Ricardo and Selma with their family and ELC staff

by Portia Yip, Marketing Services

After studying at UVic’s English Learning Centre (ELC) 20 years ago, two alumni from Mexico City returned to visit the campus. Ricardo and Salma Clamont, along with their two young children, Thiago and Farrah, revisited the place where the foundations of their family began.

“I’m back for the first time in 20 years and I’m really happy,” shares Ricardo. “I had a blast here—the time of my life.”

Learning English abroad changed everything

Back in 2005, Ricardo spent the summer in an ELC English program offered in partnership with Tec de Monterrey. A few years later, Salma also decided to study English in Victoria, BC for the summer. Neither knew their shared experience at the ELC would become the spark for their future together.

Years later, while they both were back at university in Mexico, they bumped into each other at a cafeteria. When Salma mentioned she had just returned from studying English at UVic, Ricardo was surprised since he had attended the same program a few years earlier.

“The fact that we both went to UVic was the icebreaker,” he recalls. “We started sharing stories, connecting over everything we experienced, and that’s how everything started for us.”

The connection grew into a relationship, then a marriage, and now a family of four. Today, Ricardo works in marketing for a global cybersecurity company, organizing international events and trade shows. While Salma works on the global marketing team at Grupo Bimbo, collaborating with colleagues around the world.

For me, everything was sparked here at the University of Victoria. Meeting people from different countries shaped the opportunities I have today."

—Salma

Returning to UVic to inspire the next generation

To celebrate their 10th wedding anniversary, the couple returned to Victoria and UVic to relive old memories and ignite new ones for their children.

“One of the reasons I wanted to return was to breathe, live, and experience this environment again—and to inspire Thiago and Farrah,” describes Ricardo. “Hopefully one day they’ll come back to UVic too.”

Thiago didn’t hesitate when asked if he’d like to come back here again one day. He answered “yes!” brightly.
For Salma, the most treasured moments were simple ones—picnics in the sun, quiet green spaces, and the atmosphere of campus life. Ricardo mentioned that a highlight for him was the international night at the end of the program.

When you share stories, food, and traditions with people from around the world, that stays with you forever.”

—Ricardo

Advice for future ELC students

Their message to new English learners at the ELC?

Salma: “Don’t be afraid. Come live the experience.”

Ricardo: “Be mindful—what you experience here will shape your life and how you see the world. Enjoy it and do your best. You’re going to have a blast.”

  • Posted December 1, 2025

RELATED TOPICS: English Language Programs