Wonsasikules Lertsiriarmorns

What country are you from?

Thailand

Which ELC program did you attend?

I attended the Monthly English program.

What made your ELC program special?

During the month I spent studying at ELC, I became much more comfortable using English in my daily life. The course strongly focuses on speaking, which helped me become more confident in using English in practical situations. In addition, other language skills were taught in many interesting ways through games, movies, activities, and conversations. All my teachers were kind, helpful, and supportive. They also helped me notice which skills I should brush up on. Another special part of the program was meeting many new friends from different places, backgrounds, and cultures, and having many conversations with them. Therefore, more than learning English, I also learned about different cultures and how to adapt to diversity, which helped broaden my perspective on the world.

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

One of the most memorable experiences as an ELC student was being selected as a Valedictorian. As a valedictorian, I had to give a speech in front of approximately 200 people, and I felt very nervous at first. This was because it was my first time giving such a formal speech in front of a large audience. Interestingly, I deliberately chose not to prepare a script for my speech because I didn’t want to focus too much on memorizing it. Consequently, I spoke freely about my experiences as an ELC student and my life in Victoria. Fortunately, the speech went much better than I expected. I truly believe this is one of those special experiences that is not easy to have elsewhere.

Do you have any favourite memories of Canadian culture?

One of my favourite memories of Canadian culture is having small talk with strangers. Honestly, this would be quite unusual in my home country, so I felt surprised when I first encountered this culture. However, as time passed, I gradually became very comfortable with it and even started to embrace it as part of my daily life. I’m not exactly sure why, but I’ve noticed that these small interactions can really brighten my day. I remember one time when my friends and I were at Oak Bay Centre, and a stranger came up to us and started a conversation. We were all surprised but also impressed by how friendly he was. It made us realize how warm and welcoming this part of Canadian culture is, and we thought it was a great experience.

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

Learning with students from other cultures changed the way I see the world in many ways. In the past, I sometimes judged people based on their appearance or actions. However, after interacting with classmates from different cultural backgrounds, I realized that there are often deeper reasons behind how people behave or express themselves. Through these interactions, I was able to learn about many new cultures and perspectives. Meeting people from different parts of the world also helped me become more open-minded and respectful of differences. As a result, I now try to understand people before judging them, and I see diversity as something that enriches our world.

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

As I mentioned before, I was able to speak English almost every day, which helped me become more confident in using the language. Moreover, the ELC at UVic makes learning more interesting and helps students practically apply their knowledge in real-life situations. Currently, I am studying for a semester in my bachelor’s degree program in Korea, and one of the first things I realized is that I can confidently share my thoughts with others in class using English without worrying too much about making mistakes. I also feel that I can speak English more comfortably and naturally than before.