Cloud Nine College President Rosina Lu Engages with SDECB Community and Government Relations Leader

Cloud Nine College is pleased to share that our President, Rosina Lu, was invited by Padminee Chundunsing for a meaningful discussion on community engagement, education development, and future collaboration opportunities in British Columbia.

Padminee Chundunsing serves as the Board Representative for Government Relations and Community Engagement at the Société de développement économique de la C.B. (SDECB). She is also an award-winning community leader recognized for her commitment to Francophonie, inclusion, equity, and community development.

During the meeting, Rosina and Padminee exchanged views on the role of private post-secondary institutions in supporting international students, strengthening local community connections, and contributing to British Columbia’s education and workforce development ecosystem.

As an institution serving students from diverse cultural and educational backgrounds, Cloud Nine College values opportunities to connect with leaders and organizations that promote inclusion, accessibility, and community participation. The discussion highlighted the importance of building stronger relationships between educational institutions, community organizations, and government-facing stakeholders.

Rosina expressed her appreciation for Padminee’s invitation and her continued leadership in supporting multicultural and Francophone communities in British Columbia.

“Cloud Nine College is committed to creating a supportive, inclusive, and student-centered learning environment,” said Rosina Lu, President of Cloud Nine College. “We are grateful for the opportunity to connect with community leaders like Padminee, whose work continues to strengthen collaboration, inclusion, and opportunity across British Columbia.”

This engagement reflects Cloud Nine College’s ongoing commitment to responsible institutional development, student support, and meaningful community partnerships. As the college continues to grow, CNC looks forward to exploring future opportunities that support students, local communities, and the broader post-secondary education sector in British Columbia.

Cloud Nine College remains dedicated to promoting quality education, student success, and community-based collaboration.

Learn more about CNC at www.cloudninecollege.com/

Vancouver’s FIFA World Cup 2026

Welcome to the Vancouver area! For students who are new to British Columbia, major international events such as the FIFA World Cup are an exciting way to experience local culture, sports, and community life. Vancouver is one of the official host cities for the FIFA World Cup 2026, with matches taking place at BC Place in downtown Vancouver. FIFA confirmed that Vancouver would host seven matches, including group-stage matches and knockout-stage matches.

During the World Cup period, Vancouver is expected to be much busier than usual. Students should plan ahead when travelling downtown, especially near BC Place, transit stations, restaurants, hotels, and public viewing areas. On match days, there may be larger crowds, increased traffic, temporary road closures, and changes to normal transit or walking routes. Students are encouraged to use public transportation whenever possible and allow extra time for travel.

Students who attend matches at BC Place should carefully check ticket information, stadium rules, entry times, bag policies, and prohibited items before arriving. It is also important to bring valid identification if required and to follow all instructions from event staff, security, police, and transit staff. BC Place and FIFA provide match-day information for fans, including stadium services, food and beverage options, fan experience areas, and official merchandise locations.

For students who do not attend a match in person, Vancouver may also offer official fan events and public viewing opportunities. FIFA’s Vancouver Fan Festival information highlights public transportation as the best way to attend large watch-party events, with additional service and shuttle information available through local transit updates.

Students should also remember to behave responsibly while enjoying World Cup celebrations. Public areas, restaurants, bars, and event spaces may be crowded. Students should respect local laws, avoid disruptive behaviour, take care of personal belongings, and stay with friends when attending busy events. Alcohol consumption in British Columbia is regulated, and students should only consume alcohol legally and responsibly.

If students are working part-time during the World Cup period, they should continue to follow their study schedule, attendance requirements, and school responsibilities. The World Cup is an exciting event, but it should not interfere with class attendance, assignments, examinations, or immigration-related study obligations.

Finally, students are encouraged to enjoy the World Cup safely and respectfully. This is a valuable opportunity to experience Vancouver’s multicultural community and international sports atmosphere. By planning ahead, following local rules, and making responsible choices, students can enjoy the event while continuing to maintain their academic responsibilities at Cloud Nine College.

Learn more about CNC at www.cloudninecollege.com/

Vancouver’s Alcohol Rules: What Students Need to Know

Welcome to the Vancouver area! For students who have just arrived here to study, understanding the local regulations regarding alcohol is an important part of acclimating. In Canada, particularly in British Columbia, alcohol consumption is strictly regulated. Laws dictate age restrictions and guidelines for where alcohol can be consumed, ensuring a safe and responsible drinking environment.

In Vancouver, the legal drinking age is 19 years old. This means only individuals who meet this age requirement can purchase, possess, and consume alcoholic beverages. Alcohol is primarily sold through government-operated liquor stores (such as BC Liquor Stores) and private liquor stores. Some supermarkets also sell alcohol.

If you plan to consume alcohol at bars, restaurants, or other establishments, these places must hold valid liquor licenses. These licenses ensure the legal supply of alcohol and specify serving hours and practices to promote safe and responsible drinking.

Additionally, Vancouver prohibits drinking alcohol in public places unless it is a specific event or location where alcohol consumption is allowed. There are strict blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limits for drivers to ensure safety while operating vehicles. Most drivers have a limit of 0.05% BAC, while new drivers and those under 22 have a zero-tolerance policy.

Finally, for those planning to provide alcohol at special occasions or events such as weddings or parties, a special permit is required.

Understanding these alcohol regulations will help you integrate better into life in Vancouver. When enjoying the culture and social scene here, it’s important to uphold responsible drinking practices to ensure your safety and that of others. We wish you a pleasant and successful experience studying and living in this beautiful city!

About Cloud Nine College  

Cloud Nine College is a premier vocational (Co-Op) college offering a range of specialized co-op courses and comprehensive Intensive English Programs, including test preparation courses for IELTS and general and business ESL courses to international students. It coordinates its programs uniquely in such ways that students can advance their education to the next level at universities and job opportunities.  

CNC is also an online education platform offering online certificate, diploma, higher diploma, and postgraduate diploma programs progressing to online and offline undergraduate and postgraduate degrees awarded by various educational institutions and universities around the world.

Cloud Nine College started as a language training institution back in 2010 and now has expanded into providing career training programs:  

  • Hotel and Restaurant Management Co-op Diploma  
  • Hotel and Restaurant Management Co-op Certificate  
  • International Trade and Business Management Co-op Diploma  
  • Professional Sales Co-op Certificate  

Learn more about CNC at www.cloudninecollege.com/

“Raincouver”

Vancouver, a city on Canada’s west coast, is affectionately known as Raincouver due to its frequent rain. Situated in a lush, green region called a temperate rainforest, Vancouver gets rain throughout the year. Winters are mild but wet, while summers are drier but still see occasional showers, which keep the city’s nature vibrant and green.

Despite the rain, Vancouver’s natural beauty shines. Stanley Park, a famous urban park, thrives with towering trees and scenic trails thanks to the rainfall. Residents and visitors embrace the outdoors, wearing rain jackets to enjoy parks, beaches, and waterfronts even when it’s drizzling.

The Raincouver nickname isn’t just about the weather; it’s part of the city’s culture and art. Writers and artists find inspiration in misty mountains, reflections in puddles, and the fog that sometimes blankets the skyline. Vancouver’s cultural scene also thrives indoors, with theaters, galleries, and cozy cafes bustling on rainy days.

Locals take pride in Raincouver with humor and resilience. Rainy days are perfect for exploring indoor markets, meeting friends at breweries, or enjoying comforting meals made with local ingredients. The rain also contributes to clean air and supports diverse wildlife, enhancing Vancouver’s natural environment.

As Vancouver grows as a global city, its Raincouver identity remains strong. It symbolizes the city’s resilience, natural beauty, and a lifestyle blending city sophistication with outdoor adventures. Rain in Vancouver isn’t seen as a problem but as part of what makes the city unique and charming, where every raindrop adds to its character and allure.

About Cloud Nine College  

Cloud Nine College is a premier vocational (Co-Op) college offering a range of specialized co-op courses and comprehensive Intensive English Programs, including test preparation courses for IELTS and general and business ESL courses to international students. It coordinates its programs uniquely in such ways that students can advance their education to the next level at universities and job opportunities.  

CNC is also an online education platform offering online certificate, diploma, higher diploma, and postgraduate diploma programs progressing to online and offline undergraduate and postgraduate degrees awarded by various educational institutions and universities around the world.

Cloud Nine College started as a language training institution back in 2010 and now has expanded into providing career training programs:  

  • Hotel and Restaurant Management Co-op Diploma  
  • Hotel and Restaurant Management Co-op Certificate  
  • International Trade and Business Management Co-op Diploma  
  • Professional Sales Co-op Certificate  

Learn more about CNC at www.cloudninecollege.com/ 

First time find a job in Vancouver

Hey friends! It’s Hazel again😊

Last time I’ve explained how having work experiences helped me find a job after I graduated from college. Today I’m going to share some small tips to help you find a job in Vancouver.

To begin with resume. Did you know professional resume in Canada doesn’t include pictures?! Your resume should be clean, clear, and well-organized. Highlight your work experience, leadership roles, and volunteer activities. Use numbers to support your achievements and showcase your abilities.

Connections are key. Build a strong LinkedIn profile and don’t be afraid to reach out for coffee chats. Networking can lead to referrals, which are invaluable in your job search.

Don’t forget about the resources available at our college. The CNC Co-op Coordinator is here to help you navigate the process of finding your first big girl/boy job after graduation. They can provide guidance on everything from resume writing to interview preparation.

Good luck, and remember, every small step counts!

About Cloud Nine College  

Cloud Nine College is a premier vocational (Co-Op) college offering a range of specialized co-op courses and comprehensive Intensive English Programs, including test preparation courses for IELTS and general and business ESL courses to international students. It coordinates its programs uniquely in such ways that students can advance their education to the next level at universities and job opportunities.  

CNC is also an online education platform offering online certificate, diploma, higher diploma, and postgraduate diploma programs progressing to online and offline undergraduate and postgraduate degrees awarded by various educational institutions and universities around the world.

Cloud Nine College started as a language training institution back in 2010 and now has expanded into providing career training programs:  

  • Hotel and Restaurant Management Co-op Diploma  
  • Hotel and Restaurant Management Co-op Certificate  
  • International Trade and Business Management Co-op Diploma  
  • Professional Sales Co-op Certificate  

Learn more about CNC at www.cloudninecollege.com/  

DID YOU KNOW THAT?

The cherry blossom, or Sakura, is the flower of trees in Prunus subgenus Cerasus. “Sakura” usually refers to flowers of ornamental cherry trees, such as cultivars of Prunus serrulata. Cherry blossoms have been described as having a vanilla-like smell, which is mainly attributed to coumarin. (reference)

The history of cherry blossoms in Canada relates to the enduring friendship between Canada and Japan. The first cherry blossom trees were given to the residents of Toronto in 1959 by the Japanese ambassador to Canada. (They were given on behalf of the citizens of Tokyo in appreciation for Toronto’s acceptance of re-located Japanese Canadian refugees. Robert Kadoguchi, the eventual founding president of the Japanese Cultural Centre, was instrumental in arranging the shipment. He described the gift as “a tangible expression of Japan’s gratitude to Toronto for accepting us warmly during the distressing period of the Second World War and the years immediately following the termination of hostilities.”) (reference)

Toronto’s High Park is one of the most iconic cherry blossom locations in the country. Thousands of people come here every spring to see the beautiful pink petals. Comparably, the Cherry Blossom Festival in Vancouver draws both locals and visitors, honouring the beauty of the flowers with activities including picnics, concerts, and art exhibits.

This gesture marked the beginning of a tradition that has since grown across the country. Over the years, more cherry blossom trees were donated to numerous Canadian cities, such as Ottawa, Vancouver, and Montreal. The everlasting friendship and cross-cultural interaction between Canada and Japan are represented by these.

The cherry blossoms have become a cherished symbol of springtime in Canada, representing renewal, beauty, and the enduring bonds of friendship between nations. They serve as a reminder of the importance of cultural exchange and the beauty that can emerge from such connections.

About Cloud Nine College  

Cloud Nine College is a premier vocational (Co-Op) college offering a range of specialized co-op courses and comprehensive Intensive English Programs, including test preparation courses for IELTS and general and business ESL courses to international students. It coordinates its programs uniquely in such ways that students can advance their education to the next level at universities and job opportunities.  

CNC is also an online education platform offering online certificate, diploma, higher diploma, and postgraduate diploma programs progressing to online and offline undergraduate and postgraduate degrees awarded by various educational institutions and universities around the world.

Cloud Nine College started as a language training institution back in 2010 and now has expanded into providing career training programs:  

  • Hotel and Restaurant Management Co-op Diploma  
  • Hotel and Restaurant Management Co-op Certificate  
  • International Trade and Business Management Co-op Diploma  
  • Professional Sales Co-op Certificate  

Learn more about CNC at www.cloudninecollege.com/  

Cloud Nine College is no longer accepting the students for Concordia International College

Effective April 1, 2024, Cloud Nine College is no longer accepting the students for Concordia International College of Asia and the Pacific as it has developed its own pathway with UK universities.

Winter Activities in Vancouver

Vancouver is the city called “the most desirable place to live in the world!” Though it’s a chic metropolis, the vast outdoors is only a short distance away. As well as beautiful summertime with its moderate temperature and long daytime, Vancouver in wintertime is also attractive with many to do!

The great thing about Vancouver is that you can not only look at it, but also actively play with the illuminations.

First and foremost, you must visit the “Capilano Suspension Bridge Park” at least once in your lifetime. Attracting over 800,000 visitors annually, the forest that the West Coast’s temperate rainforest nurtures has grown into a big park. The park, which opened roughly 130 years ago, has a ton of exciting attractions! During wintertime, the bridge and forests all around is decorated with colourful illuminations which attracts about 10000 visitors a day. Though it is almost the end of this illumination period, please visit next year!

Second option to enjoy Vancouver in winter would be Grouse Mountain, one of Vancouver’s three ski resorts. It is popular for its abundance of skiers and snowboarders, but it’s also a great place to go just for sightseeing as well as in the summer. To go to Grouse Mountain, take a sea bus from downtown to North Vancouver, then transfer to another bus. The obstacles are few and you can get there on your own, even if you are just visiting for tourism.

For most of the season, there is no snow at the foot of the mountain. However, when you go up in the gondola, you can see the view of complete white, a true winter wonderland.

Please don’t hesitate to visit Vancouver in winter, thinking it would be super chilly and dark!!

Vancouver offers various unique experiences with the aim of savouring winter.

About Cloud Nine College  

Cloud Nine College is a premier vocational (Co-Op) college offering a range of specialized co-op courses and comprehensive Intensive English Programs, including test preparation courses for IELTS and general and business ESL courses to international students. It coordinates its programs uniquely in such ways that students can advance their education to the next level at universities and job opportunities.  

CNC is also an online education platform offering online certificate, diploma, higher diploma, and postgraduate diploma programs progressing to online and offline undergraduate and postgraduate degrees awarded by various educational institutions and universities around the world.

Cloud Nine College started as a language training institution back in 2010 and now has expanded into providing career training programs:  

  • Hotel and Restaurant Management Co-op Diploma  
  • Hotel and Restaurant Management Co-op Certificate  
  • International Trade and Business Management Co-op Diploma  
  • Professional Sales Co-op Certificate  

Learn more about CNC at www.cloudninecollege.com/  

Christmas party at CNC

On December 12, Christmas party was held on the Cloud Nine College campus.

CNC students and teachers attended the party and enjoyed pizza and cake while socializing. It was impressive to see them enjoying talking with each other over juice and snacks.

Also at the party, a quiz competition was held for teams. Teams were made up of mixed classes, and a total of six teams competed in a buzzer quiz. The quiz included questions about Canada, teachers, and schools so that students can learn more about this country and CNC. Some tricky questions were challenging for many teams who were willing to win a prize!

The top three teams were presented with prizes, and the winning teams shared their prizes while congratulating their teams for their hard work.

The event seemed to be a great opportunity for the students to have fun and make new friends with students and teachers from other classes that they normally do not have a chance to talk with.

At CNC, students can gain a variety of experiences not only through classroom lectures but also through Co-Op work experience and school activities. Cloud Nine College’s Co-op program for 2024 is scheduled to begin on February 5, April 22, July 8, September 23, and December 9.

About Cloud Nine College  

Cloud Nine College is a premier vocational (Co-Op) college offering a range of specialized co-op courses and comprehensive Intensive English Programs, including test preparation courses for IELTS and general and business ESL courses to international students. It coordinates its programs uniquely in such ways that students can advance their education to the next level at universities and job opportunities.  

CNC is also an online education platform offering online certificate, diploma, higher diploma, and postgraduate diploma programs progressing to online and offline undergraduate and postgraduate degrees awarded by various educational institutions and universities around the world.

Cloud Nine College started as a language training institution back in 2010 and now has expanded into providing career training programs:  

  • Hotel and Restaurant Management Co-op Diploma  
  • Hotel and Restaurant Management Co-op Certificate  
  • International Trade and Business Management Co-op Diploma  
  • Professional Sales Co-op Certificate  

Learn more about CNC at www.cloudninecollege.com/  

Our Personal Experience as Filipinos in Canada

It was during the pandemic in 2020 that we started thinking about going to Canada. We initially took the express entry route, but it was challenging to look for a direct employer that would provide a job offer. Later on, we decided to change our pathway to student, though it’s more expensive, but why not take the risk?

Luckily, we were given a chance to immigrate here—my partner as a student and myself as an open work permit. It was in the fall of 2022 when we arrived in Canada. Right after we settled into our new home, I got a job and started working. Honestly, it was not easy at first because it’s not the same work experience I had back in the Philippines. I work two jobs, one in the casino and one at Tim Hortons. I have managed to continue working at the casino because I love interacting with people. As time went on, I quit Tim Hortons, but it was a great experience, and I liked it. I never thought that I could get things out of my comfort zone. I quit Tim Hortons because of a better opportunity, which is as admin staff at Cloud Nine College. Again, not my line of work back home. It was a whole new experience, and it’s great working with diverse people, including professors and students.

As for my partner, she is studying and working at the same time. Since the government lifted the allowable hours of work for students, she took advantage of working full time, and during her rest days she must be at the school. Juggling studies and work is also a tough thing to do. It is not a bed full of roses. You should endure the sacrifices you made. I think this is the reality of life here in Canada, but I must say it was all worth it to take the risk! It’s been a year since we came here. We have managed to strike a balance between study and work and are enjoying our stay here!

In conclusion, it is all about being 100% ready for whatever decisions you make in life. If you are physically, mentally, spiritually, and financially prepared, everything and anything is possible! To all the aspiring immigrants, if you want it, pursue it. If you made it here, no turning back; just move forward, whatever it takes, as there’s no shortcut to success!

About Cloud Nine College  

Cloud Nine College is a premier vocational (Co-Op) college offering a range of specialized co-op courses and comprehensive Intensive English Programs, including test preparation courses for IELTS and general and business ESL courses to international students. It coordinates its programs uniquely in such ways that students can advance their education to the next level at universities and job opportunities.  

CNC is also an online education platform offering online certificate, diploma, higher diploma, and postgraduate diploma programs progressing to online and offline undergraduate and postgraduate degrees awarded by various educational institutions and universities around the world.

Cloud Nine College started as a language training institution back in 2010 and now has expanded into providing career training programs:  

  • Hotel and Restaurant Management Co-op Diploma  
  • Hotel and Restaurant Management Co-op Certificate  
  • International Trade and Business Management Co-op Diploma  
  • Professional Sales Co-op Certificate  

Learn more about CNC at www.cloudninecollege.com/