Shi Ting (Adam) Yu

Where are you from?

Taiwan

Which ELC program(s) did you attend?

I attended Language and Culture programs from May – August. 

What made your ELC program special? 

We always had great discussions with our classmates and teachers in class, which was very different from the English classes I had experienced in Taiwan. I also had opportunities to give presentations on different topics, such as authentic Taiwanese food and international issues. Preparing and giving these presentations not only helped me improve my English but also broadened my knowledge of the world.

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

The students were so friendly. I remember one day when class was about to end, my Japanese classmates invited me to film a dance video with them. We danced together in the classroom to the song “Bad,” and it was hilarious. It is still one of my favourite memories from the program.

Do you have any favourite memories of Canadian culture? 

I really enjoyed the slower pace of life and how polite people were. One thing that impressed me was that drivers would always stop when they saw me waiting to cross the street. It was a small thing, but it left a strong impression on me.

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

Learning with students from different cultures taught me the importance of being humble and respecting others. Many of my classmates were from Japan and Quebec (Canada), and they had different ways of thinking and different social customs. Learning from these differences made me more open-minded and flexible when interacting with people from different backgrounds.

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

Yes. Studying at the ELC improved my confidence in using English and brought me closer to my career goal. I am currently preparing for the TOEIC test as part of my plan to pursue a career as a pilot in the aviation industry.