Brief History
Dubbed the third most liveable city in the world in 2022, Calgary is a vibrant and diverse city located in the province of Alberta, Canada. The history of Calgary dates back to prehistoric times, with evidence of human habitation in the area dating back thousands of years. The indigenous people of the area, including the Blackfoot, Cree, and Stoney Nations, have lived in the region for centuries.
Calgary grew rapidly in the early 20th century, driven by the growth of the agricultural and ranching industries. In the 1950s and 1960s, the discovery of oil and natural gas in the area led to a further boom in the city’s economy and population. Today, Calgary is known as a major center for business and culture, with a diverse population and a strong economy.
Life in Calgary
Known for its stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, Calgary is a destination that offers something for just about everyone. The city is situated at the base of the Rocky Mountains, making it an particularly ideal location for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re into hiking, biking, skiing, or simply taking in the stunning mountain views, Calgary is the perfect place to explore. In fact, Calgary boasts over 800 kilometers of bike pathways, making it easy to get around and discover the city without having to flag down a taxi.
Calgary is also home to a thriving arts and culture scene. The city’s downtown area boasts a number of museums, galleries, and performance venues, including the Glenbow Museum, the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Theatre Calgary. Additionally, the city hosts a number of annual events and festivals, such as the Calgary Stampede, one of the city’s very own classics. The Stampede is a 10-day festival that celebrates the city’s western heritage and includes a rodeo, parade, and midway.
The education system in Calgary is similar to the rest of Canada and follows the Alberta curriculum, which is based on the guidelines set by the Alberta Ministry of Education. At all grade levels between elementary and high school, students are expected to partake in core academic subjects like English, math, science and social studies. Alongside these subjects, students can opt to take electives like music, drama, and foreign languages, as well as sports like soccer, tennis, track and field, to explore their passions and interests.
About SAIT
The Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) is a public technical institute located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Founded in 1916, SAIT is one of Canada’s oldest and most respected technical institutes, offering a wide range of programs in fields such as technology, health sciences, business, and trades.
SAIT’s main campus is located in the heart of Calgary, with state-of-the-art facilities, including a student residence, a library, a fitness center, and a number of student clubs and organizations. The school also has a number of satellite locations throughout the city and the province.
Current Programs
Currently, SAIT offers over 100 career programs, including apprenticeships, certificates, diplomas, and degrees. The school is known for its hands-on, experiential learning approach, which prepares students for in-demand careers in fields such as engineering, information technology, energy, health sciences, and business.
Some of the popular programs at SAIT include:
- Engineering Technology
- Mechanical, electrical, civil engineering technology, etc.
- Information Technology
- Computer systems technology, network systems, web development, etc.
- Business
- Accounting, marketing, management, etc.
- Health Sciences
- Nursing, dental hygiene, respiratory therapy, etc.
- Trades
- SAIT offers a wide range of apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs in fields such as welding, plumbing, and electrical
SAIT also offers a number of continuing education and corporate training programs, which are designed to help individuals and organizations upskill and stay competitive in the workforce. Those who are looking for advice on their goals and careers have access to a wide range of student services, such as academic advising, career services, and counseling, all of which are designed to help them succeed in their studies.
Extracurricular Activities
The SAIT community is actively involved in a variety of sports, events and clubs as well:
Sports
- Volleyball
- Soccer
- Flag football
- Ultimate frisbee
- …and more
Events
- Concerts
- Comedy shows
- Annual talent show
- Guest lectures
- …and more
Clubs
- SAIT Students’ Association
- SAIT Outdoors Club
- SAIT Engineering Club
- SAIT Music Club
- …and more
SAIT also has a Student Association that organizes events, activities and services for students, such as free tutoring, discounted bus passes, and health and dental plans. Additionally, SAIT is also home to several student-run media outlets, including a newspaper, a radio station, and a television station, which provide students with opportunities to gain experience in journalism, broadcasting, and other media-related fields.
Sources: SAIT, What does life in the world’s third most liveable city look like?, Living in Calgary: A Guide for Newcomers to Canada
