“My exciting program was in two parts, classes in the morning and activities in the afternoon. I introduce you some of my memorable things. In my class, I learned how to write and speak English. I could improve my English, especially pronunciation, through these lectures. Therefore, I succeeded in my presentation on final week. As my activity, I attended some conversation clubs with UVic students. The talks with them was very exciting, for example hobbies, majors, and futures. This experience motivated me to study my major, linguistics. One day, I hope to come back UVic as a student.”
What’s it like living in Victoria?
I enjoyed many hockey matches with my host family because their son played it. His play was awesome! Also, I enjoyed lacrosse, movies, and BBQ with them. They are my precious memories. Of course, I hung out downtown with my friends. There are many exciting spots. We enjoyed shopping, eating, and talking. You should gaze at the sea in Inner Harbour. As a marvelous event, I run across a Vietnamese lady coming from my country, Japan. She was kind to guide me to my bus stop. Surprisingly, she also studied in UVic. I wish I could meet her again.
Best advice for new students
Enjoy your small talk in English! In UVic, there are many amusing students. Let’s talk with them.
You can enjoy talking about hobbies, majors, and lives in Victoria. You will meet nice friends.
Favourite places
To meet friends on campus: Student Union Building
To study: UVic Library
To relax: Sam’s Deli, the café in downtown
Luis Fernández (Mexico)
“Studying at the ELC definitely was the best experience so far in my life. The first thing I learned here is that our cultural differences are based only in prejudice because I met a lot of friends with so much in common even though we are from very different countries and cultures.”
What’s it like living in Victoria?
I'm so surprised by the way the people in Victoria live: the laid-back and secure environment I experienced there is just awesome. I was also surprised because Canadians and other foreign students were so interested and showed respect to my culture, so i did the same for them. Definitely my heart still belongs to Victoria.
Best advice for new students
Make a lot of international friends and don't be afraid to show the way you are to them. Your English is not the only thing that will improve, but also your respect and knowledge of other cultures.
Favourite places
To meet friends on campus: Vertigo Café and the Study Centre
To study: CALL lab, UVic Library
To relax: Gonzales beach, Swan Lake and Willows beach
Turki Alanazi (Saudi Arabia)
“I studied at the ELC for more than 17 months, which is a long time! I have never enjoyed studying as I did at UVic. My English skills have significantly improved. At the ELC I learned not only English but how to be responsible about a group of people, how to make decisions and how to manage my time. Thank you ELC at UVic from deep in my heart. I will never forget my time here.”
What’s it like living in Victoria?
There are many features that made me love Victoria, one of them is how people are so friendly and kind. Also, the climate is wonderful especially in the summer. As a photographer I really like the Inner Harbour especially to watch the sunset and take some pictures there. Finally, Victoria has many historical building which took my breath away when I saw them for in the first time.
Best advice for new students
Keep speaking English even with people who can speak your native language! Go out with your friends as much as you can to discover Victoria because it has special places which you'll never find in a different city.
Favourite places
To meet friends on campus: Student Union Building
To study: UVic Library and CALL Lab
To relax: The Inner Harbour, Mount Tolmie and Starbucks
