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We Celebrate Our Members
Because food is a universal language, Atlantic Canada Language Academy found an innovative way to stay connected with students, staff and agents; build relationships; focus on mental and physical health: and promote our incredible region. Every Sunday morning for the better part of the year, Atlantic Canada Language Academy’s President Michelle Alcorn hosted Atlantic Canada Cooks, a free online global weekly cooking club. Offered on Facebook, Atlantic Canada Cooks brought together students, teachers and agents to learn about food in Atlantic Canada.
Known as the Maple Chef, Michelle invited everyone to virtually join her in her kitchen in New Brunswick’s Albert County. Six recipes from across Atlantic Canada were offered up, with farmers and other producers often participating as guests. With so many Atlantic Canada Language Academy students studying online from their home country, Atlantic Canada Cooks gave them a great way to stay connected and learn about Atlantic Canada’s culture and experience.
With participants connecting from as far afield as Vietnam, Ireland and Nova Scotia, learning English never tasted so good! Atlantic Canada Cooks participants prepared meals from wherever they were in the world and were still able to taste what being in Atlantic Canada is all about, reinforcing why they wanted to still come here to study, work and live.
East Coast Language College (ECLC) went above and beyond to welcome intrepid students who still made it safely to Halifax. Thanks to Languages Canada‘s Study Safe Corridor, ECLC students were able to book their travel and hotels, as well as get all their pre-departure documentation and apps before they left home. On arrival in Halifax, they were met by a safe taxi that transported them to their quarantine hotel. The student travel package included a Canadian SIM card so students could immediately connect with their families, the school, and the federal and provincial authorities; medical insurance (including coverage for COVID); access to mental health supports; and room and meals for the duration of the quarantine stay.
ECLC also prepared welcome bags for all the new arrivals, with students receiving them when they checked into the hotel. Director of Student Services Donna-Lynn LeBlanc noted the welcome bags were meant to be fun, educational and tasty, with some treats and snacks to enjoy. Students reported back that the contents of the welcome bags helped the 14-day quarantine pass a little more quickly and that they were touched by the care and thought that had gone into the preparation of the bags. Some of the host families also stepped up with their own welcome packs.
COVID-19 couldn’t stop ECLC from welcoming international students and all they bring to enriching our community.
