How can an U.S. citizen get a loan to study in Canada?

My fiancee has been accepted to a one year technical program on Vancouver Island in Canada and I would like nothing more than to go with him. It is very difficult to get a work visa so I've decided to go back to school there. I am looking to attend Vancouver Island University, but the only problem is they do not take student loans from the United States (where I am a citzen of). I can get help from my parents for half of the tuition, but can't seem to come up with the other half myself. What would be my options for getting a loan for the other half? I have no credit, so would I need a co-signer if I went through a private lender like a bank? Are there any private lenders in Canada who specialize in giving student loans to international students?