Elia Crespo Gavilá
Which ELC program(s) did you attend?
I attended the Summer Language and Culture program for 4 weeks in July.
What made your ELC program special?
Participating in the ELC program was so much more than just learning English in the classroom. The experience went far beyond that, as all the ELC teachers and CAs turned every activity into an opportunity to connect with people from all over the world.
From day one, it felt like being part of a family, with teachers encouraging us to share our lives, our cultures, and our dreams. Not only did I improve my English, but, most importantly, I built friendships that I hope will last a lifetime.
What is the most memorable thing that happened to you as an ELC student?
The most memorable thing for me as an ELC student was being chosen as the valedictorian. It was a great honour, although I must admit I was very nervous, as it was the first time I had ever given a speech like that. Even so, I will always remember it as a truly special experience, and it was a privilege to deliver the closing remarks at our farewell dinner.
That week became even more unforgettable because I also celebrated my 20th birthday, which, surprisingly, lasted two days due to the time difference between Spain and Canada. My friends sang “Happy Birthday” to me in Korean, Japanese, English, and Spanish, and my teacher surprised me with a delicious homemade cake. Sharing that moment with friends from so many different countries made it even more memorable.
Do you have any favourite memories of Canadian culture?
Well, it wasn’t my first time experiencing Canadian culture, as this was actually my second time travelling to Canada. Therefore, what I like most is how Canadian culture acts as a bridge, bringing together people from different backgrounds.
Sharing diverse cultures and discovering Canadian culture at the same time is the best. I’m also always impressed by how warm Canadians are. Indeed, they’re friendly and always greet you with a smile. A great example of this was Canada Day. It was amazing to see the city “dressed up” in red and white and enjoying the fireworks. I especially loved spending the night downtown with my friends, enjoying the lively and cheerful atmosphere.
How did learning with students from other cultures change how you see the world?
Learning alongside students from different countries gave me the opportunity to see the world from new perspectives and understand different lifestyles. This experience helped me to become more open-minded, more curious and more aware of the richness that diversity brings to our lives. It really taught me to value and enjoy interacting with people from different countries.
Did studying English with us open any new opportunities for you? What are you doing now?
Yes, it has helped me gain more confidence speaking English in public, which is especially valuable for my major in International Relations and Law. It has also prepared me for my upcoming semester abroad and made me feel more ready to study and work internationally, which is one of my main goals.
What's it like living in Victoria?
Living in Victoria was just AMAZING! What I liked most was its beautiful architecture, especially the Parliament building. I couldn’t get enough of that charming Victorian vibe. In addition, the city is very peaceful with a wonderful climate and the smell of the sea. I especially enjoyed spending time at the Inner Harbour. Another great thing was how well connected UVic was to downtown and other nearby places, which made it easy to explore and enjoy everything the city had to offer.
Best advice for new students
My best advice would be, “just go for it, even if it's a little scary.” At first, spending a month alone in a new country to study may seem like a “big deal,” but that fear quickly disappears once you arrive and start enjoying all the incredible opportunities that come your way. As the saying goes, “you only live once!” Therefore, I would recommend signing up for everything without thinking too much about it, because once you ’re there, the last thing you’ll want to do is go back home and leave your “second family.”
