouver has to offer. Most of young travelers stay in Canada for a short time only, so it´s a shame that they can’t enjoy all the once-in-a-lifetime activities just because they are overprized!

Easytrips offers trips to Victoria, Tofino, Whistler, The Rockies or Seattle but also activities like wakeboarding, bungee jumping and skydiving. They can arrange everything you need for your perfect trip; you don´t have to worry, just have fun! They can provide you with sightseeing excursions, theatre tickets, night club entrance or games tickets! They also offer a nice price for an airport pick up! Don´t pay more, just chose better!

The INTERNeX PR-team tried their activities personally and enjoyed an awesome afternoon of wakeboarding! We went to Deep Cove, an exceptionally nice place! The guides were very kind and helpful, so wakeboarding so much fun! We had our own boat and spent our afternoon practicing, listening to music and having fun in this incredible place! Can´t ask for more!

Easytrips Vancouver knows and understands the circumstances of young travelers and adjusts each trip and activity to their special needs. That´s why they offer the perfect combination of price and quality! They know what YOU need and they make it real!

Thank you Easytrips Vancouver for being our sponsor!

You can´t miss the event of the season! Sign up now!!

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

Canada Day

I hope everyone had a great Canada day! On Thursday, myself and some friends went to a Canada Day party (hosted by West Trek and Moose Travel Network) near Jericho beach. There was a barbecue, drinks, music and lots of games!

If you’re not already aware, Moose Travel Network is Canada’s adventure bus system for backpackers, students and “young at heart” travellers. The company was established in 1997 by two Canadian entrepreneurs who wanted to show visitors the real Canada. Inspired by the successful examples set by companies in Australia and New Zealand, they started offering trips from Vancouver and Toronto.

Since then, Moose has carried thousands of satisfied passengers many tens of thousands of kilometers throughout this beautiful country. Moose has built an excellent international reputation for quality service and memorable experiences. If you’re interested in a hop-on, hop-off adventure, we can help you book your trip! Drop by the INTERNeX office and our representatives will inform you of all of their trips and tours happening across Canada! For more information on the Moose Travel Network, visit their website.

Looking for a day trip or a weekend adventure? Well West Trek has taken tens of thousands of ESL students and international travelers on tours to some of Western Canada’s most amazing scenery and attractions.

What began as a one man show back in 1998 has now blossomed into one of Western Canada’s largest tour operations.  West Trek got it’s start running small group camping and canoeing tours.  They offer tours to the Rocky Mountains, Victoria, Whistler, Tofino, Seattle and Portland! INTERNeX can help you book white water rafting trips, wine tasting tours and whale watching tours as well! For more information on West Trek and their services, visit their website.

INTERNeX also offers a variety of events and activities, such as Paintballing and Pub Night! Take a look at our event calendar to see what’s up this month with INTERNeX!

INTERNeX International Exchange
Suite 200-211 Columbia Street
Vancouver BC
V6A 2R5 Canada
Email: info@internexcanada.com
Phone: + 1 604 662 8149
Fax: + 1 604 662 8199

www.internexcanada.com