Name Francisco Cortes
From Chile
Program DISCOVER & English for Academic Purposes
Can you tell me a little bit about yourself and where you are from?
I am Francisco Cortes. I am from Chile. I am a husband and a father of four children.
I consider myself as a person who likes real changes and challenges. Speaking English is one of those challenges in my life, and to achieve this purpose, my family and I chose Vancouver to live in.
What motivated you to choose the English Language Institute at UBC for your language studies?
My motivation to study here, was to find a place with an academic excellence that supports the students´ skills during the process of acquiring a new language. ELI has high international reputation in English teaching.
Which programs did you participate in at ELI?
I participated in DISCOVER Program during almost one year and then I changed to the English for Academic Purposes program during one year more.
What inspired you to take multiple programs?
My inspiration always has been my family who makes me perseverate in the long path of acquire a new language from the scratch which it meant for me at least two years.
Could you describe a memorable classroom experience or activity that stands out to you?
Definitely, the activity the I enjoyed the most was The International night because I had the opportunity to share my culture through the food, to know other cultures, and my family and I participated together.
How would you describe the teaching methods and quality of instruction at ELI?
As I said above, the prestige that ELI has, it is known because of the quality of its teachers. How they manage different strategies for guiding students to improve their skills. Teachers have the essential knowledge about how people learn, and they applied it during their classes which give the students the necessary support for achieving every personal goal.
How have the language skills you gained at ELI benefited you?
In my case, I think ELI gave me a perfect tool of learning. These programs tough me how to be autonomous in my own process of acquire the English Language. Programs also gave me the knowledge and accurate resources that helps me to manage de developing of my skills in my daily life.
Would you recommend ELI to other international students looking to improve their English skills? Why?
Absolutely! I strongly recommend ELI Programs to other international students for learning and improving their English skills. ELI can give students a wide variety of courses and different levels of it where everyone can fit in depending on their interests or goals.
What advice would you give to someone considering studying at ELI?
My advice is: “You should take this option as the best one in Vancouver”.
This option is especially beneficial for those who learning English is difficult or do not know so much.
What surprised you most about Canadian culture?
I consider Canadian as honest people. It is a great value as society. Every person who is studying here or would like to live here, needs to learn this essential rule to be part of this culture. It is fantastic to live in such a good place.
What is your favourite place in Vancouver?
For many reasons, one of my favourites places in Vancouver is UBC Campus because this institution has a reach educational environment which I could feel and see everywhere here. Furthermore, UBC is one of the most significant places in Vancouver.
Many thanks to Francisco for participating in this interview.
