Jin Hong (Ray) Kim
Korea
Which ELC programs did you attend?
I attended the Intensive English (ELPI) and Monthly English programs.
What made your ELC program special?
The biggest strength of the ELC program is that it creates a stress-free environment where students can truly enjoy learning English. Unlike my experience in Korea, where I studied under pressure for test scores, ELC allowed me to focus on learning without fear or judgment. Everyone respected my efforts, even though my English wasn’t perfect. It was the first time I felt completely at ease while studying.
What is the most memorable thing that happened to you as an ELC student?
Studying with classmates and teachers from different countries was one of the most memorable parts of my experience. Even though we all came from different cultures and spoke different native languages, we were able to connect through English in Canada. English became a bridge that allowed us to communicate naturally and comfortably. Through this experience, I believe my English communication skills improved significantly.
Do you have any favourite memories of Canadian culture?
One of the most memorable experiences was getting used to “small talk.” As a shy person, it was hard for me at first, but I eventually came to enjoy it. Even short conversations with strangers helped build friendly and warm connections. Thanks to small talk, I was able to meet and connect with many new people.
How did learning with students from other cultures change how you see the world?
Living only in Korea, I used to communicate only with Koreans, but coming to Canada opened my eyes to a wider world. Interacting with people from different cultures gave me a new perspective. I had learned about other cultures in theory back in school, but hearing real opinions from locals was completely different. Through these conversations, I was able to understand the true depth of their cultures beyond textbooks.
Did studying English with us open any new opportunities for you? What are you doing now?
Studying English here has definitely helped me a lot. I’m currently pursuing my dream of becoming a hotelier at an international hotel, where strong English communication skills are essential. Compared to before I came here, my English has improved significantly. Now, I feel confident communicating with people from any country. This experience has helped me build the skills needed to provide quality service to international guests, which has become a strong foundation for my future career. However, I believe I still have room to grow, so I plan to stay for another six months to improve even further. After that, I’ll return to Korea and apply for hotel jobs with greater confidence and preparation.
What's it like living in Victoria?
Overall, I was satisfied with every part of my experience. The weather was amazing and the people in Victoria were incredibly kind. As a famous travel destination, Victoria offered many great places to explore during my free time. Although there were many differences from Korea, the multicultural atmosphere of Canada made it easy to experience diverse cultures.
Best advice for new students
Remember why you came here—to learn English. So, use English as much as you can, every day. It’s easy to stick with friends from your own country, but that won’t help you improve. If you want real progress, spend time with international friends and force yourself to speak English. That’s the fastest and most effective way to get better!
