@elp magazine (April 2018, Issue 9)

Statement from the Prime Minister of Canada

It is with great pleasure that I welcome all international students to the University of Toronto.

No matter the faith we profess, where we were born, the colour of our skin, the language we speak, or whom we love, we are all equal members of this great country. Let us take this opportunity to honour the many cultures, traditions, and beliefs that make Canada such a wonderful place to live, and a place we can be proud to call home.

I firmly believe that youth are not just the leaders of tomorrow, they are the leaders of today. This is not a belief I take lightly – day in and day out, I see the powerful changes that our young people can make in our world, whether it’s at their schools, in their community, or in our country.

Thank you to the English Language Program at the University of Toronto for hosting all of the students while they discover Canada.

Please accept my warmest regards and best wishes!

Ottawa 2018

EDITOR & DESIGN Dan Pinese

Sara Bolourchian Francesca Campos Natalie Crljenica Christopher Chipman Marina Eskander Tiffany He Edith Krohmalnik Rosa Leo Mio Otsika Jessica Pinheiro Da Silveira Samantha Quan David Quispe Janezel Sualog Christine Tran Eileen Wu 4

Art Gallery of Ontario Photo by Soukphaxay (Joe) Khamphilavong

STAFF CONTRIBUTORS

CONTENTS 4

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For ELP student, Hatice Korkulu, making mistakes is all part of the plan

Find out what being a Cultural Assistant means to them and to ELP students

GAINING CONFIDENCE

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OPEN TO POSSIBILITIES

Takumi Iijima discusses how travelling to Toronto has inspired him

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LEARNING FROM EXPERIENCE

ELP Cultural Assistant, Eileen Wu, explains what one can learn from the outdoor experiences at ELP’s Winter Camp

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ON A FROZEN LAKE

At Winter Camp, students and staff trekked across a frozen lake at YMCA Camp Wanakita

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ELP’S CULTURAL ASSISTANTS

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ELP’S EXPERIENTIAL ACTIVITIES

Even in the winter, there is so much one can do in Toronto

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VISITING GROUPS: KGU AND KUIS Find out what students from Kwansei Gakuin University and Kanda University of International Studies thought of their ELP experience

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MEMORIES OF A LIFETIME

ELP students tell us what they will not forget

A WIN-WIN

Why volunteering at the ELP benefits everyone, especially students

COVER On an island at YMCA Camp Wanakita.

Photo by Dan Pinese

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GAINING CONFIDENCE Academic English student, Hatice Korkulu, says making mistakes is all part of the plan.

By: Samantha Quan & Dan Pinese

A

fter finishing her degree in City and Regional Planning and working three years for an international company in Turkey, Hatice Korkulu wanted international experience. So, after much research and discussion with a former professor, she travelled to Toronto and enrolled in the English Language Program (ELP).

It was the idea of learning in a multicultural city that made Toronto a desirable destination.

This was something her former professor emphasized. In this environment, she advised, there will be many people from different countries using English to communicate.

Now reflecting on her decision to move to Toronto, Korkulu thinks she made the right choice.

“I wanted to have more confidence in English. I wanted to come to Toronto because I thought it would encourage me,” Korkulu said. And I think being in a multicultural city is

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the best place to study. We are all trying to learn about each other. I think this is the advantage. I’ve learned so much about other cultures,” she added.

During her time at the ELP, in addition to studying Academic English, Korkulu has regularly attended ELP activities and volunteer events. In fact, she has volunteered more than 35 hours of her time over the 12-week period. But, this outgoing mindset is not a distraction from her studies. It is deliberate.

“For me, the activities and volunteering are the best way to learn English and about Canadian culture: to meet Canadians and connect with people and the city,” she said.

“I liked the activities because I have new opportunities to speak and meet new people.”

With a goal of applying for opportunities in the Geographic Information Systems field, preferably in Toronto and perhaps at the Toronto office of her former employer, Korkulu

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I think being in a multicultural city is the best place to study.

We are all trying to learn about each other. I think this is the advantage. I’ve learned so much about other cultures

is gaining confidence in her English by the day.

“I was a little bit shy before. But then I made the decision and I moved here. And I am really happy to be here in Toronto. Now I have more confidence than before and I know I can improve even more in the future.”

Having an attitude of persistence is key, according to Korkulu, to a successful learning experience.

Though it can be intimidating at first, she said reflecting on her first day at the ELP, the more one tries to use the language, the more comfortable one will become engaging in it.

“Always try. This is the most important thing and don’t be afraid to talk to other people. They might ask you to repeat yourself but don’t be anxious or shy. This is how you get more confidence. It’s normal to make mistakes.”

“

I made the decision and I moved here. And I am really happy to be here in Toronto.

Now I have more confidence than before and I know I can improve even more in the future.

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OPEN TO POSSIBILITIES ELP student, Takumi Iijima, finds inspiration in Toronto.

Interview by Francesca Campos Could you please briefly tell us about yourself such as your background, education, and hobbies?

B

ack in Japan, I live in a city called Chiba – just twenty minutes away from Tokyo. I’m currently in my second year of university and will be graduating in 2020. I am currently studying video production at Digital Hollywood University in Tokyo. I’m in video production because I love making videos – but aside from that, I also like basketball and DJing on the side. Ever since I was in highschool, I have studied video production and learned a lot through Youtube. Almost all video tutorials were in English so at first didn’t understand what they were saying.

Learning English was a way for me to understand more video tutorials. It was also a way to get another method of video production outside of my own culture.

Why did you choose to study at ELP? Coming to the English Language Program (ELP) was a great opportunity for me to explore Toronto since this is my first time coming to Canada. I have been so used to Japan where most of the people are Japanese; Toronto’s multiculturalism drew me in because I can get to know about the world by

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“

Ever since I was in highschool, I studied video production and learned a lot through Youtube. . .

Learning English was a way for me to understand more video tutorials. It was also a way to get another method of video production outside of my own culture.

just being in the city. ELP was an opportunity for me to meet diverse kinds of people and culture from around the world.

In what ways have you been inspired by people in Toronto?

The teachers at the ELP are all very kind. I really like my instructor, Bill. One day I showed him my video production and every time since then, he has encouraged me to show him my current work since he was so impressed. I can always come to him for advice and get motivated to keep working on my projects.

How can you apply your experience in Toronto to your art?

For my project, we compared ideas about tattoos between Canada and Japan. I asked many Canadians about what they thought about tattoos and I wanted to know the different tattoo styles in the city. Canadians are definitely more open minded when it comes to tattoos in comparison to Japan where tattoos are still looked down upon by many.

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Toronto’s multiculturalism drew me in because I can get to know about the world by just being in the city.

ELP was an opportunity for me to meet diverse kinds of people and culture from around the world.

It opened me up to possibilities outside my own culture.

For my project, I even had the opportunity to present my video production skills where I created a video of tattoos magically appearing on my arm. The open attitude towards tattoos in Toronto has made me feel I can forget about the boundaries that Japanese culture has placed in my own art.

What has been your favourite spots so far in the city?

Near Old Mill Station, there is a beautiful river where I like to hang out. It’s a peaceful spot away from the busy life of the city. It makes me feel relaxed. I also love to take pictures and videos there since I feel so connected to nature and want to preserve this moment.

What fears did you have coming to ELP and Toronto and how have you overcome them?

Before I came, I barely understood English. When I first got here, I didn’t even understand my host family half the time. I couldn’t properly express what I wanted to say. I was scared because I didn’t know English that well. However, by talking to other students with more experience I was able to enhance my English language abilities.

I also love speaking and meeting new people which has encouraged me to overcome my fears in my language abilities. I try to meet other people as much as possible to practice English. The best way to learn English is to try. It’s okay to make mistakes since it’s not our first language. There are many people in ELP who are willing to help and correct our mistakes. The best way to learn is through making these mistakes. The key advice I can give to other students is to not give up and just simply try your best. It doesn’t matter how long you’re in the program for, but just make the most out of it.

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WINTER CAMPING

LEARNING FROM EXPERIENCE

By Eileen Wu

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rom February 23rd to 25th ELP students headed up north to Camp Wanakita for English Language Program’s (ELP) annual winter camping trip. Despite the warmer than usual weather, ELP students had an amazing time at Wanakita and learned many new things along the way.

A favourite for everyone was the snowshoeing trip across the lake. Very few students had ever tried it before, so it was an entirely new experience strapping on the snowshoes and walking across the frozen lake. On our trip across the lake Japanese student Risako learned a new word – reflection. The ice was so clear and the sun was so bright that we could see our reflections and the sunlight reflected off the surface of the lake. It really was like walking on water.

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THE HIGH ROPES Risako and Chinese student Annie also fondly remember their experience climbing the ropes. We climbed up these structures about 15 metres high and the students learned another new word here – slack. According to camp leader Jana, to give slack means to loosen the rope to allow the climber to go up higher on the structure while still making sure that they are safe in case they slip.

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THE CAMP FIRE Another memorable moment of winter camping was the campfire. Chinese student Frank played guitar for us all while singing a mix of songs in English and his native Mandarin. The night sky with stars and the moon along with Frank’s soft voice made us all feel even more relaxed. Xavier from China even learned a new word by the campfire – marshmallow. It was his first time roasting them over an open fire and even though there were a few badly burnt early attempts, Xavier eventually got the hang of this campfire classic.

Xavier and his friend Jianbo tell us that they actually had a very educational weekend.

Along with learning about marshmallows and snowshoes, they learnt the word zipper and the expressions ‘to zip up’ and ‘to unzip.’

Undoubtedly, from the many times we had to zip our jackets up all the way to fight the cold wind then quickly unzip them again when the sun came out.

Even on our last morning in Wanakita, students acquired new words and skills. The road had become slick with ice as we carried our things out of our little cabins and onto the bus, so Annie thinks she probably learned how to skate. Though we did not have any skates on our feet, we slid around the camp, many of us falling, but all of us laughing along the way. The experience paid off because Annie went skating easily a few days later, an ease she attributes to her time sliding across the ice in her boots at Wanakita.

Students did not just learn about English though, they also learned from each other’s cultures. Lucy and Rodrigo learned Chinese and Spanish from each other, Jianbo and Xavier learned Japanese from their new friends, and Hanae learned Chinese expressions throughout the weekend. Though winter camping is not at all like a traditional classroom, there was still so much to learn.

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ON A FROZEN LAKE

By Jessica Pinheiro Da Silveira

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W

inter Camping is one of the most anticipated activities at the English Language Program (ELP). Every year, the experience is one that students and the attending ELP staff cherish for years to come. Though weather is unpredictable and, at times, it is hard to foresee the activities we will get to participate in, while at YMCA Wanakita Camp, the one thing we can always count on is an incredible group of campers and an unforgettable experience.

This year, Winter Camp was an icy and sunny weekend filled with opportunities to explore the surrounding nature. Along with the multiple leadership initiatives, the students took the plunge and climbed the high ropes, walked to a waterfall across a frozen lake and saw the stars on a quiet night hike.

Straight after lunch on our second day, our wonderful camp counselors took us to the snowshoe hut. A quirky little hut decorated with painted canvasses of inspiring quotes from past Wanakita campers and filled with traditional and modern snowshoes. I could spend hours reading those painted tiles, reflecting on my own experience at the camp and imagining what it was like for those who put those paintings up.

With gazing eyes, ELP students also took the time to delve into the colourful thoughts of the campers before them.

They read: “Turns out it’s not where but who you’re with that matters.”

“Imagine then act.”

“A good life is a collection of happy moments.”

We spent the next couple of hours doing what I consider to be a once in a lifetime experience: snowshoeing across a frozen lake, under a clear sunny sky with nothing but us on the lake’s surface. It was an astounding adventure with

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beautiful sights, the small islands on the lake were like patches to be discovered, and the journey to the other end of the lake, a dazzling course.

I must admit as beautiful as it was, as the sun hit that glazing surface and ice melted beneath my feet, a part of me was terrified of the ground breaking. Multiple times, I found myself scared, wanting to run back to shore, back to safety.

Instead, I kept going. Each and every student was delighted and eager to get to the frozen falls on the other side and their enthusiasm kept me motivated. The frozen falls, where we knighted each other with icicles, had ice-sword fights, and took wonderful pictures, was worth every second of the journey.

Walking back to shore was a lot quicker and a lot more tiring than expected. As we sat at the shore looking out to the frozen lake, we noticed the distanced we roamed and how worth it the view and the journey turned out to be. No matter how tired, most of us still went on a night hike, ready for the next adventure.

Winter Camp this year was an incredible learning opportunity. An opportunity to experience new things, make new friends and create extraordinary memories. For me, that walk across the lake represents the journey in which most of us at one point or another in life, take the risk to embark on. All of the students launched themselves into the journey of coming to Canada to study and create memories that will last a lifetime.

My hope is that with this wonderful weekend we got to spend together, the students may remember it as the message both the snowshoe hut and our walk across the lake tried to portray.

A message of trust, taking risks and hope. Going across that lake might not have been easy, but in trusting each other and taking the risk together, we experienced something we would not have been able to otherwise. By enduring the fatigue and the fear, we accomplished our goal, proud and elated to have done it together.

Perhaps this weekend can serve as an inspiration for each of us to take a canvas, write our own quote and put it up on our own wall of memories.

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ELP VOLUNTEERING A WIN-WIN EXPERIENCE

By Jessica Pinheiro Da Silveira & Sara Bolourchian

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olunteering at the English Language Program (ELP) provides students with the opportunity to expand their learning of the English language and of Canadian culture beyond the classroom. Every week, students have the opportunity to sign up for various volunteering initiatives in the community; some of these initiatives occur weekly, while others are seasonal. A weekly initiative that is popular among ELP students is volunteering with the St. Felix Community Centre.

Students who volunteer with the St. Felix Centre spend an average of five hours on their feet, working hard to help prepare and serve nutritious community meals to the less fortunate. Through their friendly interactions with the community members attending these meals, ELP volunteers play an integral role in creating a welcoming and safe environment at the St. Felix Centre. This kind of volunteering work is not easy and yet every week there is a long list of students interested in signing up to attend volunteering at the St. Felix Centre. In fact, there are so many interested students that a lottery often has to take place to determine who will be able to attend each week.

As for the seasonal volunteering initiatives, ELP students enjoy helping out at a wide variety of music and cultural festivals, charity runs and much more.

Students have often cited their volunteering with the MLSE and JaysCare foundations as being a particularly fulfilling and rewarding experience. During these initiatives, students assist with the selling of 50/50 lottery tickets at various sporting events.

Half of all the money that ELP students help raise through these ticket sales goes towards supporting charitable causes in the community such as funding sports teams for underprivileged youth (the other half is for the lucky winner of the lottery). Aside from supporting a great cause, students volunteering at these events have the opportunity to interact with the public, practicing their English and building confidence in their speaking skills. What is more exciting, after the volunteering is over, students are given the chance to watch the sporting event that is taking place, whether it is professional basketball, lacrosse, hockey or baseball. It truly is a win-win experience.

Volunteering at the ELP is phenomenal—and our volunteers make it so! Each and every one of our student volunteers selflessly contributes a large amount of their time towards community building initiatives.

ST. FELIX COMMUNITY CENTRE

BLAKE STREET SCHOOLBREAKFAST CLUB 18

We sat down for a chat with Aqeela Kazem and Yui Yoshikane, ELP students who have each taken Academic English and English Plus at the ELP and have spent over 30 hours volunteering.

AQEELA KAZEM FROM SAUDI ARABIA (ACADEMIC ENGLISH) Why did you decide to start volunteering?

I have always enjoyed helping and fostering others, I have always believed that if you do good, good will come back to you. Plus, who would mind having volunteering hours on their resume?

How many different volunteer activities have you partaken in?

I have participated multiple times in five different activities so far and I am truly eager and looking forward to participate in more.

What are some of the things you have learned about yourself through volunteering?

Volunteering has changed a lot in me. I learned how to be patient, how to enjoy my life and appreciate what I have, how to embrace empathy and compassion and mostly appreciate what so little a person might do and how huge it could impact someone else’s life.

What are some skills you think you have had the opportunity to develop through volunteering?

I would say: communication, organization and time management.

If you could pick your favourite volunteer activity, what would it be and why? What have you learned from this specific activity.

It is difficult to choose one favourite, because all of the activities have been engaging and fun.

But maybe top two: Blake Street School Breakfast Club and Scott Mission. It was so pleasing working with kids [at Blake Street]. They appreciate the small stuff. The Scott Mission experience was tough, emotionally. But has left me with many moments to cherish.

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One of the main skills that volunteering has helped me polish and refine is my communication skills; engaging in fruitful conversations with native speakers was really helpful.

How do you think volunteering has shaped your overall experience at the ELP? How does it change your experience beyond the classroom?

As I mentioned earlier, one of the main skills that volunteering has helped me polish and refine is my communication skills; engaging in fruitful conversations with native speakers was really helpful.

If you could describe the volunteering program in one word, what would it be?

Rewarding.

MLSE FOUNDATION 19

YUI YOSHIKANE FROM JAPAN (ENGLISH PLUS & ACADEMIC ENGLISH) Did you know anything about the volunteering at the ELP before coming to your first meeting? If so, how?

Yes. My friend used to go to the ELP and she recommended that I volunteer. She said that it was a good opportunity to make friends. When I was in Japan, I really wanted to volunteer in another country, but my study abroad was in the same season, so I could not do that but now I can volunteer in Canada!

Why did you decide to start volunteering?

Because in volunteering, there are lots of activities that I cannot do in Japan. In Japan, we don’t have a volunteering system like that and opportunity to meet people who need help, so I thought this is a good activity. Also, it’s better to get qualifications to find a job in Japan.

How many different volunteer activities have you partaken in?

Around five activities: The ELP Food and Clothing Drive, FoodShare, Blake Street Breakfast Club and 50/50 ticket selling.

What are some of the things you have learned about yourself through volunteering?

I have learned that volunteers can have a lot of successful experiences outside the classroom.

I realized that I like to do something that can help people. Also, getting involved with people from other countries makes me feel very openminded. There are many things that we can do to be useful.

What are some skills you think you have had the opportunity to develop through volunteering?

I have developed listening and speaking skills. People who work with us explain what they want us to do in English, so we have to understand exactly what to do. Also, during volunteering, we talk a lot in English with friends. Usually in the morning, I stay at home but if I volunteer, I can talk and develop my English skills.

If you could pick your favourite volunteer activity, what would it be and why? What have you learned from this specific activity.

I would pick 50/50 for a simple reason.

After volunteering there, we get to watch a

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FOODSHARE

“

I have developed listening and speaking skills. People who work with us explain what they want us to do in English, so we have to understand exactly what to do. Also, during volunteering, we talk a lot in English with friends. Usually in the morning, I stay at home but if I volunteer, I can talk and develop my English skills.

professional sporting event for free and there are many games in Canada I don’t often watch in Japan. It’s good chance to watch Canadian sports.

How do you think volunteering has shaped your overall experience at ELP? How does it change your experience beyond the classroom?

I think volunteering is so good for students who want to learn English because when we volunteer, for most of them, we work in partners and this partner most often does speak a different language, so we have to speak in English. This is so good and helps our motivation to grow in the class.

If you could describe the volunteering program in one word, what would it be?

Improvement.

SCOTT MISSION

EVERGREEN BRICKWORKS 21

THE ELP CULTURAL ASSISTANTS

By David Quispe

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he English Language Program (ELP) attracts students from countries all over the world. Outside the classroom, extra-curricular activities, such as volunteering, visits to the CN Tower, Casa Loma, Niagara Falls, hockey and baseball games, and fun activities such as playing board games, skating, tobogganing, help construct that overall ELP experience.

Leading these activities are University of Toronto students called Cultural Assistants (CAs), who are in daily contact with students and ensure that their experience during these activities is a pleasant one. But, to the CAs, the role means a lot more. To me, being a CA is a wonderful responsibility, a journey that allows us to know and meet people from other countries. It is an opportunity to make life-long friends, from around the world, from countries we have not had the opportunity to visit.

I asked my fellow CAs what being a CA means to them. Here is what they had to say.

“For me, being a CA means that I get to make friends with people from all over the world. I love seeing students come here with little English and leave (or move to Canada!) speaking English really well. I believe that ELP students also teach me so much about languages and life in other countries, as well as about kindness and friendship. It has been so rewarding for me to make connections with ELP students from different cultures, and I will always treasure the friendships that I have made as a CA.” —Edith Krohmalnik

“Being a cultural assistant means being able to put ourselves in the shoes of the international students and at the same time, introduce them to a city and culture that they may be unfamiliar to. Through various social activities,CAs get a great opportunity to share our stories while learning something from the students as well.”

—Janezel Sualog

Edith

Janezel

“I have been a CA now for over two years, and what an amazing experience it has been for me. Being a CA teaches you a lot. I have learned so much about people, about patience, about differences and a lot about me. My first couple of months at work, I must say, were fun but also challenging. It was the first time I was exposed to people from so many different cultures who were all here to share in learning what it means to live in Canada.”

— Jessica Pinheiro Da Silveira “For me being a CA means getting to be a part of this very special time in students’ lives. We get the privilege of helping them make unforgettable memories in Toronto.

As a CA, we are given the chance to meet people from all over the world and as much as it is our job to help students learn English and explore Toronto, they teach us just as much. At the ELP, I have learned about and been exposed to so many new cultures that I never knew much about before. It’s a learning experience for everyone involved at the ELP. When students go back home, it is hard. They become a very special part of my life that I could not imagine university without. So, for me, being a CA means getting a chance and learn from others. I know we are supposed to be helping them learn, but more than anything I believe that being a CA at ELP has helped me become a truly global citizen.”

— Eileen Wu

Jessica

Eileen

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“Working as a Cultural Assistant at the ELP has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my undergraduate degree. As a CA, I have had the pleasure of meeting so many lovely students from all around the world. What I love most about being a CA is that, while introducing students to Canadian culture, I myself have the opportunity to learn about their culture! Conversation Café is probably my favourite activity to do with students as it provides a unique opportunity for students from different countries with diverse perspectives to gather together and discuss interesting topics.”

— Sara Bolourchian “Being a CA is one of the best opportunities I have had as a U of T student. To me, being a CA means building community and helping others grow in their love for Toronto and for the English language. ELP has really affirmed the value of establishing community and a sense of belonging on language fluency. As a future educator, being a CA has also allowed me to work with English language learners (ELLs) and become more sensitive to student needs that I might have sometimes taken for granted. The best part of being a CA is not only being able to welcome others into our culture, but also getting to experience and learn so much about cultures aside from our own.”

— Marina Eskander

Sara

Marina

“To me, being a cultural assistant is being a support system for the students. Most of us understand what it’s like to be in a new country on your own, so we try to make the students as comfortable as possible with us to better their experience.”

— Samantha Quan From these testimonials, we see that learning at ELP is never a one-way street. Being a CA is so much more than the title implies: sharing and learning together is the goal. But what does it mean for students to have CAs as a part of the ELP?

Samantha

“I would describe my experience at ELP as one of the most enriching of my entire life not only because I got to speak English fluently thanks to this program but also because I had the opportunity to learn a lot about other cultures and ways of living. I don’t only thank that to my classmates for teaching me about their cultures but also to the CAs: those lovely human beings that no matter what your background or native language is, you will never feel excluded; they’ll make sure you feel comfortable and you can also learn from them (and who knows, maybe they can also learn from you in some way). I think they are a very good way to complement your learning and improvement. I’m completely thankful I had them throughout my term and through the rest of my journey in Canada, they became really good and loyal friends with me after my program.”

—Paulina Pernalete from Venezuela “The support of the CAs is very kind. If I have problem or I want to ask something to someone they are always there to help. We went to Niagara Falls and we were able to enjoy it together. I had a great time with them. It’s so important for us to have them. They are U of T students, so they are very busy but when they come to ELP events they do not look tired or stressed and that makes me happy that they might have a lot of homework, but they do not show it. You are always smiling.”

—Kayoko Wada from Japan “I didn’t know anything about the U of T and I didn’t have any friends.

So, going to volunteer meetings and meeting CAs who were so kind and listened to my broken English, they still understand me which is really helpful. CAs help international students a lot. CAs told me about many activities or if we meet at the lobby they always gave me the chance to use the language.”

—Ruina Takahashi from Japan 23

ELP EXPERIENTIAL ACTIVITIES ICE SKATING AT HARBOURFRONT The Harbourfront Centre and Toronto City Hall once again opened the best go-to places this year during the winter season. ELP students had the opportunity to pull on a pair of skates and enjoy ice skating on two of Toronto’s largest and most beautiful outdoor rinks, as they witness the breathtaking views of the lake and the city skyline.

— Janezel Sualog TORONTO’S CHRISTMAS MARKET One of the most beautiful things about Toronto is our Christmas festivities. For its eighth year, the historic site of the Distillery District transformed into a joyous place. With a magical Christmas tree, bright lights, local artisans and vendors, carols and performances, and European street-style food, the Toronto Christmas Market is always one of the best ways to get into the Christmas spirit.

Seeing Santa offer his hugs and spread holiday cheer warmed our hearts. Sipping on hot chocolate as we listened to street carolers brought a sense of community that cannot be beat. Looking up at the enormous 50-foot Christmas tree with bright ornaments filled us with joy that we bring with us to the new year. Although it can get chilly, catching the Toronto Christmas Market during a magical snowfall makes things even more festive and special. Warm up inside the light tunnel and indulge in a chocolatey dessert before continuing to explore the streets of the Market.

The ELP students enjoyed celebrating the holiday season with the festivities of the Toronto Christmas Market this past December, and we can’t wait for next December!

—Marina Eskander CAVALCADE OF LIGHTS From the tree lighting ceremony of Toronto’s official Christmas Tree, to the spectacular fireworks show, there was never a dull moment during this annual holiday tradition. At the Cavalcade of Lights, the students enjoyed the live band and musical performances and joined the DJ skating party just near the stage.

— Janezel Sualog

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RIPLEY’S AQUARIUM Whether you are a seasoned Torotonian or only in Toronto for a visit, a walk in the city will give you a glimpse of the rich cultures that Toronto fosters. But Toronto is more than what meets the eye. If, like many ELP students, you are a big fan of the mysterious undersea world, you will be pleased to find out that Toronto is also home to a diversity of marine life.

On ELP’s monthly visit to Ripley’s Aquarium, we immersed ourselves in the vast undersea world, where every corner you turn something marvellous awaits. Traveling on the gliding path, we entered the realm of the sea creatures. Here, we got to observe some cute fishes that wander around and spend their days among the seaweed, but also some more feared creatures. Some of us were quite surprised when we found big sharks behind us in our selfies.

The Aquarium offers tons of Instagram-worthy photo ops, including the famous Planet Jellies Gallery one of the world’s largest jellyfish galleries and our favourite selfie spot. Standing in front of the dark tank that was illuminated by the jellyfishes, we couldn’t help but felt like we were in a fantasy world. Time was lost on us, as in the blink of an eye, the jellyfishes would change colours, shapes, and sizes and transform the atmosphere of the gallery with them.

As if to counter the surrealism of the Jellies Gallery and shark tank, at Ripley’s Aquarium, we were also welcome to make friends with some shrimps and sting rays. There was something amazing (or ticklish) about holding our hands still in the pond and waiting for a shrimp to approach. It was lovely how friendly and helpful these little creatures were. We definitely felt a friendship blossoming, as the shrimps busied themselves with the task of removing dead skin on our hands.

Exiting the the gallery and throwing ourselves back to the hustle and bustle of the city, it was almost as if our adventure in the aquarium was a beautiful, mystical dream. But a look at our phone albums affirmed that it was all real. You really can’t go the Ripley’s Aquarium and not end up having some awesome pictures that will make your Instagram followers fall in love with Toronto too.

—Tiffany He

TOBOGGANING AT RIVERDALE PARK It doesn’t matter if the holiday season is over, because as long as there’s piles of snow, you’ll always have somewhere to go in Toronto. Home to the city’s most challenging slope, Riverdale Park is known to be one of the best places to go tobogganing on its wide steep hill. Enjoy Toronto’s skyline as you descend but make sure not to lose your toboggan before you even get on it!

— Janezel Sualog

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KWANSEI GAKUIN UNIVERSITY

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group of 49 Kwansei Gakuin University (KGU) students joined us for our the English PLUS course in the month of February. Every year, the students who come with very different personalities that shape the dynamics and experience of the group. This year was no different. This group from KGU this year was unique and the one thing they all had in common was their passion for this experience. Besides many of the social activities they took part in at the ELP, many of the students took upon themselves to create adventures of their own.

This winter, I had the pleasure of accompanying the students from KGU to many of their social activities and got to know many of the personalities that made up this wonderful group. Filling their experience with fun, excitement and lots of opportunities to learn something new. A trip to Niagara Falls, the CN tower, Casa Loma, the Wizard of Oz performance of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra and their graduation dinner are just a few of the social activities that made February such a memorable month for the students and for myself.

I asked some of the students about their stay in Toronto and below is what they had to say.

“Staying with a host [family] was new, I was nervous when I came to Toronto. But I made myself at home after a month.

What I remember the best is going out with my Korean roommate. Both of us are not good at speaking English, but we could talk a lot and got to know each other” —Haruka

“I taught Japanese to U of T students and asked for their

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By Jessica Pinheiro Da Silveira

social media, after I went for lunch with them. I spoke with them for a long time and practiced my English. After I go back to Japan I want to keep in touch with them. That makes me happy because I wanted to interact with the locals. Also, I learned about other cultures. Being able to talk with lots of people was so much fun. And many people supported me.

That makes me grow up.”

—Kayoko “The most interesting memory was watching an ice hockey game. It was my first time to enjoy it! Next, my home stay.

My host mother’s kindness and good at cooking is a good memory.”

—Youngmin “Everything I did in Canada was new for me. Especially, I was excited to go to the CN Tower. Nothing was difficult for me because I was able to act freely!”

—Kana “Everything was new for me. But, the newest thing was Niagara Falls. It was so big and beautiful. I can’t see the nature like that in Japan. Teaching Japanese is my favorite memory.

I learned how foreigners think about Japan, and it influenced me. My horizon was broadened.”

—Koki “In Canada there is a variety of people and international places. My favourite memory is Niagara Falls! It was so cool and gorgeous” —Dong Geun

KANDA UNIVERSITY OF INTERNATIONAL STUDIES

By Edith Krohmalnik

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his February, ELP had the pleasure of hosting students from the Kanda University of International Studies (KUIS)! The students had so much fun touring the University of Toronto campus and visiting Toronto’s attractions such as Niagara Falls, the CN Tower, and Ripley’s Aquarium! We loved having them here, and we hope that they enjoyed their experience in Toronto just as much. Before they went back to Japan, we asked them this question: “What is one thing you did in Canada that was new for you or that scared you, but that you’re happy you did?” Here is what they said: “What is one thing I did is to speak to Canadians for a survey. I was so nervous and scared but they responded kindly. So I’m happy I did it.”

—Rina “I did ice skating in front of the Toronto City Hall. This was for the first time in my life. While I was skating I was afraid of falling, but I had the experience of skating and I am happy.”

—Natsumi

“It was the first time that I watched a Canadian ice hockey game. Sometimes, some players crashed with others and it was shocking, but the game was really exciting! I want to see it again!”

—Momoko “For me, bus is new because we have to pull a yellow strings when we want to get off. However, we push the button when we get off in Japan. So I was confused at first.”

—Kaori “I was really nervous to use bus and train when it was the first time. I went to school by bus and train. Transportation system in Toronto is not so difficult, but when I use those for the first time, I worried about that because the system is different from Japanese one. How can I ride? How can I use pass? How…? But now, I was able to go to many places by myself! At first, using bus and train was challenging for me, but it was good experience.”

—Sena

“Staying in foreign country for a month was new thing for me.

I gained precious experience, so I have confidence in speaking English. I was happy to stay in Canada.”

—Renon

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MEMORIES OF A LIFETIME

By Natalie Crljenica

Here at the English Language Program (ELP), we want to help students make memories that will last a lifetime! I interviewed some former students about their most memorable experiences at ELP and what advice they have for new students.

“I have many great memories!!

My best memory is making a lot of friends. I was happy to meet various people who have different backgrounds. I was able to learn about cultural differences.

—Ranko from Japan

“It’s difficult to choose one, but an example might be when the course finalized. ELP volunteers made to all students a great party, even it was at school! By the way, I met new students and teachers there. I recommend ELP if you want to improve your English while you are having some fun.”

— Sergio from Mexico

“When my class divided into groups and we went out to interview people on the street about a research we had done in the classroom. It was fun. I felt more confident in my English and improved my friendship with my classmates.”

—Gilles from Brazil

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“My best memory volunteering. I participated in volunteer meetings almost every Wednesday. I chose one volunteer activity which I was interested in there. I joined charity running events three times. In these programs, I helped runners and to give some water. I enjoyed it and was appreciated by them. It was happy and fun for me. Other than there were many enjoyable activities, but this is the best memory.”

— Akira from Japan

Do you like to go out or stay at home? I like to stay at home all day long when I have free time. However, I have never stayed at home when I was in Canada because I had only three months there. So, I tried to go out and speak English. If you do that, you may have awesome experiences with the people and places.

I volunteered in May. I did it by myself, so I didn’t see any University of Toronto students there. I talked to a Korean girl and boy and we became friends. A few days after that, they asked me if I wanted to go to Ottawa and then they told me about a marathon held in Ottawa and encouraged me to run a fivekilometre race. I decided to go.

We went to Ottawa in a small team of 16 people. Therefore, I met new people and made friends. We went sightseeing on the first day and I ran five kilometres on the second day.

I’ve never run five kilometres before so when I finished running, I was really proud of myself even though it was only five kilometres.

I’m satisfied with what I did. I met new people and tried something new that I had never expected to do.

Tomorrow is the last day of my life altering experience in Toronto.

I made friends outside of the school, so I experienced what other KGU students did not. I will always treasure my time here.

— Yuki from Japan 29

@elp MAGAZINE

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