Two women standing beside a banner that reads “British Columbia International Education Week.” One woman is smiling at the camera, and the other is holding an award.

Pictured left to right: Kristine McCormick and Paula Ceroni.

The English Language Centre (ELC) is excited and proud to receive the BCCIE Award for Excellence in International Student Support for the UVic Homestay program.

Hosted by the BC Council for International Education (BCCIE), the awards honour the outstanding achievements in the field of international education in British Columbia. This year, the ELC is one of five award winners at the 16th annual BCCIE International Education Awards.

“Winning the BCCIE Excellence in International Student Support Award is a significant recognition of the ELC’s commitment to providing a welcoming, inclusive, and supportive educational program for international students,” says Dr. Seppy Masoodi, ELC director.

Since the Homestay program started in 1986, it has connected nearly 3,000 hosts with tens of thousands of students from over 95 countries, providing a welcoming and culturally enriching experience. Many students credit their hosts with easing their transition to study in Canada and helping them improve their language skills while building long-lasting relationships in a safe, comfortable environment.

The program supports not only ELC students but also exchange students, visiting scholars, and researchers. Homestay hosts also play a key role as cultural ambassadors while integrating students into Canadian society and forming long-term connections.

Paula Ceroni, manager of the UVic Homestay Program, shares how much this recognition means to their team. “At the heart of our work is something very simple but very powerful: connection,” she says. “Some of our hosts have been invited to weddings, become ‘Canadian grandparents,’ or travelled across the globe to visit former students—that’s the kind of magic our homestay program helps to create.”

The awards ceremony was held at BCCIE’s BC International Education Week in Whistler, BC where over 300 educators, administrators and diplomatic figures attended from across BC, Canada and internationally.

Other recent recognitions awarded to the ELC include the following:

  • 2023 winner of the BCCIE Award for Outstanding Program in International Education
  • 2023 finalist for the PIEoneer Award for Language Training Provider of the Year
  • 2019–20 / 2018–19 Language School of the Year (iStudy Guide)
  • Languages Canada Accreditation
Four women standing together and smiling at the BCCIE International Education Awards. One of them is holding an award.
Pictured left to right: Kristine McCormick, Paula Ceroni, Kyla Jardin and Seppy Masoodi.
Two women smiling and holding an award at the BCCIE International Education Awards ceremony.
Pictured left to right: Kristine McCormick and Paula Ceroni.


Photo credits: BC Council for International Education (BCCIE)

  • Posted June 27, 2025

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