Robert WebbA few months ago, I would end up binge-watching several TV series as soon as I got home from work. While there’s nothing wrong with that, I felt that I had to do more sensible things during my free time.
Good thing that Vancouver has several continuing education programs that can help me expand my knowledge. Bonus part: I can choose to attend classes online, and continue being a working professional during the day!
So if you’re also thinking of investing for yourself, continue reading this blog as we give you a rundown of the best continuing education centers we’ve found in the city.
How we chose:
1. Advance Continuing Education
Consumer Rating: B+
| Google reviews score | 4.9/5 |
| Total reviews | 5/5 |
| Score consistency | 5/5 |
Our Rating: B
| Recognition | 4.4/5 |
| Range of courses | 4/5 |
| Schedule flexibility | 4/5 |
| Evening or weekend classes | 4/5 |
| An option for self-paced learning | 4/5 |
| Course duration | 4/5 |
| Short-term & long-term courses | 4/5 |
| Customizable length | 4/5 |
If you’re looking for First Aid and FOODSAFE certifications then you should consider enrolling at Advance Continuing Education.
What we liked most about this continuing education center is that it provides practical cases to students. This will let you understand the course rather than relying on books alone.
We also loved how the instructors explained the content of the course very clearly. They will even run you through all the key points, ensuring that you’re all aligned with the lessons.
The instructors also take their time if you need further clarification. We loved that they never rushed to tackle the next lesson if there was still pending discussion.
Another thing that we loved about this center is that the classes are very engaging. Even better, the instructors make even more interactive classes as they prepare you for the exam.
In line with this, we’re pleased to know that the center also provides several examples, allowing you to understand the chapters even better.
When it comes to flexibility, we love that they offer both in-person classes and live video conferencing. The video conference classes would be a better option if you’re working during the day.
It’s worth noting, however, that they only have limited programs in this center.
Instructors provide a clear explanation
“I listened to Mr. Chen’s food safe course here today. The teacher is very polite and speaks clearly and pleasantly. The speech is very good, very careful, and very vivid, and gives many practical cases and stories. For this course, the explanation of examples will help you understand the course better. Simply perfect!”
Gaber, Google Review
Insightful classes
“I took food safety level 1 by Amerdeep and had a great experience. Hepled to give deep insight into the course. I really recommend him.!”
Gurpinder Singh, Google Review
2. Langara College Continuing Studies
Consumer Rating: B+
| Google reviews score | 4.9/5 |
| Total reviews | 5/5 |
| Score consistency | 5/5 |
Our Rating: B
| Recognition | 4.4/5 |
| Range of courses | 4/5 |
| Schedule flexibility | 4/5 |
| Evening or weekend classes | 4/5 |
| An option for self-paced learning | 4/5 |
| Course duration | 4/5 |
| Short-term & long-term courses | 4/5 |
| Customizable length | 4/5 |
You can select part-time programs, full-time programs, short certificates, and even specialized training at Langara College Continuing Studies. With their flexible schedule, you can surely fit these courses into your busy schedule.
In addition to that, if you only have a few hours to spare, you can opt for their short certificates.
Some of the programs you can choose from are builder license, dental reception, professional bookkeeping, and advanced project management, just to name a few.
While this center isn’t big compared to the main campus, the teachers here are very hands-on, ensuring you understand the lessons clearly.
What impressed us was the instructors will also take their time to prepare you to get the job that you’re looking for in your chosen industry.
Meanwhile, you can conveniently apply on their online portal, which you can access at any time of the day. Even better, you can even apply through your mobile phone.
Moreover, you can also settle payments using your credit cards.
We’re also pleased to know you’ll immediately know the status of your application. Within a week, you can already check the instructions to log in to your applicant portal so you can move forward with your continuing education.
Knowledgeable teachers
“Great facility with great students. I would highly recommend Lam D. to anyone visiting here. He is very patient and provided great advice and suggestions for resolving my back pain and proved to be knowledgeable as a student in the RMT program.”
Assists students in finding jobs after the program
“Maybe this campus is not full of multi-functional sitting areas and it’s not that big compared to the main campus but tbh all of the teachers are doing their best to prepare you not only for learning but also for getting a job that you’re looking for in CG industry. Great experience!”
Masoud Bazzaz, Google Review
3. Vancouver Community College
Consumer Rating: B+
| Google reviews score | 3.8/5 |
| Total reviews | 5/5 |
| Score consistency | 5/5 |
Our Rating: B
| Recognition | 4.5/5 |
| Range of courses | 4.3/5 |
| Schedule flexibility | 4/5 |
| Evening or weekend classes | 4/5 |
| An option for self-paced learning | 4/5 |
| Course duration | 4/5 |
| Short-term & long-term courses | 4/5 |
| Customizable length | 4/5 |
If you’re looking for a continuing education program that will train you to work in gourmet restaurants, automotive shops, and salons, then you should consider enrolling at Vancouver Community College.
What we like about this company is that they have small classes, allowing their teachers to focus on every student and check their progress.
If you’re working on a budget, we love that you can explore their scholarship programs, making you earn a continuing education without breaking the bank. This will also give you a chance to finish the course on time.
In terms of application, we love that they have a straightforward process. You can even finish your application online, minimizing the hassle of doing multiple trips to the campus.
What also stood out to us was their commitment to preparing you right before you graduate from your program. We appreciate how they instill values and confidence in every student, ensuring you’re ready to face challenges in the real world.
In line with this, they offer flexible payments. You can even settle via credit card, making the process even smoother.
However, there are limited weekend classes. This could be a little inconvenient for those who are working on weekdays.
Good-looking campus
“Beautiful campus with a variety of services for people. Great bakery and salon and spa for excellent prices.”
Melissa Girardin, Google Review
Great cooking school programs
“Great Cooking School programs, for both domestic and International students. Talented Chefs and Teachers. VCC is a pillar of the Vancouver Culinary.”
Vitor Silva, Google Review
4. South Hill Education Centre
Consumer Rating: B
| Google reviews score | 3.6/5 |
| Total reviews | 4.5/5 |
| Score consistency | 5/5 |
Our Rating: B+
| Recognition | 4.7/5 |
| Range of courses | 4.8/5 |
| Schedule flexibility | 5/5 |
| Evening or weekend classes | 5/5 |
| An option for self-paced learning | 5/5 |
| Course duration | 4.8/5 |
| Short-term & long-term courses | 4.8/5 |
| Customizable length | 4.8/5 |
South Hill Education Center has been providing courses such as English, Math, Science, Business, Law, and History, just to name a few.
If you have more time on your plate, then you can opt for their structured in-person classes. Meanwhile, if you want to avoid further pressure, you can just choose their self-paced programs.
What’s great about this continuing education center is that they offer classes in various time slots, allowing you to choose the most convenient time to fit into your busy schedule. They also have Saturday classes, ideal for working individuals.
Another thing that we loved about this center is that their staff is helpful, making them a convenient option especially if you’ve been away in school for several years. They will gladly assist you throughout the process, giving you a smooth enrollment experience.
We also loved that their teachers are friendly and patient. They will really take their time in familiarizing themselves with the student’s skills and capabilities, allowing them to check on their progress as they go.
If you’re bringing a car on the way to school, you’ll love that this center offers free parking, saving you from additional costs.
We just have our reservations when it comes to the course duration. We find the 9-week program a bit short, especially if you prefer more interactive classes that will let you apply what you’ve learned throughout the course.
Helpful teachers and staff
“This place is great. All the educators are helpful and friendly”
What’s in the Box?, Google Review
Engaging and diverse courses
“I studied English at this school and was very pleased with the result. You can also study mathematics, biology, chemistry, and social sciences here. This is the equivalent of a public school and the teaching here is the same as if you were studying in a Canadian school. The learning result is needed for admission to colleges/universities. How my training went: first I passed a test to determine my language level, and then I was sent to the appropriate “class”. My level was determined to be grade 7 and in April I began 2 months of training at this level. Having completed the 7th “grade” program (which counts as 7/10/11 – don’t ask why :)), I went to the 11th “grade” summer intensive one-month course in July; and from September to November I studied in the 12th grade. During the course, we read short stories and magazine articles and analyzed them in terms of literary devices; learned the rules of English punctuation; wrote a lot of essays; prepared presentations on various topics; We talked a lot with our classmates. It was interesting and unusual, the level of my language knowledge increased significantly. I am very grateful to the teachers for their patience and friendliness.”
Victoria R, Google Review
5. UBC Extending Learning
Consumer Rating: B
| Google reviews score | 4/5 |
| Total reviews | 4/5 |
| Score consistency | 5/5 |
Our Rating: B+
| Recognition | 4.7/5 |
| Range of courses | 4.7/5 |
| Schedule flexibility | 4.5/5 |
| Evening or weekend classes | 4.5/5 |
| An option for self-paced learning | 4.5/5 |
| Course duration | 4.8/5 |
| Short-term & long-term courses | 4.8/5 |
| Customizable length | 4.8/5 |
If you’re looking for continuing education courses related to architecture, landscape, nursing, forestry, and public health then you should consider checking programs offered by UBC Extended Learning.
We loved that this center offers part-time courses, perfect for those with busy schedules. Aside from in-person courses, they also offer online classes, making it convenient for those who can’t leave their homes while studying.
We’re also quite impressed that they offer conversational languages. So if you want to learn French, Spanish, Chinese, or Italian, then you can conveniently enroll in a class here at UBC.
What’s great about this continuing education center is that their online classes are as interactive and engaging as their in-person classes. We love that they provide dynamic content, allowing their instructors to maintain a lively interaction during online class.
We loved that they offer seasonal discounts, allowing you to enroll without breaking the bank. Recently, they offered students a winter discount for those who signed up before the Christmas season.
Another thing that we loved about them is that their teachers are patient and understanding, especially for students who are working during the day, or those with a busy family life. We appreciate that they’re pretty lenient with submission dates too!
Additionally, you’ll love that your fellow students are also helpful during projects, allowing you to learn from each other along the program.
Interactive online classes
“I’ve taken several courses with UBC ExL – Italian, and many writing courses and One Day@UBC. The instructors are passionate about their subjects and well organized. The most surprising thing for me is the online courses where there are no live classes felt very interactive and engaging, due to the dynamic content and the instructor interaction.”
Kimnberly Whidden, Google Review
Supportive environment
“Carefully designed programs, lovely instructors and supporting fellow students. #iloveubccs Sign up before Dec15th 2016 people will receive a winter discount.”
Deli Dang, Google Review
