Reviews of LaSalle College Vancouver (College)

Tsu4444

I want to give this school a good rating--I really do. I've had a handful of brilliant instructors and colleagues who have helped guide me toward my future. However, I feel like my money could have been better spent elsewhere. The administration is sloppy at best, but generally pretty horrendous. This means shoddy programs and courses. I've had instructors tripping over each other, appalled to find that their course outline is teaching us everything that we already learned in another course (and therefor having to restructure the whole course for our class). Many students, myself included, have also had difficulties with the advisers. They make a painstaking effort to not do anymore paperwork than they have to; I've had friends end up taking electives they do not want to take because the advisers selected the courses for them and did not allow them to change. In short, most of the instructors have good intentions while the rest of the staff are selfish, backward people who don't particularly care about the students. The school is here for the money, not the education. Please do not waste your money here; you will be doing yourself a great disservice.

Sahra Amini

This school is a fraud, you pay 50 thousand dollars for learning something that you can easily learn it using free online resources with much better teachers in three months! I studied Interior Design at this school and what I learned was bunch of softwares for 48 thousand dollars. The school is isolated and not connected to the industry at all. They try their best and promise you many thing in order to fool you to register But, please talk to the students as many as you can before its too late!

kamal

I'm from India at TAMIL NADU I'm interested to study our college

B X0rainbow

I had to take a break off of my schooling, i failed all my 4 courses because i wasn't able to do my homework, which is basically where you get all of your marks from, it doesn't matter that you've done the school work assigned while you're in class. I wasn't able to bring my son to school with me, hence the reason of my dropping the course. I still haven't been able to find a babysitter, and have been stuck in a hotel since moving here. coming to this school has been nothing but a waste of time, and now a waste of money. I had to apply with this school with a Student Loan, so now i'm thousands of dollars in debt, along with 9 weeks pregnant. This school was supposed to be my out, and new beginning; but it turned out to be a dud. i felt very creative in one of my classes, but the others we just too over whelming. I wish I wasn't accepted, and i wish i didn't enroll in the Graphic Design program. It's way to expensive. please find a different school to attend.

Karen MacPherson

I find the bad reviews interesting as it is rated number 5 by The Princeton Review's "Top 25 Undergraduate Schools to Study Game Design for 2015". I'm not a student, but do know a couple of people considering it. So, according to the review I would rate it a 5, maybe someone in the program could enlighten me?

164 10Mandheer Singh

Is fee refundable in this college ?

Midhun Kumar

I was at this school for a long while, as i did my bachelors here as apposed to the diploma. During my time here i saw a lot of students come and go, made many friends from various disciplines and here is the bottom line. Its easy to get into the school, because it is a private school, just because you paid your tuition does not mean you will pass the courses. The classes are fast paced and incremental, the students that i usually saw complaining were also the ones who never came to class or bothered to do their work. If you want to succeed, the school provides every opportunity to do so, you can bring the horse to the water, but you cant make it drink. A students success at this school, like others, is largely up to them, that being said, AI Vancouver provides all the help you could need. They even hold your hand more than you would expect a post secondary institution to do, when you start missing classes or your grades slip, they will reach out to you, but only you can help your self. If your passionate about your field, attend classes and do your work, you will have a great time, and meet many like minded people. I strongly recommend this school.

Brent Hampton (Kre8ivMynd)

I am just entering my 3rd quarter here and am not sure where the negativity from past students stems from. My instructors are amazing. My classes and the materials are excellent. I’m making an impact with the work I produce. And, best of all, I’m making connections with some very talented people and industry professionals. You get out what you put in. My experiences, thus far, have been outstanding. But I work hard for it and have fun with it, and I encourage my classmates to do the same. And, yes, the tuition is expensive, but not much more than other institutions, when you break down what they provide over what the Art Institute provides. I wish everyone could have the same positive, life-changing experience as me. All I can say is that I’m having the time of my life right now and am going to revel in it. Thanks, AI.

xGhostEYE

Avoid this school at all costs if you're interested in their Game Art and Design Program. Complete waste of money when you could easily learn everything you need and more from free resources online. Also, game companies don't care if you have a degree, they only care about what's on your portfolio and if its good

Jordan

This school is what you make of it. The instructors are excellent, the program is designed to be at such a high level of difficulty that people who are not truly motivated and WANT to be in their fields get weeded out by 4th quarter. One suggestion for anyone interested in taking the Game art and Design program is to only take it if you ARE INTERESTED IN STARTING YOUR OWN STUDIO! It's not a field you can just "find a job in and keep" Look at programming, modelling, or animation for that. These programs are very difficult and if you don't commit then you will fail. 50% of students don't make it through their program and it is VERY difficult to get everything done and work as well. I strongly suggest 4 classes a quarter as your work quality will be much better.

Sebastian Perez

Very nice school

Christina Ciccone-Ciardullo

not sure where all the negativity comes into place, but i can say without question that my time at LaSalle has so far been very fulfilling. I'm in the VFX program and, though i'm sure i'd be able to look at tutorials and take small classes for cheaper, i don't believe i'd have the great help from all of my teachers. they're caring, considerate, and amazing people. i do think it takes a lot of consideration to attend school here. after all, you're spending a lot of money and it can be frustrating thinking about the mass debt, but if you're as passionate as me and my classmates are, then it's a good choice. one thing i would change, however, is the accessibility to student services. there is rarely someone at the desk to help, which makes it hard when domestic students need to speak with someone. International students (as far as i know) know who to talk to. EDIT: LaSalle college is great if you don't need to call them. seriously, nobody anywhere answers the phone, it just kicks you straight to voicemail, and there's no email that anyone can use to get a hold of someone. Very hard if you're a student in need of help.

Thereallifeveronica

This school sees its students as nothing more than dollar signs. The minute something happens to a student and they reach out for help, they are givin a card to say call this number and that the school pays for of campus counciling. Awesome, so they student calls this card and try’s to arrange a time to meet with someone to talk to just to find out the school doesn’t pay for anything more than the phone call. So if there is something wrong you can only talk on the phone no one will actually come see you. Another thing, there is no health care coverage for any of the students, so if a student gets sick and can’t afford any meds, then the student is all alone. They also have student housing, that they are cancelling and moving to a more expensive place and building that is even further from the school. (they don’t provide any type of bus or train passes) They students that unfortunately are currently in housing, were promised so many things the school lied about provided, because once mentioned. The school said they never said that, when student provided emails and papers proving that the school was agian wrong. And for they courses, they are excusing and students aren’t giving anymore than 2 weeks off every 3 months of non stop study. It’s hard for students to be going to school full time to maintain loans, and have to pay for a room in a city that 90% of students are from. So please if you have read this far, even tho the school may seem like a dream DO NOT GO HERE Thanks.

Angelique martin

Satisfied with service, Issue was dealt with quickly, Questions I had about the program were answered shortly. Very polite and fast to reply back and would definitely recommend this school. I will be starting this program next year.

fox360 lol

the culinary arts major is really hard. and they told you to stay home if you are sick. but when you stay home. your grade will go down the hill. plus there are classes that are seriously hard. me and my friends are struggling to understand what the teacher is saying.

simran S

Please don't join this college. I wish I can give them 0 star. I am a former student and these people keep on emailing me for the pending tuition fee. These people have no shame. Also I have paid my full fees.

Jennifer Nguyễn

I've been thinking about attending here for a couple years now. i am currently in grade 10 and am intrested in the interior design program. If anyone can share their experiences or the opinion on this program please!

Simon Allan

I've written a review about this school before, when it was still The Art Institute Of Vancouver. Most of what I say will apply to the school from before the name change, but I assume most of it still applies now. To sum up: The education you receive (at least from the audio, or "Professional Recording Arts" program) is pretty damn good. You learn a lot of important skills, and the teachers are generally top notch. Unfortunately, the education didn't actually allow me or my classmates to actually GET jobs in the audio industry; of the ~50 students I called classmates, only three or so managed to get full-time work in a studio of some sort (a couple in music, and one in talk radio). A couple of the others were hired into the Audio/Visual industry; however, they probably could've got the job without paying $40k to AI/Lasalle, as one of them never actually graduated. Bottom line: Most of my classmates are NOT working in the audio industry at all. Many are working at non-audio related jobs, such as in auto sales and in retail. I graduated 2 years ago, literally at the top of the class, and I've only had a couple non-paying audio jobs and ONE paid audio job.

Taryn Douville

I attended the Art Institute of Vancouver for the 3D Modeling program back in 2016. I loved the teachers and courses but it’s definitely the type of school that you get out what you put in so you really need to work for it. Your demo reel is your resume and just “passing” a course isn’t good enough, you need to be the best. There were teachers who would fail you, but that was in your best interest, they didn’t deem you industry ready. But now they’ll pass you without even a second thought, they really don’t care if you’re industry ready or not. My last quarter is when the LaSalle takeover began, and I’m extremely thankful I wasn’t there for long after. Three people made the biggest difference in that program, Jesse Daniels (teacher), Robert Smith (teacher) and Josie Anderson (career advisor). Since two of those people have left I would never even consider joining that program. I would recommend if you want to do 3D modeling maybe check out VFS, Lost boys or Think Tank.

Paula Kor

This school is pretty good in its content, with great instructors and materials. Although the school fee is expensive, but if you work hard, you can totally get a successful academic path. I found myself improved a lot since enrolling and the instructors tried their best to help you succeed even after you graduate. In addition, school offer career advisors, who helps you develop job search skills and recommend jobs and contacts that are relevant to your career. Overall, Art Institute is great!

Club 604

Extremely over priced, 95% of what you are taught can be learned quicker and simpler online. Hold meaningless, mandatory classes (color theory) that do nothing but stress students out even if their field has no relation to the class being taught. Highly recommend staying as far away from this place as possible

2xtreme4u2bme

It's ok for a private college.

Diego Ruiz

Great college about videogames, design, hospitality and others. The students can learn with the best companies around north america

Ian Spence

One of the biggest and most expensive mistakes I've made in my life. Art Institute (now the LaSalle College) is a marketing machine first, and a school last. They care little for your education, and more about convincing you that they're elite. You'll come out of this school lacking critical skills you need, and with considerable financial debt. Go to BCIT, Douglass, Langara. Go to a public school. You'll save money, and get a better education than anything offered here.

Kevan O'Brien

I've enjoyed my visits to The Art Institute of Vancouver's campus, viewing creative student work and meeting the staff, faculty and alumni. The upstairs bistro is delicious! Check out their state-of-the-art campus in the busiest, tech-driven area in Vancouver near the Broadway Tech Centre.

TheJappy123

This school was such a blessing in my life; words cannot even describe my love for this school and the people who work here. Sure, this school might be expensive, but it is a private school after all, so what do you expect. They have a very helpful and knowledgeable financial department that can set up affordable payment plans for you. The teachers actually care about your education here and put in so much time, and energy into you, so you have a successful future. I'm from a smaller city up north BC and my life there was hell before I came to this school; I was so shy, uncomfortable and so locked up in my own world that this school really broke my shell and completely changed my outlook and perspective in life - this school helped me become the person I had always dreamed of becoming. I became so open, outgoing and made sooooo many countless number of new friends that I can barely keep track of. I built so many strong, lasting, life time friendships with my new friends and staff members. I graduated over a year ago and I'm still in touch with all my close friends and teachers. The classes are very tough and long, but the amount you learn and get out of the programs and this school is priceless. You get a lot of one on one time with your teachers and your classmates because the classes are very small, which is good because you build better relationships with your peers which makes it easier for you to learn and can help one another out with homework or any other problems you are having, which is something you will barely come across at other schools because the classes are much larger and the teachers barely have time for you. This school and people actually care about you as an individual and will do anything for you. I am so excited for all the newcomers to this school, and I wish them all the best of luck and to really let this school help you find yourself and your creativity like it helped me find myself. If I had a chance to go back, I would always pick this school. Good luck everyone!!

Bailey Steinmann

Very expensive and non comprehensive school that offers sub-par learning with incompetent teachers. Most of the programs do not offer a post graduate work permit after study. The administration cannot hold someone in a director position for more than a year without major setbacks. I have spent thousands of dollars on classes that I could have taken at BCIT or UBC for a 3rd of the price or even learned off Youtube. The only reason I have to stay is because I invested too much money and cannot transfer any credit to any other institutions. Stay clear of this money pit, as a domestic student, i do NOT recommend this school. Update: The administration staff asked multiple students to sign a form stating they would not write negative reviews. This is illegal and punishable actions will follow.

Isaac Peltz

This is a great school. If someone were to judge it only by price, they would think it's extremely steep, but the benefits of the price you're paying are worth it. It asks one thing of you: Put your heart into it, and work hard. If you're willing to work hard and devote yourself, this school is everything you could ever want it to be. IF you're ready to invest yourself, do it, and love what you've devoted yourself to!

Viren Kullur

I am studying Game art and design at LaSalle Vancouver and finished my first term. The faculty, my admission adviser, my academic adviser, etc are really very good and very helpful. Lot of fun activities going on in the school, very friendly environment. The more interest you show in learning new things the more they help you. I never had any problem with the faculty/staff. I gave it 4/5 is because, there is just one thing i would like to suggest is, just maintain one type of software versions (preferably latest version) in all the computers available. Moving from one version to another sometimes I had to face little issues but it wasn't a big deal, and it never obstructed me from doing anything. Overall a great institute for me.

Roozbeh E

Advantage: easy to get in and graduate. Disadvantage: Poor education quality, limited access to resources, extremely expensive, no PGWP for international students (in most programs), outdated education structure (90s style), most instructors are there to build up resumes for public universities, students are mostly rich ignorant kids with no prestige or ambition, .... Don’t waste your time here, and save yourself the dignity and any future trauma.

Henrique Andrade

Best School Ever, really organized, the staff is always willing to help the students and all the teachers are very competent.

Aldrex Angelo “Tobi” Padpad

Great teachers, nice facilities, love the people there.

MakeToLaugh You

I want to join LaSalle as a international student from India Please explain the due procedure

Sailee Sawant

Hello there! Can anyone here guide on the graphic design course offered at LaSalle College,Vancouver?I have earned my degree in Architecture so surely not looking for a bachelor's course in graphic designing.Could any one suggest if diploma or a foundation program in GD which one would be appropriate?

Andy Van

I really enjoyed my time at LaSalle College Vancouver. A great place to learn and grow as an artist. I learned a lot about physically based rendering from a super knowledgeable instructor, William Maher. And was taught how to properly plan out and paint textures from Karl Buckley using Photoshop/Mari and Substance Painter. It's a great place to learn about VFX, they teach compositing in nuke and 3D effects in Houdini and Maya. They have amazing modelling teachers that thoroughly explain modelling workflows using zBrush and Maya. They constantly roll out updates to their computer labs and have a full VR lab for students to learn in. The school is also equipped with an awesome sound stage and lots of high quality film equipment for students to make use of. The instructors and career services staff are always willing to give feedback and help students prepare themselves for their job search.

Bianca Bittencourt

I'm currently a Fashion Marketing international student and Vanessa gave us A LOT of help with the application process, making it super easy for us to apply for the immigration process. It took less than 3 months and I'm absolutely loving the experience of studying in a top-notch art school. I'm very sure having LaSalle in my CV will be tremendously helpful in order to have good job placement here in Canada. Thanks so much for the help, Vanessa! Without you it wouldn't have been possible.

David Duggan

The Art Institute of Vancouver has created many students from the Graphic Design program with a skill set that prepares them for work in the industry. We have worked with several students and graduates successfully on campaigns and would recommend companies look here for talented and well-trained designers.

Nazanin Na

I had an IELTS exam here. The day before the exam they told us that there is no headphone, If I knew I wouldn't register for it. As some of staffs were not so nice and talking with each other during the listening, I couldn't hear it well. But, honestly the speaking examiner was the nicest.

Shabnam Rostamkhani

I’ve done my Ielts exam in this centre and it was the worst experience I’ve had ever, there was no heating system while it was November and the weather was too cold that nobody could focus on the exam. They were supposed to provide all candidates with a headphone but just a minute before the exam we found that there is no headphone, and it caused stress for all. Some candidates didn’t hear very well without headphone and it impacted their results in listening part. In case of regulation regarding COVID-19 there were no precaution, desks and stuff rarely had been sanitized. And when I brought up a complain for the heating system they had an inappropriate reaction. I’ll never recommend there to my friends.

bunny chanti

I'm an international student and want to join LaSalle for animation art and design. While looking into the reviews i found many negative responses. Why do LaSalle getting many negative reviews?

Angela S

If you are interested in fashion industry, do not chose this school. Don't waste your money and time. There are other fashion schools mush better than here. Please think carefully before making a decision.

Christine Millard

The teachers and staff at LaSalle are incredible! I am in the DFV program and Susanne Tabata teaches us in a real hands on way. Justine takes us to her events so we can get exposure to what it is really like to shoot. I have shot at VFW, The Little Black Dress Gala and more. I would recommend this school to anyone wanting a career in film because you won’t just be sitting in a classroom you will be out shooting shorts, shooting live events, music videos and more!

Jasmeen Kaur

I have heard some great feedbacks of this college ..so i also wants to enroll in bachelor's degree of fashion designing and as per their academic and other requirements, i have evrything but except that i did not had maths in my 12th grade as i am not a Canadian citizen. I am from India. So i am not sure if i still should apply to this college or not as i really want to study here..nor i know if this makes me uneligebal to study here ..help me if someone knows anything reagarding this

Hilary Quick

This is a great place to work, the staff are committed to quality education with a career, student-first focus.

Ling To

Arrived before the noon rush on a Tuesday. Patio is spacious and also has extra seating on the lawn. Parents first time out dining since last summer. Food was amazing as usual. Pls continue to support our local small business.

Albert Tsan

If you are choosing to come here for fashion design i would not recommend it it costed me double of what blanche McDonald's tuition. they didnt take care of their steamers and a student had brought in a clothing iron from home and we had to use it for quite some time. some of the instructors are great caring and wonderful some seemed like they were fed up and annoyed even seen an instructor make a student cry. They raised the tuition also without informing us about it after it happened.

Rejean Jr Bergeron

I do not recommend it. Impossible to believe. That expensive, and they are all mixed up. On top of it, bad management. I hope Montreal is not like in Vancouver. Just an honest post.

May Hearst

To be honest, I would not recommend this school. I have had some good experiences, and I really liked the instructors but I have to be honest. I think the bad outweighs the good. First of all, I think its way to expensive. They only teach you general things. Not going too in depth on any subject. The financial department can be fairly annoying as they call you a lot. Even bothering you while your at class. I think its a complete scam.

Daniel Liu

Thank you Lasalle and mostly Miss Justine and your team who gave us the best graduation ceremony last night.....it was so special. You can see how much everyone cares and I am a proud graduate with a Degree!!

Dawson McMillan

LaScam College!! This school is a massive scam. Whether your international or domestic, DO NOT come to LaSalle! They charge you $850/month to share a bedroom with someone in a 2 bedroom apartment! 4 people living in a 2 bedroom apartment for their “student housing”. Those apartments cost them $1400 a month and they use them to maximize profits off foreign students. On top of that, the teachers don’t care at all about their students success, and if you fall behind on any sort of payments they will hold you back in your classes. The equipment is extremely outdated and if it breaks the school won’t even replace it, just try to jerry rig something to fix it. Avoid at all costs, you will be scammed out of thousands!

Marilyn Wang

I am international student studying culinary there. It is very nice school. And I learned a lot. There instructor are so kind I have never see. I don't know how was other program doing in this school. But culinary part, it is what I want!

Sukhman Grewal

A decision that changed my life! From the very talented instructors to the very hardworking office staff everyone is extremely polite and helpful. They really help with building your career and achieving your goals. As a fashion marketing student I gained great experience and exposure by participating in various fashion events like Vancouver Fashion week , fashion galas etc.. Anyone and everyone wanting to opt a creative career undoubtedly this is the place to be!

BlueJ

Steer clear of this school. I wish I had when I was looking for Art Schools in Vancouver. It's not worth the price you pay. I come from a low-income family and had to borrow as much money as possible from the bank and the government and am now up to my ears in debt, and jobless. Similar stories from most of my class mates. The semesters are in quarters (3 months long) and are far too fast pace. I left many classes feeling like I learned nothing and since there is so little time and so many students, the instructors can do little to help you, one on one. I was hounded for money the entire time I was there, and there are very limited options if you are struggling with money or with the course loads. I was not aware that I would require so many mandatory school supplies for projects paid for out of my own pocket. I had some teachers who would dock marks for mock up projects that weren't industry level or made with high quality supplies, even after explaining I could not afford it on my budget, their typical response was basically "That's not my problem." Their main priority seemed to be getting you to sign your life away, and getting you out. Don't even visit their website because as soon as they have your e-mail and phone number they will harass you to no end trying to get you to apply. Definitely regret wasting 2 years of my life here. They are a bunch of crooks!

John Smith

This school is flooded with international students who don't speak English and claims that they're only here for a work permit. They disrupt the classes, disrespect instructors and basically ruins everyone else's learning experience. Wouldn't recommend this place for domestic students, there are plenty of other schools that offer the same media arts programs in Vancouver.

Erick Morello

You can tell all the positive reviews are basically fake lol.. I attended a program here and can tell you from experience that its a scam and a money grab. I'll list some of the things that others noted here.. these are the reviews that you should be believing. Poor education quality, like seriously I learned everything from Youtube to get it over with. most of the "okay teachers'' left in 2016 when the school changed from "the art institute" to "LaSalle'' and now it's mostly alumni students that couldn't make it into the industry so they're teaching, there is limited to no access to resources, no PGWP for international students (for most programs) they will literally be like "oh no sorry your going through that your the first, most of "our'' students get it..." literally after you've been told when you signed up that "ALL" of their programs are accredited and offer them, outdated education structure (90s style), most instructors are there to build up resumes for public universities or they couldn't break into the industry with a reputable role so they go back here and pretend they know what they're talking about, students are awkward kids with ZERO social skills or any sort of ambition. Don’t waste your time here, and save yourself the dignity and any future drama. go to VFS or any other school that offers the same program and you'll see the difference

k kat

I went to Lasalle College for the 3D Modeling program, and would highly recommend the school. The instructors are knowledgeable, committed and passionate about what they teach - having experience in the industry themselves. When needed there is always someone available to help and the classes are reasonable sizes, so you get plenty of attention from instructors. Besides being given the skills needed to be successful in the industry, it's a really fun time and I would do it again for sure!!

Nhuan Vu

Why a program from a designated learning institutions is not eligible for PGWP?

mishika vaishnav

Hey, I'm planning to join LaSalle for Culinary Management program... does this course fall under PGWP?

Ross Dorsett

I personally find this school great so long as you're willing to work for what you get. Through my time here I started in the visual and game programming program but after 2 quarters (6 months) I wanted to transfer programs to something with a more artistic feel. After luckily getting a chance to talk to the dean of academics he pointed me in the direction of visual effects for film and television where I still am. I am now 5th quarter of the VFX program and still love it. As I said before, if you're willing to work for what you get you can't go wrong. I've seen many people struggle to justify why they're here only because they haven't tapped into all the information they have access to, whether it be the staff, library, other students, or even future employers that you may have a chance to meet at times. One thing I can say about the school is it is very expensive and fast paced. I currently attend school under reduced course load (4 classes a quarter) which has worked much better for me. I get better marks and still pay pretty much the same amount (tuition per quarter is dependent on the amount of classes you take per quarter) but I stay a little longer at the school. That may be something to consider for someone looking into the school. Overall I would recommend this school to anyone who knows what they want to do as a career and may have a little bit of knowledge in the field beforehand. I found I came to this school for programming originally and just wanted to try it. Not the place to "try something new, and see if you like it." This school goes by very fast and they train for a job right out the door.

Tripti Tripti

I am currently pursuing my fashion marketing diploma in Lasalle and I have completed my first semester. I really like the college and my experience so far, The faculties , the management and my academic advisor were all great and helpful. Some of the faculties are way too helpful and lenient and so I noticed a-lot of the other students taking advantage of that in a wrong way. My course is really good and I loved every aspect of it so far and I am looking forward for the rest of the courses. I only wish we were offered a styling course as a separate individual course. The computers in the college are really annoying. They are extremely slow to start and login. If they are completely switched off and we have to start the computer all over again ,then forget it about it. It takes forever. The other facilities are good. Also It would be nice to inform the students in the beginning that other than the kit for the course there will be other miscellaneous expenses during the course. Its totally understandable but just a heads up would be good so that we are prepared for it. Especially for those that making ends meet to pay the fees.