Advice for an Irish Girl moving to Edmonton

Braindance · 05-05-2011, 03:35 PM

Hi there!

I am planning to leave Ireland for Edmonton in a few weeks. I am going on an International Experience Canada visa which will allow me to work for up to two years there. I am also getting accredited by the relevant Canadian organisation so I will be able to work in what I graduated, after I do the exams, etc. Until then I guess I will have to work any job!

There are a lot of things I am unsure about, but for the moment I would love some advice on one or two things.

First of all, if I can only get a minimum wage/low paying job, what rent per month will I be able to afford? I would prefer to live on my own until I feel more settled, perhaps the equivalent of a bedsit or something very small and basic.

Will I be able to get short term leases, say month to month, or three months? I would like to stay for the full two years (or longer if I like it!) but I have a fixed amount of money so if I remain jobless for more than a few months, I will have to go home!

Finally, are there any good city centre hostels that people can recommend for when I land? It's all a bit scary but exciting I guess!

Thanks in advance!

Blueline · 05-05-2011, 04:45 PM

What's your education - background
(Possible employment wish)

Braindance · 05-05-2011, 05:06 PM

I have a BSc in Biomedical Science! So once my education evaluation is finished and after I do the exams/refresher courses, I would hope I could apply to work as a Medical Laboratory Technician (Biomedical Scientist in Ireland). According to my research it is on the list of wanted professions for Skilled Workers! But I think that might be a few months before I can do that.

Gord Lacey · 05-05-2011, 05:33 PM

So are you looking for just any job at all, or something in your field? Would you be willing to rent a place for a few months and then move to somewhere more permanent?

Braindance · 05-05-2011, 06:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gord Lacey

So are you looking for just any job at all, or something in your field? Would you be willing to rent a place for a few months and then move to somewhere more permanent?

At first, any job at all, because I won't get my evaluation report for a few weeks, so I don't know whether I will be allowed to take the exam to be certified, and work, or if I will have to do a refresher course first at the U of A.

Yeah I would definitely prefer rent for a few months first, until I am confident I have a job where I can support myself. If everything works out, then I would be open to a more permanent residence.

JBear · 05-05-2011, 06:32 PM

I assume you'll be going to the U of A? Sounds like you'll be living like a poor student for a bit

debos · 05-05-2011, 06:36 PM

There is a hostel just south of Whyte Ave with a fairly central location. I'm not sure of the price or quality.
http://www.hihostels.ca/westerncanad...dmonton.hostel

I'd suggest http://edmonton.kijiji.ca/ to start your search for rental units.

Replacement · 05-05-2011, 07:35 PM

If I was you I'd try to get a job for the summer at Banff Springs Hotel Or Jasper Park Lodge in the Rockies. They don't work you too hard, accomodation is on site, and if you're a people person it would be an unforgettable summer.

Great location and good introduction to Alberta. Especially if you like Mountains at all.

Plenty of students from in and out of the country work in Jasper or Banff for the summer(or all year). This kind of arrangement could be perfect for you as it solves your residence and employment for the summer.

Also not sure why you wouldn't try Student accomodation at U of A. Would be cheaper than renting your own and better than a hostel.

booster · 05-05-2011, 08:16 PM

There is a hostel downtown www.gohostels.ca which has a higher concentration of international guests and has washrooms in each room compared to the southside hostel. And they also have dormitory as well monthly private room rentals for international work visa holders. Just email them and I am sure they can help you out. Dynacare labs is one block away from the hostel and you are one block from the LRT to the U of A as well. Good luck.

AAAAE · 05-05-2011, 10:51 PM

You could work at a small cafe or coffee shop downtown. Would probably be the best simple job that won't be too difficult.

Blueline · 06-05-2011, 07:47 AM

There is a large biomed community here attached to the hospitals, U of A and the pharma industry here.
I hope these links assist
http://www.capitalhealth.ca/Hospital...al/default.htm
http://www.ualberta.ca/
http://www.careers.ualberta.ca/
http://www.aet.alberta.ca/technology.aspx
http://www.aet.alberta.ca/
http://www.macewan.ca/wcm/index.htm

IanO · 06-05-2011, 11:04 AM

www.edmonton.ca

www.movetoedmonton.com

some good links for you

Temporarily, you might want to consider a waitressing job at one of our fine Irish pubs.

http://www.obyrnes.com/

http://www.edmontonpubs.com/content/...id=6&Itemid=23

cheers

alex69 · 06-05-2011, 01:12 PM

In one word:

DON'T.

Dialog · 06-05-2011, 01:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alex69

In one word:

DON'T

...listen to Alex69

Braindance · 06-05-2011, 04:25 PM

Thanks everyone for your suggestions, I really appreciate it!

Quote:

In one word:

DON'T.

Anything is better than here! Ireland has nothing to offer at the moment, so I'd rather take my chances somewhere else! I live in the possibly the dullest part of Ireland so anywhere is a step up.

norwoodguy · 06-05-2011, 04:37 PM

^Welcome to Edmonton. Ireland's greatest export has always been its people and we are happy to have you here in Edmonton and Canada.

LoftGuy · 07-05-2011, 10:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dialog

Quote:

Originally Posted by alex69

In one word:

DON'T

...listen to Alex69

Can we swap you two for her? Cripes....

moahunter · 07-05-2011, 10:52 AM

x2, I'm willing to bet neither of then has ever lived outside of Alberta, so they have no idea of what they are talking about.

Edmonton has a terrific bio-pharmaceutical / medical industry, good luck Irish girl.

nosheep · 07-05-2011, 10:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Braindance

Thanks everyone for your suggestions, I really appreciate it!

Quote:

In one word:

DON'T.

Anything is better than here! Ireland has nothing to offer at the moment, so I'd rather take my chances somewhere else! I live in the possibly the dullest part of Ireland so anywhere is a step up.

Be warned our employers are famous for taking advantage of immigrants, some pay thousands to come here to find no jobs, or forced to work minimum wage wich I will tell you now you can't live here on minimum wage its why we get so many where 10 of them will live in 1 place. they end up sleeping in closets etc.

Just do a google search you will find many horor story's on our immigration and our employers.

Edmontonfan · 07-05-2011, 11:26 AM

My advice is to come here with an open mind, you'll probably find that you love it here and want to stay - just like thousands of other people, myself included.

Never mind the naysayers the revel in their misery!

As with every other place in the world Edmonton has its positives and negatives and you can decide which part to dwell on.

Enjoy your time here!

Cal76 · 08-05-2011, 06:38 PM

As a happily settled immigrant who's glad to call Edmonton home, I have one word to say: WELCOME !

Both Blueline and IanO has provided some terrific links, so, I won't repeat putting them here. All I can say is that the U of A is a great institution with many opportunities in biomedical sciences.
Hope you come here and love to live in our northern metropolis............ best o' luck !

Gemini · 08-05-2011, 08:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nosheep

Quote:

Originally Posted by Braindance

Thanks everyone for your suggestions, I really appreciate it!

Quote:

In one word:

DON'T.

Anything is better than here! Ireland has nothing to offer at the moment, so I'd rather take my chances somewhere else! I live in the possibly the dullest part of Ireland so anywhere is a step up.

Be warned our employers are famous for taking advantage of immigrants, some pay thousands to come here to find no jobs, or forced to work minimum wage wich I will tell you now you can't live here on minimum wage its why we get so many where 10 of them will live in 1 place. they end up sleeping in closets etc.

Just do a google search you will find many horor story's on our immigration and our employers.

Nosheep, you're probably preaching to someone who knows all about immigrants. I don't know if the poster is from Northern Ireland or Eire but Ireland has lots of immigrants of it's own. Stop acting like your cup is half empty. There are thousands upon thousands of immigrants that have come to Canada and the vast majority will tell you their cup is half full.
There's no work in Ireland. They were hit very hard by the collapse of the world's economy. We are heading for a shortage of workers in the near future.
We also have in Edmonton:
The Irish Sports & Social Society
Ph: (780)453-2249

bulliver · 10-05-2011, 08:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LoftGuy

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dialog

Quote:

Originally Posted by alex69

In one word:

DON'T

...listen to Alex69

Can we swap you two for her? Cripes....

Alex we can certainly do without, but I think Dialog was simply completing the sentence: "Don't listen to alex69". Good advice if you ask me.

bulliver · 10-05-2011, 08:25 PM

And to the OP...agree that a temp job in an Irish pub may be a good idea. You could probably make good money, and even if you have no serving experience you may get a shot because of your accent. Note that you will have to have Proserve training to get a service job that involves alcohol. You can do it online for $25...

http://proserve.aglc.ca/Index.aspx?tabid=1

DanC · 10-05-2011, 09:03 PM

Tell me you have a really strong irish accent and I have no idea what you are saying unless you at talking directly to me. That was THE highlight of wandering into a random pub while out here in TO...a real REAL Irish girl.

Our pubs could use a few of those, so I also recommend that for a temp job.

norwoodguy · 10-05-2011, 09:42 PM

^And of course there is not just one Irish accent but many. I enjoy them all although with varying degrees of comprehension.

05-05-2011, 03:35 PM	#1
Braindance First One is Always Free Join Date: May 2011	Advice for an Irish Girl moving to Edmonton Hi there! I am planning to leave Ireland for Edmonton in a few weeks. I am going on an International Experience Canada visa which will allow me to work for up to two years there. I am also getting accredited by the relevant Canadian organisation so I will be able to work in what I graduated, after I do the exams, etc. Until then I guess I will have to work any job! There are a lot of things I am unsure about, but for the moment I would love some advice on one or two things. First of all, if I can only get a minimum wage/low paying job, what rent per month will I be able to afford? I would prefer to live on my own until I feel more settled, perhaps the equivalent of a bedsit or something very small and basic. Will I be able to get short term leases, say month to month, or three months? I would like to stay for the full two years (or longer if I like it!) but I have a fixed amount of money so if I remain jobless for more than a few months, I will have to go home! Finally, are there any good city centre hostels that people can recommend for when I land? It's all a bit scary but exciting I guess! Thanks in advance!

05-05-2011, 04:45 PM	#2
Blueline Addicted to C2E Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Edmonton	What's your education - background (Possible employment wish) __________________ Still waiting for the Arlington site to be reborn .......

05-05-2011, 05:33 PM	#4
Gord Lacey Addicted to C2E Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Strathcona - Mill Creek	So are you looking for just any job at all, or something in your field? Would you be willing to rent a place for a few months and then move to somewhere more permanent? Last edited by Gord Lacey; 05-05-2011 at 05:35 PM..

05-05-2011, 07:35 PM	#8
Replacement Addicted to C2E Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Edmonton	If I was you I'd try to get a job for the summer at Banff Springs Hotel Or Jasper Park Lodge in the Rockies. They don't work you too hard, accomodation is on site, and if you're a people person it would be an unforgettable summer. Great location and good introduction to Alberta. Especially if you like Mountains at all. Plenty of students from in and out of the country work in Jasper or Banff for the summer(or all year). This kind of arrangement could be perfect for you as it solves your residence and employment for the summer. Also not sure why you wouldn't try Student accomodation at U of A. Would be cheaper than renting your own and better than a hostel. Last edited by Replacement; 05-05-2011 at 07:40 PM..

05-05-2011, 08:16 PM	#9
booster Addicted to C2E Join Date: May 2007 Location: Belgravia	There is a hostel downtown www.gohostels.ca which has a higher concentration of international guests and has washrooms in each room compared to the southside hostel. And they also have dormitory as well monthly private room rentals for international work visa holders. Just email them and I am sure they can help you out. Dynacare labs is one block away from the hostel and you are one block from the LRT to the U of A as well. Good luck. __________________ My antidepressent drug of choice is running. Cheaper with less side effects!

05-05-2011, 05:06 PM	#3
Braindance First One is Always Free Join Date: May 2011	I have a BSc in Biomedical Science! So once my education evaluation is finished and after I do the exams/refresher courses, I would hope I could apply to work as a Medical Laboratory Technician (Biomedical Scientist in Ireland). According to my research it is on the list of wanted professions for Skilled Workers! But I think that might be a few months before I can do that.

05-05-2011, 06:32 PM	#6
JBear Addicted to C2E Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Back in E-Town!	I assume you'll be going to the U of A? Sounds like you'll be living like a poor student for a bit

05-05-2011, 06:36 PM	#7
debos Partially Addicted to C2E Join Date: Apr 2008	There is a hostel just south of Whyte Ave with a fairly central location. I'm not sure of the price or quality. http://www.hihostels.ca/westerncanad...dmonton.hostel I'd suggest http://edmonton.kijiji.ca/ to start your search for rental units.

05-05-2011, 10:51 PM	#10
AAAAE Addicted to C2E Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Edmonton, AB	You could work at a small cafe or coffee shop downtown. Would probably be the best simple job that won't be too difficult.

06-05-2011, 07:47 AM	#11
Blueline Addicted to C2E Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Edmonton	There is a large biomed community here attached to the hospitals, U of A and the pharma industry here. I hope these links assist http://www.capitalhealth.ca/Hospital...al/default.htm http://www.ualberta.ca/ http://www.careers.ualberta.ca/ http://www.aet.alberta.ca/technology.aspx http://www.aet.alberta.ca/ http://www.macewan.ca/wcm/index.htm __________________ Still waiting for the Arlington site to be reborn .......

06-05-2011, 11:04 AM	#12
IanO Addicted to C2E Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Edmonton	www.edmonton.ca www.movetoedmonton.com some good links for you Temporarily, you might want to consider a waitressing job at one of our fine Irish pubs. http://www.obyrnes.com/ http://www.edmontonpubs.com/content/...id=6&Itemid=23 cheers __________________ inspiration or mediocrity www.decl.org Ottawa-Edmonton-Vancouver-Edmonton

06-05-2011, 01:12 PM	#13
alex69 Banned Join Date: Feb 2011	In one word: DON'T.

06-05-2011, 04:37 PM	#16
norwoodguy Addicted to C2E Join Date: May 2009	^Welcome to Edmonton. Ireland's greatest export has always been its people and we are happy to have you here in Edmonton and Canada. __________________ Edmonton on my mind...

07-05-2011, 10:52 AM	#18
moahunter Addicted to C2E Join Date: May 2007 Location: Edmonton, Alberta	x2, I'm willing to bet neither of then has ever lived outside of Alberta, so they have no idea of what they are talking about. Edmonton has a terrific bio-pharmaceutical / medical industry, good luck Irish girl.

07-05-2011, 11:26 AM	#20
Edmontonfan Addicted to C2E Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Edmonton	My advice is to come here with an open mind, you'll probably find that you love it here and want to stay - just like thousands of other people, myself included. Never mind the naysayers the revel in their misery! As with every other place in the world Edmonton has its positives and negatives and you can decide which part to dwell on. Enjoy your time here! __________________ Edmontonian and proud of it!

08-05-2011, 06:38 PM	#21
Cal76 Addicted to C2E Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Edmonton	As a happily settled immigrant who's glad to call Edmonton home, I have one word to say: WELCOME ! Both Blueline and IanO has provided some terrific links, so, I won't repeat putting them here. All I can say is that the U of A is a great institution with many opportunities in biomedical sciences. Hope you come here and love to live in our northern metropolis............ best o' luck !

10-05-2011, 08:25 PM	#24
bulliver Addicted to C2E Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Old Strathcona	And to the OP...agree that a temp job in an Irish pub may be a good idea. You could probably make good money, and even if you have no serving experience you may get a shot because of your accent. Note that you will have to have Proserve training to get a service job that involves alcohol. You can do it online for $25... http://proserve.aglc.ca/Index.aspx?tabid=1 __________________ Support the mob or mysteriously disappear...

10-05-2011, 09:03 PM	#25
DanC Addicted to C2E Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Strathearn, Edmonton	Tell me you have a really strong irish accent and I have no idea what you are saying unless you at talking directly to me. That was THE highlight of wandering into a random pub while out here in TO...a real REAL Irish girl. Our pubs could use a few of those, so I also recommend that for a temp job. __________________ Thinks density = vibrancy...crazy I know.

10-05-2011, 09:42 PM	#26
norwoodguy Addicted to C2E Join Date: May 2009	^And of course there is not just one Irish accent but many. I enjoy them all although with varying degrees of comprehension. __________________ Edmonton on my mind...