Jinseob Park

Which ELC program(s) did you attend?

I attended the Intensive English (ELPI).

What made your ELC program special?

The ELC program was special because of the challenging and engaging presentations that pushed me out of my comfort zone. One of the most memorable examples was the Pecha Kucha presentation, where I had to present 20 slides, each for exactly 20 seconds. Preparing for this required intense focus and effort to convey my ideas within a strict time frame effectively. Initially, I felt overwhelmed, but successfully delivering my presentation gave me a strong sense of accomplishment and confidence. It helped me realize that I could overcome challenges and achieve personal development. These experiences motivated me to face new challenges and inspired personal development.

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

One of the most memorable moments was the end-of-semester class party. Our generous and supportive teacher suggested celebrating by sharing food from our respective cultures. The party was lively and filled with joyful music and dishes like takoyaki, yakisoba, kimchi fried rice, kimbap, japchae and spring rolls. What made it truly unforgettable wasn’t the cost or uniqueness of the food but the genuine cultural exchange and bond we experienced. It was a priceless opportunity to connect with classmates and learn about their cultures in a heartfelt way. I am deeply grateful to my teacher for giving us such a meaningful experience.

Do you have any favourite memories of Canadian culture?

One of my favourite memories of Canadian culture was celebrating Thanksgiving. My host invited me to his mother’s home on Pender Island for the holiday. Before arriving at her house, we took a short hike up a mountain, where I was greeted by breathtaking ocean views and scattered islands. It was an unforgettable moment of tranquility and beauty. Spending Thanksgiving in such a peaceful setting allowed me to experience the essence of Canadian culture, and I am deeply grateful to my host for sharing this special day with me.

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

Studying with students from diverse cultural backgrounds taught me that stereotypes or assumptions about their countries cannot define people. Initially, I had biases about certain cultures, but making friends with kind and open-minded classmates changed those views. I realized that despite our differences in language and traditions, we all share universal emotions and values such as laughter, empathy and kindness. This experience broadened my perspective and helped me appreciate the importance of respecting and embracing cultural diversity. It deepened my understanding of the world and reinforced the value of seeing individuals as unique, beyond their nationality.

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

Studying English at UVic not only improved my language skills but also gave me the confidence to learn other languages. After completing the program, I was inspired to start studying Japanese, influenced by the friendships I made with Japanese classmates during the ELPI program. My goal is to pass the JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test) and communicate fluently with my Japanese friends. Although learning a new language is challenging, every step of the progress feels rewarding and meaningful. The ELC program sparked my passion for lifelong learning and global connections, which continue to open new doors for me.