Haemin Lee

Program: Intensive English (ELPI)

Before starting your ELC program, what part of learning English was most difficult for you? How did your ELC studies help?

Speaking was always my weakness since I didn’t have a chance to speak in English in Korea. As opposed to speaking, I was quite confident with my grammar. However, the problem was that I was always confused with the way I use grammar correctly when I speak. ELC studies helped me connect my grammar with my speaking. Besides these skills, I think having confidence when I speak in English was the biggest thing I learned from studying in ELC programs.

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

Learning with other students from other cultures totally changed my outlook on my life. When I was in Korea, I was shyer and more reluctant to try new things. However, by spending time with friends who willingly came to the new environment and were exposed to new experiences, I became braver and enjoyed novelty like them.

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

When I was in an intermediate class in ELPI programs, I did a big public presentation about a local restaurant in Victoria. Doing a public presentation in English was not easy for us, but after we finished the presentation, we felt so proud of ourselves.

What made your ELC program special?

I would say all the people I met in the ELC program made every experience special. When I arrived at UVIC for the first time, I had no idea where I should go to get my lunch. At that moment, one CA asked me to help, and from then, we became close friends. Like this episode, people in the ELC program are always nice and kind to me, and it always made my day in Victoria.

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

I’ve never imagined myself going abroad for work. However, I’m preparing to work in an international company now. Studying English not only opens new opportunities but also makes me face challenges. I’m excited about how my work life would be different compared to my previous job.