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Monday 8:30am - 5pm Tuesday 8:30am - 5pm Wednesday 8:30am - 5pm Thursday 8:30am - 5pm Friday 8:30am - 5pm Saturday 9am - 4pm

First Choice International Placement Inc.

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Canada
North Vancouver, BC
First Choice International Placement Inc.

We are a North Vancouver-based company with over 25 years of experience addressing the unique needs of international students and host families.
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08/19/2024

As we eagerly await our students' arrival in the next couple of weeks, we reflect on the vital role our province plays in international education. Did you know that British Columbia is the second most popular destination for international students in Canada? Here’s why:

🌲 Nature at Its Best: From majestic mountains and lush forests to beautiful coastlines and serene lakes, BC’s breathtaking scenery offers endless opportunities for outdoor adventures and exploration.

🏫 Top-Notch Education: British Columbia provides high-quality education and diverse programs, including sports and extracurricular activities, attracting students from all over the world.

🌍 Cosmopolitan and Multicultural: BC is a melting pot of cultures, making it a vibrant and inclusive place to live and learn. Our welcoming communities embrace diversity, helping international students feel at home.

08/16/2024

Get Ready to Welcome Your International Student(s)!

Preparing to welcome your student(s) into your home is an exciting time! The KEY 🔑 is planning ahead. Here are some initial TIPS:

✅ Prepare their room: Set up their room, do a deep clean, and bring out fresh blankets and towels. Ensure they have a desk and a lamp. Including a small welcome gift, card, or sign is a lovely touch 🥰

✅ Make them feel welcomed: Be there when they arrive, introduce all family members, and give them a tour of the house. Plan something special for their first dinner!

✅ Be patient: They will likely be tired and a little shy during the first few days, so give them time to adjust. For most students, this will be their first time away from home. Good communication is key.

✅ Have fun: Hosting is a rewarding experience and an excellent opportunity to learn new things and view your surroundings with a fresh perspective 😍

08/12/2024

Many families across Canada 🇨🇦 are preparing to welcome students into their homes at the end of the month! International students have become an integral part of the cultural fabric in many Canadian cities, significantly impacting the local communities they live in.

These students inspire global curiosity, create cultural awareness, and contribute to our local economies, promoting employment growth and prosperity.

A big THANK YOU to our host families for enriching our communities by hosting international students this year! ❤

08/08/2024

Happy International Cat Day! 🌍🐱

We're celebrating the joy and comfort that cats bring into our lives on International Cat Day! For many of our host families, pets play an essential role in creating a warm and welcoming home. Cats offer companionship, reduce stress, and add a special touch of love to any household. We'd love to see how our furry friends contribute to the nurturing environment that our host families provide 🥰. 📸 Share a photo of your beloved cat in the comments!

08/03/2024

Happy Food Day! 🍲🥘

At FCI, we celebrate Food Day by highlighting the wonderful ways that sharing meals can bring host families and students closer together. One of the most beautiful aspects of hosting students is the opportunity for families to share their own cultural dishes. It's a chance to introduce students to new flavours, traditions, and the love that goes into every homemade meal.

We encourage all our host families to involve their students in the meal-prepping process. Let them experience the joy of creating a meal together, learning family recipes, and sharing stories around the kitchen table.

We also invite students to share their culinary heritage by cooking a dish from their home country. It's a fantastic way for everyone to learn about different cultures and appreciate the diversity that makes our community so special.

Let's continue to come together around food, creating lasting memories and fostering a sense of belonging.

Bon appétit! 🥗

07/30/2024

Celebrating The International Day of Friendship ✨🌍

As we reflect on The International Day of Friendship, we're sharing a photo of one of our host families, Kate Barazzuol, and their former student, Lorenzo Rava, who came back to visit. 🥰 We're reminded of the incredible bonds formed between our students and their host families over the years. ❤️ These connections often become lifelong friendships that bridge countries, cultures, and hearts.

This special day, proclaimed in 2011 by the UN, highlights the powerful idea that friendship between peoples, countries, cultures, and individuals can inspire peace efforts and build bridges between communities. It's about promoting and defending a shared spirit of human solidarity, and there’s no simpler or more profound expression of this than friendship.

As we prepare to welcome our new students at the end of August, we look forward to the new friendships that will be made and the lasting memories that will be created. 🥰🌟

07/24/2024

Celebrating International Self-Care Day!

Today, on International Self-Care Day, we want to remind everyone, especially our host families and students, of the importance of self-care. Take a moment today to do something special for yourself...you deserve it! 🥰

Self-care can take many forms:

🩷 Physical well-being: Take time to rest, exercise, and nourish your body with healthy food.
🩷 Mental health: Practice mindfulness, meditate, or engage in activities that bring you joy and relaxation.
🩷 Emotional support: Reach out to friends, family, or support groups when you need to talk. Remember, it's okay to ask for help.
🩷 Hobbies and interests: Make time for your passions and hobbies, whether it's reading, gardening, cooking, or any activity that makes you happy.

As we look forward to creating new meaningful experiences and lasting memories with our incoming students, let's also remember to care for ourselves! 🥰

07/22/2024

It's been a few weeks since our high school students left Canada, and we all miss them dearly ❤ This photo captures a special moment of one student, Maxime Lemaitre from Belgium, reuniting with his loved ones at the airport. Like many of our students, coming to Canada and living with one of our host families was a life-changing experience for Maxime.

We eagerly look forward to welcoming our new students at the end of August, ready for new adventures and lasting memories 🥰

07/07/2024

Happy World Chocolate Day! 🌍🍫

Today, we celebrate the universal love for chocolate that unites us all! From delicious truffles in Belgium to rich hot cocoa in Mexico, chocolate brings joy to every corner of the globe.

Enjoy a chocolatey treat today! 🍫❤️

07/03/2024

Happy Summer to our Wonderful Hosts! 🌞

We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to each of you for your incredible support this school year. Thank you for being part of our community 🥰

Have a fantastic summer! 🌴☀️

07/01/2024

Happy Canada Day Everyone! 🍁🇨🇦

To all our amazing host families, we wish you a fantastic day filled with joy and celebration! Thank you for opening your hearts and homes to our students. Your kindness and generosity make a world of difference.

Enjoy the festivities and have a wonderful day! 🎉

06/22/2024

Farewell BBQ at Ambleside Beach! 🥰 🌊

As this year's exchange program comes to an end, we gathered to say goodbye to our incredible international students with a BBQ celebration at Ambleside Beach!

The day was filled with laughter, fun sports, and unforgettable moments. Our students signed a Canadian flag to commemorate their time here, and everyone enjoyed spending time together. 🇨🇦❤️

We are so proud of each and every one of you and the memories we've created together. Many thanks to our host families for opening their homes to our students!

06/21/2024

Celebrating National Indigenous Peoples Day 🇨🇦

Observed every June 21, National Indigenous Peoples Day is an official day of celebration to recognize and honour the heritage, cultures, and contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples. At FCI, we are committed to acknowledging and respecting the rich histories and diverse traditions of Indigenous communities, and we stand in solidarity and celebration with Indigenous peoples across the country.

Let's take this opportunity to learn, reflect, and appreciate the unique heritage that shapes our nation.

06/18/2024

Preparing for Your Student’s Departure

As the time for your student’s departure approaches, here are some tips to ensure a smooth transition:

✅ Plan a Farewell Activity: Organize a special activity or meal to celebrate your time together.
✅ Packing: Remind your student to plan the packing of belongings so they can get rid of any extra items that won’t fit in their luggage.
✅ Clean: Remind your student of the importance of leaving their bedroom clean, disposing of all trash, and returning the house key.
✅ Final Walk-Through: On their last day, inspect the room together to confirm everything is in its place. Should any concerns arise, reach out to FCI.
✅ Ask about Airport Transportation: Make sure your student has a plan to get to the airport. If they are unsure, they can contact our team for assistance.

Thank you for being such a welcoming and caring host family.

06/16/2024

Happy Father's Day!

We want to take a moment to honour and celebrate all the incredible host dads in our community. Thank you for opening your hearts and homes to students from around the world, and providing them with a nurturing environment and support 🥰

Happy Father's Day to our amazing host dads! 😎

06/14/2024

Celebrating World Blood Donor Day ❤

At FCI, we believe in giving back to our community and making a positive impact wherever we can. Today, on World Blood Donor Day, we're encouraging everyone to roll up their sleeves and donate blood. Every drop counts and your donation could save lives!

Find your nearest blood donation center here: https://www.blood.ca/en

06/13/2024

As the end of the school year approaches, our international students will soon be returning to their home countries. We encourage all host families to cherish these final moments and spend quality time with the students ❤ Your patience and support during this transition period are greatly appreciated.

Thank you for opening your hearts and homes to our students 🥰

06/11/2024

Join FCI as a Host Family!

Are you interested in a rewarding cultural exchange experience? Here’s why FCI is the best choice for your homestay partnership:

✅ 25+ Years of Experience: With over 25 years of experience, we have a proven track record of successfully placing students in warm and welcoming homes.
✅ Local Expertise: As a family-run business in North Vancouver, we have deep community connections and a thorough understanding of the local area.
✅ Personalized Support: We provide exceptional care for both host families and students, offering personalized support every step of the way.
✅ Emergency Response: Our team is always ready to assist in emergency situations, providing peace of mind for you and your student.
✅ Engaging Activities: We organize tours and activities to keep students engaged and active, ensuring they have a fulfilling experience.

Contact Nina Hope at 778-887-9534 to learn more!

06/10/2024

Celebrating Pride Month 🌈

At FCI, we believe in fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment for everyone. Discrimination based on s*xual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, and s*x characteristics can have a devastating effect on the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of those who endure it.

Join us in celebrating Pride Month by supporting LGBTQ+ rights, participating in local events, and sharing your stories of inclusion and acceptance. Together, we can make a difference and create a world where everyone feels at home.

Happy Pride Month! 🌈

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06/06/2024

Is there ever a bad time for puppy yoga?

06/04/2024

If you squint your eyes you can almost see summer coming up!

FCI Tofino Trip 2024

06/02/2024

Puppy Yoga Fun with Our International Students! 🐶🧘‍♀️

We had an amazing time taking our students to a puppy yoga session! 🥰 The joy on their faces and the cuddles with the adorable puppies made it a day to remember. Check out these cute pictures!

Hosting international students brings so much joy and unique experiences. If you’re interested in becoming a host family, please reach out to us for more information.

05/31/2024

We Need New Host Families! 🏠❤️

Do you know anyone with a big heart and a welcoming home? We need your help! We are looking for families interested in hosting high school students in North Vancouver. Students are expected to arrive between August 24th and August 26th, 2024. If you are one of our host families, please consider our host family referral program. To learn more visit: https://myfci.ca/hosts/host-referral/

Thank you for your kindness and support!

05/21/2024

This May long weekend, we had an incredible time taking a group of our international students on a memorable trip to the stunning Tofino! 🌲🌊

They had a blast surfing the waves, exploring the breathtaking nature, and enjoying a cozy fire by the beach. It was amazing to see them come together, bond, and create lifelong memories in such a beautiful setting.

A big thank you to everyone who helped make this exciting adventure possible. 🌎✨

05/17/2024

From the beauties of British Columbia, to the enchanting views of Alberta. Keep an eye out for the return of FCI’s Rocky Mountains experience!

FCI Rocky Mountains Tour 2023

05/15/2024

Did you have a chance to catch the lights with your friends and family? Make sure to share it with us!

05/12/2024

Happy Mother's Day From FCI! 💐❤️

As we honor Mother's Day, we want to shine a spotlight on our incredible host moms who play such an important role in the lives of our international students. Thank you for opening your hearts and homes, and enriching the lives of our students in countless ways!

05/10/2024

Sunny days are back, and soon so will be our Bowen Island activity! Kayaking and volleyball are essential for a good BC summer 😉

FCI Bowen Island Day-trip 2023

05/01/2024

May is Mental Health Awareness Month.

A time to shine a light on mental health and break down the stigma surrounding mental illness. It's an opportunity to raise awareness, provide support, and promote understanding of mental health conditions.

Throughout this month, let's come together to prioritize our mental well-being and support those who may be struggling. Whether it's through open conversations, acts of kindness, or seeking professional help when needed, every action counts.❤️

04/26/2024

FCI Tours&Activites 📍🇨🇦

At FCI, we're passionately committed to providing our students with opportunities to travel, connect with others, and have fun. Check out these amazing pictures from our tour to the Rockies. Each moment captured was a chance for our students to learn, grow, and create cherished memories that will last a lifetime.

Join us as we continue to inspire curiosity, foster cultural understanding, and create extraordinary experiences for all our students. 🌍 🌟

Address

340/233 1st Street West
North Vancouver, BC
V7M1B3

Opening Hours

Monday	8:30am - 5pm
Tuesday	8:30am - 5pm
Wednesday	8:30am - 5pm
Thursday	8:30am - 5pm
Friday	8:30am - 5pm
Saturday	9am - 4pm

Website

https://myfci.ca/

Alerts

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Videos

🐰🌷 Hoppy Easter from FCI 🌷🐰 Let the Easter egg hunts begin... 🥚 Hoping your Easter is as sweet as a basket full of chocolate 📸 Don't forget to share your Easter adventures with us!

Valentine's Day 2024

💖 Happy Valentine's Day from FCI 💖 Today, we celebrate love in all its forms, including the warm bonds shared between our homestay families and students. To our incredible hosts who open their hearts and homes to our students, thank you for spreading love and creating unforgettable experiences. And to all the students who enrich our lives with their unique cultures and stories, thank you for choosing us as your home away from home 💕🏠🌍

Happy Saint Patrick’s Day! 🍀 "May you have all the happiness and luck that life can hold and at the end of your rainbows ay you find a pot of gold." - Old Irish Blessing #StPatricksDay

Wishing our homestay community a fun and relaxing Spring Break this year 😎. We hope you all find time to do something fun, get outdoors and spend quality time with your family and friends 😃 📸 If you plan any fun adventures, don't forget to share your Spring Break photos with us!

Happy National Flag of Canada Day 2023 🇨🇦 This Day commemorates the official birth of the Maple Leaf Flag on February 15th, 1965, when it was raised for the very first time on Parliament Hill. Canadians celebrate the day by wearing red and white, raising their flag high and paying tribute to the big leaf! We are truly grateful to live in such a beautiful country ❤️ #canada #canadaflag #fcistudent #fcihostfamilies #internationalstudents

Guess what today is? It's the 1st Friday of the New Year 😃 Let's make this year great!! Happy Friday! Hope you all have a lovely weekend 🥰 #happyfriday #fridayvibes ‼️

Wishing you a happy and prosperous new year!🥳 Thanks for being part of our amazing homestay community! We hope this year will bring love and positivity into your life ❤ #newyear #HappyNewYear

Happy Holidays and warm wishes for the New Year! 🎄⛄️ We hope you have fun with your loved ones this holiday season and make wonderful memories for years to cherish Thank you for being part of our homestay community ❤️ #christmasday2022 🥰 #fcifamiliesrock #fcihostfamilies #internationalstudents

Sharing this lovely memory of our student's skiing/ snowboarding in Whistler. Gerardo Canton, from Mexico, and his friends had an amazing time in Whistler. Thank you for sharing this super cool outdoor-adventure photo Gerardo 🏂. We would love to see what you are up to this winter...Share your Happy Winter Memories with us! 😊

Canada History Week 2022 🇨🇦 takes place from November 21 to 27! This week is an opportunity for Canadians and visitors to learn more about the people, places, and events that shaped this country 😊. To celebrate this year’s Canada History Week, we encourage families and students to reflect upon Canada's rich history and to visit local museums or historical sites. Here are some recommendations: 1️⃣ Fort Langley National Historic Site of Canada 2️⃣ Marpole Midden National Historic Site 3️⃣ Britannia Mine Concentrator National Historic Site #HistoryWeek2022 #canadianhistory #explorecanada #fcistudents #fcihosts

Wishing you all a Happy Halloween full of witches, goblins, and of course, candies! 🎃👻 Make some wonderful Halloween memories! 😈 #Halloween #halloween2022 #fcistudents

Nothing soothes the soul like a day by the water 🏖. FCI organized this awesome get-together at Ambleside Park. Beautiful to see students having fun and chilling at the beach 🥰❤ #dayatthebeach #fcistudent #fcihostfamilies #internationalstudents

Did you recently welcome a new international student into your home? Why not try something new with your student this weekend? 😃 Having an international student stay with you is a great excuse for you and your family to try something new or go somewhere you wouldn’t usually go 📍 You could visit that coffee shop you walk past every day ☕️ or check out a new hiking trail. This is a great opportunity to expand your family's horizons and see your surroundings with a fresh perspective 😎 Share with us if you do something special with your students this weekend! We would love to see your pictures ❤

WELCOME TO BC! We have more than 200 FCI host families welcoming students this semester! 🥰🎉 Our welcoming communities and incredible natural environment have put our province at the center stage of international education programs. 🎖 BC has become one of the top study abroad destinations for international students around the world! Host families play a pivotal role in an international student’s experience and help them become immersed in our culture and enjoy our beautiful cities and environment. MANY THANKS to our amazing host families for making it all possible ❤ ##britishcolumbia #FCIHostfamilies #FCIfamiliesRock #hostfamilieswanted #diversitymatters #internationalstudents

Many families across Canada are preparing to welcome students into their homes this month! 🥰 International students have become part of the cultural fabric across many Canadian cities and have a tremendous impact on the local communities in which they live. These students not only inspire global curiosity and create cultural awareness amongst the local population, but also generate substantial demand for food, housing, transport, retail and entertainment services. The economic contributions of international students to Canada cannot be overlooked, as they promote employment growth and prosperity for our local communities. In 2018, international students in Canada contributed an estimated $21.6 billion to Canada’s GDP and supported almost 170,000 jobs for Canada’s middle class. ✅ MANY THANKS to our host families for contributing to their communities by hosting international students! ❤ #FCIHostfamilies #FCIfamiliesRock #hostfamilieswanted #diversitymatters #internationalstudents

We are finally getting into the summer swing of things! 🌞☀️ We hope you all enjoy the rest of your summer! If you know anyone interesting in hosting in September or January, please consider our host family referral program and get 💲250! ✅ https://myfci.ca/host-referral #FCIhomestay #FCIfamiliesRock #hostfamiliesneeded

Many Host Families Have Cats! 🐱 50% of our students are cat lovers 🥰 We would love to see a photo of your cat in the comments section 👇 #FCIhostfamilies #catlover #hostfamilies

Welcoming an international student into your home can be a fun and rewarding experience! Our eager, young students can bring a fresh perspective to your life! 📍 Hosts receive generous compensation and 24/7 support from our team. 📍 For more information, please contact Nina Hoppe at 778-887-9534 or [email protected] 📍 Apply to be a host family today at myfci.ca/apply-to-host