Internships in Vancouver, Canada

Vancouver is one of the only cities in the world where you can shred ski slopes in the morning, play a round of golf in the afternoon, and hit the beach for sunset. Not only does the city feature a diverse landscape, but also diverse internship opportunities to suit any intern abroad.

Popular fields of work. Interns in Vancouver can find almost any type of internship placement, as long as they have basic experience in the field. With an excellent business market, there are many opportunities for internships in business, accounting, and information technology at large corporations. Others can find placements in wildlife rescue, their workplace merging with the natural scenery. Looking for a more laidback experience? Consider an internship on a guest ranch or in the mountains as a snowboard instructor.

Short-term and summer internships vs. long-term internships. If you are hoping to enter the corporate business world in Vancouver, be prepared to show some basic experience on your resume as you commit to a long-term internship, normally six months to one year. If you are looking for a short-term internship, however, opportunities are endless. Seasonal internships can be found throughout this Canadian paradise, whether you want to spend a month in the mountains at a ski resort, or two weeks on the beaches as a lifeguard. Most will offer a certificate that opens doors to jobs and internships around the globe.

Paid vs. unpaid internships. Vancouver is arguably one of the best locations to intern abroad, and not just because of the high quality of life. Unlike most other internship abroad destinations, internships in Vancouver are almost always paid. While this means a more competitive environment for landing your placement, it also means living like a king while gaining valuable experience and traveling the world!

Located on the Southwestern coastline bordering the United States, Vancouver is one of the most densely populated cities in Canada and is considered the third largest port in the Americas. But along with the bustling streets and economic power comes a natural charm that makes every intern fall in love. 

Vancouver’s culture ranges from hipster to indie to beach (or snow) bum, and everything in between, so interns will never find a dull moment while exploring the city. Nature lovers can venture to the city’s outskirts to get lost in mountain, beach, and sea. Explore Stanley Park on the edge of downtown to mosey through green trees to the harbor, or get your adrenaline pumping by taking up a new sport. Snow shoe through snowy mountains, bike ride along Stanley Park’s seawall, or kayak along the harbor for some weekend fun. 

Interns should be sure to check out the diverse neighborhoods, accessible by public transportation. Spend your lunch breaks at coffee shops on Commercial Drive, your nights sipping craft brews and tasting fresh seafood or authentic Asian cuisines in Gastown, and weekends browsing cute beachfront shops in Kitsilano. Nicknamed “Hollywood North,” artsy types will be in heaven with grassroots festivals, Shakespeare shows on the water, and eclectic festivals galore.

In the world’s most livable city, you can’t go wrong with an internship abroad. In addition to being one of the most livable, it is also one of the most affordable destinations for interns. Rent and utilities could cost less than $1000 per month, public transportation is cheap, and meals out can cost as little as $10. Keep in mind that most internships in Vancouver are paid and offer free meals and accommodation. With your $300-500 weekly stipend, you’ll live well and be able to save with an internship in Vancouver! 

Of course, with such a great reputation comes an influx of immigrants who are drawn to the high quality of life. Interns should be prepared for culture shock that comes with a placement in Vancouver. The city screams diversity with a large expat community. More than half the population speaks a language other than English, so be prepared to brush up on your Punjabi, Cantonese, or Mandarin before interning abroad. Despite the initial culture shock, interns will feel at home in an international community.

When doing internships in Vancouver, you’ll experience the perfect combination of professionalism and fun! There’s no doubt you’ll feel at home in the community of travelers, immigrants, and local Vancouverites who love welcoming outsiders into their lovely town. Grab your skis or your swimsuit (intern’s choice) and get ready to fall in love with this picturesque city of endless opportunity!

Read our comprehensive guide on interning abroad in Canada.