Kanako Komeda

Which ELC program(s) did you attend?

I attended the Intensive English (ELPI).

What made your ELC program special?

I think meeting new people was a big part for me. Before I came to Victoria, I was so nervous because I wasn’t a student. As I had thought that my classmates were all students, I built a good relationship with them, so I enjoyed going to UVic and to study English together. The other thing was my wonderful teachers. They always supported and encouraged me, and they were really reassuring to me. 

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

My most memorable thing was the farewell party because I made a speech to a large audience. There were a lot of events until the farewell party, but I think it was an awesome memory. I prepared a script and practiced a lot, but I said a few things wrong because I was nervous. However, I thought this experience was great for me, so I accepted my mistakes! After that I talked with my classmates and teachers a lot about what we learned at UVic and what we want to do in the future. We live in different countries and cities, and we can’t meet again easily, but our connection will last forever.

Do you have any favourite memories of Canadian culture?

I like that people say "how’s it going?" or "how is your day?" as a greeting. I also like that Canadians can’t say "no" to people. I feel it’s similar to my country!

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

Studying with students from other cultures was really interesting for me. Everyone has their own standards and way of thinking. When we had to figure out something, I got new opinions from them, and I think it’s important to me. I’m happy to know new things that I can’t come up with.

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

Yes, it did! By studying English at UVic, it made me confident to speak English and I encountered a new set of values. I also learned how to teach English to foreign students. My English teachers were so great, and I thought I would like to get teaching skills from them because my previous job was an elementary school teacher. I want to try and be an English teacher in Japan.

I’m working at Starbucks in Victoria now! It’s really hard to understand what customers and partners are saying because they speak too fast for me. I think listening to English in class and listening to English in real life are definitely different. However, my English skills are getting better.