Yung Chiao (Michalle) Hu
Taiwan
Yung Chiao (Michalle) Hu from Taiwan attended the Language and Culture program in July and says the encouraging, supportive teaching style made learning enjoyable and engaging. Her most memorable experience was being chosen as valedictorian, and she says studying with students from around the world showed her how differently people can see the same things and inspired her to consider working abroad in the future.
Which ELC program(s) did you attend?
I attended the Language and Culture program in July.
What made your ELC program special?
What made the ELC program special was its encouraging and supportive teaching style. The teachers always praised our effort before giving advice, which built my confidence in speaking English. This warm environment made me truly enjoy learning, and it was the first time I felt so engaged that I genuinely didn't want class to end.
What is the most memorable thing that happened to you as an ELC student?
The most memorable thing was when I was lucky enough to be chosen as the valedictorian. I was super nervous from the moment I got the email, so I practiced constantly and stayed after class to rehearse with my teacher. Delivering that speech gave me the best closure, and I feel like I am leaving with absolutely no regrets.
Do you have any favourite memories of Canadian culture?
One of my favorite memories is how kind and welcoming the people are. Strangers smile and say hello on the street, and whenever I asked for help, people were always happy to assist me. The overall vibe of the city feels so relaxed and lighthearted. I even ended up having a great one-hour conversation with a local at a pub, which really showed me how friendly and open Canadian culture is!
How did learning with students from other cultures change how you see the world?
Studying with students from all over the world was such a fun experience. I used to think people mostly thought the same way, but turns out our perspectives were totally different. It was super cool to see those differences, and it really helped me open my mind and see the world differently.
Did studying English with us open any new opportunities for you? What are you doing now?
Yes, absolutely! It definitely expanded my horizons and gave me the idea of working abroad in the future. Right now, I'm back in school continuing my studies to complete my degree. But after I graduate, I'd love to try a working holiday overseas, and if things go well, maybe even land a full-time job abroad!
Advice for new students
If you're thinking about joining the program, just go for it! I totally understand how you feel because I was hesitant at first, too. Looking back, I'm so glad I made this decision. You’ll get to experience a completely different lifestyle, the classes and activities were super fun, and made so many friends from all over the world. Trust me, you won't regret it!
What's Victoria like?
It was wonderful living here. I loved the relaxed atmosphere and how friendly everyone was. The weather was comfortable, and there was so much beautiful natural scenery to explore. I truly loved every moment of it!