From Colombia to VFS: Juan’s Real Talk on Film School, Culture Shock & Surviving on a Budget 🎬🇨🇦

What’s it actually like to leave Colombia and dive headfirst into Canada’s film industry? In this episode of the CANADA STUDENT NETWORK PODCAST, we meet Juan Andres, a Film Production student at Vancouver Film School (VFS) who moved to Vancouver from Bogotá.

With 8-to-5 classes, hands-on projects, and no breaks between terms, Juan’s life is a whirlwind of cameras, deadlines, and downtown adventures. From grocery hacks to cross-cultural friendships, he shares what it really takes to survive and thrive as an international student in one of Canada’s most competitive creative programs.

💸 Living on a Budget – Rent tips, Costco runs, and why cooking is survival

🎥 VFS Life – What makes film school intense, exciting, and non-stop

📍 Exploring Vancouver – How he finds time to enjoy the city (and why he loves the beach)

🍛 Global Friendships – How Indian butter chicken and Colombian snacks brought his class together

🎓 Culture Shock – His first winter, the language shift, and learning Canadian ways

📆 No Vacations – What it’s like to study full-time without a break

💬 Advice to Future Students – The mindset he wishes he’d had before coming

Whether you're a future VFS applicant, a film buff, or just curious about international student life, Juan’s story is honest, helpful, and packed with personality.

🎧 Real stories. Real students. Real growth. Listen now.

🎙️ CANADA STUDENT NETWORK PODCAST – Where students connect, share, and grow.

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