Seowon Hwang

Which ELC program(s) did you attend?

I attended the Monthly English program.

What made your ELC program special?

My ELC program was really special because it wasn’t just about studying English in a classroom—it was about experiencing real Canadian life and culture. The teachers were very kind, patient and always encouraged us to participate. There were many fun activities like conversation clubs, field trips and cultural events, which made learning English exciting and natural.

What is the most memorable thing that happened to you as an ELC student?

One of the most memorable moments as an ELC student was on the last day of the program, when I gave a speech in front of the class about my life in Victoria. I talked about the beautiful places I had visited, the friends I made and how much my English had improved throughout the course. It was both a challenging and emotional experience because I was reflecting on everything I had learned and the time I spent there. Standing in front of everyone, speaking in English confidently, was a huge accomplishment for me and a perfect way to end my journey at ELC.

Do you have any favourite memories of Canadian culture?

One of my favourite memories of Canadian culture was visiting a hockey game. The energy of the crowd, the music and the excitement were so different from anything I experienced in my home country. I also enjoyed trying Canadian snacks like Tim Hortons donuts and Beaver Tails.

How did learning with students from other cultures change how you see the world?

Learning with students from other countries really opened my eyes. I realized how important it is to understand different perspectives and respect other cultures. We all had different accents and ways of thinking, but we helped each other and became close friends through our shared experience of learning English.

Did studying English with us open any new opportunities for you? What are you doing now?

Studying English at ELC definitely opened many new opportunities for me. Before joining the program, I was not very confident in speaking English, but after studying at ELC I became much more comfortable communicating with people from different countries. Now I am studying at university and preparing for a future career where I can work with people from all over the world. The skills and memories I gained at ELC still help me a lot in my life today.