international
students

New Student Orientation

Following registration at dispatch, international students are provided with an in-person orientation at no additional cost. Our instructors, dispatchers, and fellow students—especially those from the same home country—are always eager to assist newcomers in adjusting to both the training and local environment.

The orientation covers essential information such as living and housing costs, availability of suitable accommodation, attendance and progression requirements, institutional policies (including academic and non-academic dispute resolution), employment rights and conditions in British Columbia, and tenancy rights under provincial law.

Adapting to Canadian Culture

Canada is known for its rich cultural diversity, and as an international student, your classroom experience may be your first opportunity to engage with people from many different backgrounds. It’s natural to experience a degree of culture shock during your first few months in Canada. While Canadians are generally friendly and welcoming to newcomers, adapting to a new culture takes time, patience, and an open mind.

Activities for International Students in Vancouver, British Columbia

Vancouver offers international students a wide range of activities to enjoy outside the classroom — from outdoor recreation to cultural experiences and community events.

Outdoor activities

• Beaches: Relax in the sun or enjoy beach sports at one of Vancouver’s many beautiful waterfront parks. Learn more
• Hiking and biking: Discover scenic trails and cycling routes throughout the region. For maps and trail information, visit Vancouver Trails
• Winter sports: Enjoy skiing and snowboarding during the winter season. Several world-class ski resorts are located within a short drive of the city. Details at Destination Vancouver – Skiing and Snowboarding.
• Ice skating: Try recreational skating at one of the local rinks in the City of Delta. Rentals are available. Learn more: City of Delta Arenas

Cultural experiences

• Museums and Galleries: Explore the Vancouver Art Gallery, Museum of Vancouver, or other local art and heritage spaces.
• FlyOver Canada: Experience Canada’s landscapes through a state-of-the-art virtual flight ride.
• Granville Island: Visit the famous public market, local artisan shops, and waterfront restaurants.
• Stanley Park: Enjoy walking, cycling, or simply relaxing by the seawall in one of the world’s most beautiful urban parks.

Cost of Living in BC, Canada

Estimating how much money you'll need to live in Canada can be challenging. To help with your budgeting, we recommend using the cost-of-living calculator available here: WorkBC Cost of Living Calculator.

Transportation

You can reach Sea Land Air Flight Centre (SLA) by car, bus, or bike, but public transit is highly recommended.

• Public Transit
  To find the most efficient route from your location in the Metro Vancouver area, use the Trip Planning feature on the TransLink website.
• Driving
  SLA is conveniently located next to Highway 99, near the George Massey Tunnel. It's approximately 20 minutes from Vancouver International Airport (YVR) and less than 40 minutes to downtown Vancouver, Surrey, and the US Border. There is ample free parking available on campus.

Student Accommodation

Accommodation is a crucial factor when choosing a flight school. Since SLA does not offer housing arrangements, students coming from outside the Metro Vancouver region will need to secure their own accommodations. To assist with this, we’ve provided suggestions for various housing options around the school, offering different styles, comfort levels, and prices.

Homestay
Homestay programs allow students to live with a Canadian family as a member of the household. Students share meals, participate in family activities, and build relationships with hosts, making it easier to adjust to a new environment. If you're interested in this option, check out the following resources:

• Home Stay in Delta: A vast database of homestay families in the Greater Vancouver area.
• Harmony Homestay: Offers a diverse selection of homestay families for various preferences

Additional Long-Term Accommodation Options
If homestay isn't your preferred option, you can use online search engines and rental boards to find housing. Make sure to select a place that’s within a reasonable commuting distance from the school. Some popular sites include:

• Craig’s List
• Rent BC
• Hello Rent
• Kijiji Listings

Please note, the web links above are provided as a courtesy to students. SLA does not take responsibility for any rental accommodation.

Tenancy Rights and Responsibilities

Homestays: Homestays are not covered by Residential Tenancy Laws, but placement agencies can assist with housing or resolving any issues.

Renters: If you sign a lease for a rental property, you are covered by Residential Tenancy Branch laws.

Residential Tenancy Branch Lower Mainland (604) 660-1020
Victoria (250) 387-1602
BC Toll Free 1 (800) 665-8779

Forms and services are in English. If you need translation assistance, please ensure you have someone you trust to help with communication between you and your landlord.

Health and Mental Well-being

Mandatory Health Insurance

In British Columbia, basic health coverage is provided through the provincial Medical Services Plan (MSP). MSP is a mandatory health insurance plan for all residents who live in British Columbia for six months or longer.

International students attending Sea Land Air Flight Centre must:

• Provide proof of private health insurance for the first three months after arrival in B.C. (the waiting period before MSP coverage begins).
• Apply for Medical Services Plan (MSP) immediately upon arrival in the province.

For detailed information about MSP coverage and benefits, visit: Government of B.C. – Medical Services Plan (MSP)

Local Clinics

For non-emergency medical concerns, several local options are available:

• 8-1-1 HealthLink BC: A free, confidential phone line available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call 8-1-1 to receive health advice or speak directly with a nurse or pharmacist.
• Delta Medical Clinic – General health services near the school.
• Delta Hospital – For urgent medical care or after-hours needs.

Mental Health Support

In Canada, mental health is viewed as an important part of overall wellness. Challenges may arise from a combination of genetic, biological, personal, and environmental factors, and can affect anyone regardless of age or background. Building coping skills, self-esteem, and social support helps individuals stay resilient and recover from difficulties.

Your mental well-being matters. International students are encouraged to seek help early and may access the following free and confidential supports:

• Here2Talk – 24/7 mental health support for post-secondary students: here2talk.ca
• B.C. Mental Health Support Line – Call 310-6789 (no area code) for immediate support.
• Crisis Centre BC – 24/7 crisis support: 1-800-784-2433 or visit Crisis Centre BC.
• International Student Safety Guide – Download here (MOSAIC BC)
• Health and Wellness Guidelines for International Students – Government of B.C. resource
• Contact the School – Students can always reach out to school staff or the Chief Flight Instructor for assistance or referral.

Safety & Crisis Management

Student safety

Vancouver is generally considered a safe city, and violent crime is rare. However, as in any major urban area, incidents such as theft or pick-pocketing may occur. Students are encouraged to remain alert and take sensible precautions, particularly when traveling on public transit or walking at night.

For helpful safety tips, visit the Vancouver Police Department International Student Safety page: VPD – International Student Safety

Emergency Procedures

Your safety is our highest priority at Sea Land Air Flight Centre. Please familiarize yourself with the following emergency protocols:

• Dial 911 for police, fire, or medical emergencies.
• Notify Dispatch immediately to report the nature and location of the emergency.
• Evacuation Plans: Review posted evacuation routes and identify assembly (muster) points on campus.
• Emergency Drills: Participate in all scheduled fire and earthquake drills to ensure preparedness.
• Severe Weather Alerts: Monitor local weather reports and follow school directions during storms or extreme conditions.

Critical Incident

A critical incident is any event that presents a serious risk to the safety, security, or well-being of students, staff, or visitors. Such incidents must be reported immediately to Dispatch or the Chief Flight Instructor (CFI). Examples include:

• Medical emergencies
• Aircraft or in-flight incidents
• Fire or hazardous-material exposure
• Security threats (e.g., intruders, violence)
• Mental health or psychological crises

Always familiarize yourself with and follow the Emergency Response Plan.

Crisis Management Resources

Sea Land Air Flight Centre offers resources and external contacts to assist students experiencing emergencies or distress:

• School Dispatch: Call 604-940-6811 during operational hours.
• B.C. Mental Health Crisis Line: Help Starts Here — Call 310-6789 (no area code) for immediate support anywhere in B.C.
• VictimLink BC: victimlinkbc.ca — Call 1-800-563-0808 for confidential support if you experience violence or abuse.
• Talk Suicide Canada: 988.ca — Call or text 988 or 1-833-456-4566 (available 24/7) for suicide prevention and crisis support.

Financial Planning and Support

Tuition and Fees

The most up-to-date estimates of total training costs for each stage of the International Pilot Training Program, as well as the current aircraft hourly rates, are available at: http://www.sealandair.ca .

All prices are in Canadian Dollars. The training cost is the same for domestic and international students.

Payment Methods

Tuition payments can be made by:

• Bank wire transfer
• Credit card
• Other approved methods as arranged with administration

Please contact the school’s administrative office or dispatch if you need payment instructions or assistance.

Opening Bank Account

Opening a Canadian bank account — either in person or online — is one of the first steps international students should take after arrival.

Contact the bank in advance to confirm whether an appointment is required.

You will need to bring the following documents:

• Passport
• Study Permit
• Letter of Acceptance from Sea Land Air Flight Centre
• Proof of Address (e.g. rental agreement or utility bill)

Major Canadian banks:

• Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC)
• Bank of Montreal (BMO)
• Royal Bank of Canada (RBC)
• Scotiabank
• Toronto-Dominion (TD) Canada Trust

Scholarships

Several organizations and associations in Canada offer scholarships and financial awards for international aviation students, including:

• The Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA)
• Aerocadet scholarship program – Learn more
• The Canadian Owners & Pilots Association (COPA)
• EduCanada Scholarships - Learn more

Students are encouraged to explore these opportunities early and apply directly through the respective organizations.

Learning Support Services

At Sea Land Air Flight Centre, we are committed to supporting every student’s success — both academically and in-flight. Learning to become a pilot is a challenging and rewarding process that requires discipline, focus, and continuous feedback. Our team is here to provide guidance and resources to help you achieve your full potential.

Academic and Ground School Support

• Instructor Guidance: Ground school instructors are available to provide clarification and additional explanations outside of scheduled class hours when needed.
• Study Resources: Course materials, practice exams, and Transport Canada reference guides are available through the learning portal and in the ground school classroom.
• Progress Reviews: Students who experience difficulty understanding course content or maintaining satisfactory progress may request a one-on-one review session with their instructor or the Chief Flight Instructor (CFI).
• Peer Study Groups: Students are encouraged to form study groups to strengthen knowledge and share learning strategies.

Flight Training Support

• Instructor Debriefs: Each training flight includes a detailed post-flight debrief where instructors provide personalized feedback and improvement recommendations.
• Performance Monitoring: Progress is tracked in each student’s Pilot Training Record (PTR) and reviewed regularly to ensure readiness for flight tests and check rides.
• Remedial Flights: Where additional practice is required, instructors will work with students to develop targeted remedial flight sessions to address specific skill gaps.

Language and Communication Support

Effective communication is critical in aviation. Students who may require extra support with English language proficiency — particularly aviation phraseology or radio communication — can request supplemental materials or instructor assistance. The school can also refer students to community-based English language programs where appropriate.

Accessibility and Accommodation

Students who experience learning challenges or require accommodations due to documented conditions should contact the Chief Flight Instructor or Accountable Executive. Reasonable academic or operational accommodations will be provided in accordance with the school’s Student Support and Accommodation Policy.

Commitment to Student Success

Sea Land Air Flight Centre fosters an environment of professionalism, respect, and continuous learning. Students are encouraged to seek help early and to use the available support resources throughout their training journey. The school’s goal is to ensure that every graduate is confident, competent, and prepared to meet Transport Canada standards.

Part-Time Job and Post-Graduation Employment

Job Opportunities for Students

During their studies, full-time international students in Canada are permitted to work up to 24 hours per week while classes are in session. Students may also work full-time during scheduled academic breaks, in accordance with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) guidelines.

At Sea Land Air Flight Centre, we are proud to support our graduates by hiring qualified Instructor Rating holders whenever possible. However, employment opportunities depend on the school’s operational needs and student demand at the time.

Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)

International students who complete their Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) flight training at Sea Land Air Flight Centre under a valid study permit may be eligible to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).

According to the Government of Canada, to be eligible for a PGWP, you must meet one of the following conditions:

• You have completed a flight training course at a Canadian flight training centre and obtained a Canadian Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL); or
• You have obtained or are in the process of obtaining a Flight Instructor Rating, and you have a job offer to work as a flight instructor at a flight training centre.

The Government of Canada has clarified that the new PGWP eligibility requirements based on field of study (effective November 1, 2024) do not apply to flight schools. Government of Canada – PGWP Eligibility

Flight school graduates only need to meet the current eligibility criteria listed here: Flight School PGWP Eligibility Criteria

Additional Resources on Working in Canada:

Students are encouraged to review the following official resources for guidance on employment rights, career development, and post-graduation opportunities:

• WorkBC – Workplace Rights
• WorkBC – Career Services for Post-Secondary Students and Alumni
• Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
• Finding Work in B.C.