Milton Lira Santos
Brazil
The Intensive English (ELPI) program at UVic offered me incredible opportunities to improve quickly. Beyond classes, I enjoyed the Learning Centre's resources. The Cultural Assistants provided activities like ice skating and sports, and affordable weekend trips to hockey games and Butchart Gardens. Victoria and my host family made learning English unforgettable—I gained friends from around the world.
Which ELC program(s) did you attend?
I attended the Intensive English (ELPI) program.
What made your ELC program special?
I had many opportunities to improve my English skills quickly at the ELC. After regular classes, I visited the Learning Centre which has pronunciation classes, workshops and volunteers to talk with.
Also, the Cultural Assistants are terrific because they organize interesting activities like playing soccer, basketball, volleyball, ice skating, visiting parks like Goldstream, or chatting in the Coffee Socials. On weekends, I could buy some tickets offered at a minimal cost from the ELC at UVic, so I watched hockey games, went whale watching, and visited the world-famous Butchart Gardens. I will never forget these experiences.
Advice for new students
In my opinion, living in Victoria and studying at the University of Victoria is the best way to improve your English skills.
What's Victoria like?
Victoria is a wonderful place to live. We can play sports, hang out with our friends and study at one of the best universities in Canada. My host family came from England, so I learned about rugby, golf, tennis and how make British tea. I am surprised because now I have friends from around the world.