Isabela Jordão de Camargo

Which program(s) did you take with the ELC? What year(s)?

Program 4 and 6, in 2014.

What made your ELC program special?

The wonderful teachers and Cultural Assistants I met! They are very receptive!

If you could travel back in time, what part of your ELC experience would you re-visit? Why?

I would re-visit the Continuing Studies Building, the dorms, the lounge, where I spent most of my days with friends, and also I would re-visit the Downtown Victoria, of course!

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

The most memorable thing was how Canadian people are so welcoming and polite!

Before starting your ELC program, what part of learning English was most difficult for you? How did your ELC studies help with that?

As a deaf person the difficult part of learning English was when I had to do the listening exams. All the ELC teachers knew about my situation so they made an effort to speak loudly to make me understand them! I was very grateful for it!

Do you have any favourite memories of Canadian culture?

My favorite memory that I've never forgotten is the bus sign saying: "Sorry, not in service." I found it amazing! I thought it cool!

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

I learned a lot from my colleagues from other countries! We exchanged many different life experiences. This helped me to respect other cultures and to develop empathy.

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

Yes, a few months after I returned to Brazil, I got a job at an Outstanding Brazilian-American Binational Center School. It was my very first job! Nowadays I am a professor at Brazilian universities where I teach Brazilian Sign Language (Libras) and English. Also I teach English to the Deaf Brazilian students.

What advice would you give another student who’s thinking about taking an ELC program?

Go with an open mind and be willing to go through all the experiences.

Is there anything else you would like to say about the ELC, UVic, or Victoria?

I would like to say THANK YOU to the ELC team, UVic, and FAE University from Curitiba, who introduced me this amazing university which I am very thankful. Also I would like to say THANK YOU to all Canadians that helped me in any way. I miss Victoria a lot!