The Art Institute of Vancouver
By Asian Correspondent Jun 09, 2011 4:03PM UTCThose commencing college require an environment that helps them reach their full potential, while developing their talents and reaching their goals. The Art Institute of Vancouver is not just there to offer skills and knowledge though, as students are taught by professional artists and designers in a purely hands-on environment. With the right motivation and active involvement, students will be given the opportunity to develop their skills, make lifelong professional contacts and gain the foundations needed for their future artistic careers.
The community at the Art Institute of Vancouver has been carefully molded to provide students with the care and respect that they deserve to blossom into tomorrow’s artists and designers. With numerous programs that focus on developing individuality and creativity, students can then take control of their futures while being immersed in Vancouver’s vibrant art scene. This combination of hands-on experience and in-class knowledge creates an environment in which students can easily reach their full potential.

Pic: The Art Institute of Vancouver.
As part of the Art Institutes, a network of over 45 schools based around North America, the Art Institute of Vancouver has been around since 2004 and boasts an impressive array of applied arts degrees, diplomas and certificates in numerous fields, including animation, game art and design, interior design, and VFX for film and television. With state-of-the-art facilities and a convenient location, students will find the perfect environment in which to grow and develop within their desired fields.
Academic Programs
The Art Institute of Vancouver features five individual schools, which offer undergraduate courses, diplomas and continuing education programs in the following areas:
- Culinary Arts
- Design
- Event Management
- Fashion
- Media Arts
Undergraduate Programs
The Bachelor of Applied Design in Graphic Design degree at the Art Institute of Vancouver is the only bachelor program that this college offers. It focuses on the growing need to keep design as environmentally friendly as possible, while developing students’ technical skills, critical thinking and ethics. Graduates should have everything that they need to create sustainable, planet-friendly designs that are also attractive, informative and educational.
Diplomas
The Arts Institute of Vancouver offers a myriad of applied arts diplomas within all five of its individual schools. Here is a small selection of some of the most interesting programs that can be found at the college:
- Diploma in Fashion Design: A learner-centered program in which students are taught by professionals in the fashion industry within the classroom, on study trips and at out-of-town seminars. On completion, graduates will have the skills to then seek out entry-level positions within this highly competitive field.
- Diploma in Game Art & Design: A hands-on course that encourages students to combine their technical skills and creativity with their passion for all things gaming-related. The program covers everything from basics, such as 2D-modeling, to more advanced skills, such as character animation.
- Diploma in Interior Design: From textiles to environmental design, students undertaking this course will study a range of subjects aimed at helping them to shape and mold the spaces where we spend most of our lives. The program focuses on the arts and science behind this important industry.
Short Courses
The Arts Institute of Vancouver also offers a range of shorter continuing education options catered to those looking to simply learn a new hobby or those who wish to upgrade their skills professionally. For anyone within the culinary, design, media or web fields, these courses can be a valuable addition to their educational experience.
Campus Life
At the Art Institute of Vancouver, students will find a warm, friendly community in which they will receive much more than a degree. The Student Affairs Department works hard to bring new educational materials to the college, liaise between students and staff, and organize extramural activities, such as sports days and movie nights.
The Institute boasts an impressive number of clubs and societies, and students have the opportunity to partake in a variety of activities such as indoor soccer, yoga, Japanese classes and drawing. The college also hosts events throughout the calendar year, including career days, leadership training, wellness workshops and dance parties.
While at the Art Institute of Vancouver, students have a wide choice of accommodation options. The most convenient is school-sponsored housing, in which the college has contracts with apartments located nearby where students can live together in the same place. This is a great compromise for parents too as the living environment is fully supervised by faculty staff, ensuring that safety standards are met from enrolment to graduation. If you would prefer a more independent housing option, the Residential Life and Housing staff at the Institute is there to make sure that each and every student has a place to stay during their time in the college.

Pic: The Art Institutes.
Living in Vancouver
The Art Institute of Vancouver is in an excellent location, especially for those wishing to use public transport, as it is situated right next to the Renfrew Sky Train station. Students can also take advantage of Vancouver’s many cycling routes and the bike facilities located on campus. Monthly passes can be purchased for those who own a car and wish to park on campus.
Vancouver itself is one of Canada’s most popular student destinations. With an amazing natural setting and a multicultural, cosmopolitan atmosphere, newcomers will find plenty to see and do. From museums and historical sites to jazz clubs and concert halls, students at the Art Institute of Vancouver will be able to experience a great deal during their spare time.
Because the city has such an international community, with nationalities from over one hundred countries living side-by-side, Vancouver is a very easy city to settle down in for those moving there from overseas. With restaurants serving food from Europe to Asia, and communities of locals preserving the culture and traditions of their original countries, international students will find a small piece of home while living in this vibrant and exciting city.
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