Dizzying news around the Coronavirus pandemic over the past weeks have left international students all over the world in uncertainty about their programs and plans for studying abroad. With VGC temporarily shutting its doors in order to prioritize the safety of students and staff and practice social distancing, our team has worked tirelessly and passionately to bring our award winning programs online! Thanks to the effort of the whole VGC family we launched our online programs earlier in March and have been off to an incredible start with wonderful feedback from all sides. 

So while we are practicing social distancing and are adjusting to this new, temporary normal, we have listed 6 benefits of taking the online programs at VGC International College:

1. Personal attention

Even if the distance seems greater between you and your teacher because you’re not sitting in the classroom, you still keep direct access to them! With our online program, you’ll be able to chat with or email your questions directly to your teacher. They’ll make sure to take the time to give you the best and most thorough answer possible. And you don’t have to worry about not being able to ask your question before class ends. You’ll always have individual attention!

“I also wanted to thank you for this first pioneering on-line lessons week Curtis, I think it went wonderfully well, and you’re making a great job with us! 🙂 “ – TESL student

2. Being in the comfort of your home

While an online class may have not been what you initially dreamed of when you signed up for your English or Business course in Vancouver, you can be sure that you’ll be safe while travel restrictions and social distancing measures are in place. Further to this, you don’t need to worry about commuting or dressing up for rainy days! Instead, you have the comfort of hitting the snooze button a few more times in the morning. Background music, a hot beverage by your side, lounging on the couch or sofa during class time –  how is studying most comfortable for you? 

“(…) to be honest I haven’t noticed any loss in terms of apprenticeship because the platform used to mediate the classes is extremely useful and the teachers are well prepared to handle it. Beside that, I live with my wife and my 2-year-old son, and thanks to this facility provided by VGC, it is possible to take the classes and spend time with them. Actually, now I have more time to play with my kid than before.” – Daniel, VGC student UP Advanced 

3. Improving technical skills

For online classes VGC is using Zoom, an industry leader in remote conferencing services. This software gives students a variety of options, such as screen sharing, content sharing, messaging, recording, webinars or group meetings with multiple participants. Gaining familiarity with navigating modern video technology while getting comfortable communicating with others digitally are essential skills that will come in handy in many professions. Time to shine online!

4. Structure and motivation thanks to live instructor-led classes

 Joining our virtual classroom will give you the same structure and schedule as our face-to-face program. While learning with traditional language apps or pre-recorded sessions often requires more self-motivation and time management-skills, VGC’s Online Programs are fully teacher-led with live instruction, feedback and constant communication. Students will have to log in and participate in order to get marks, so there’s no danger of procrastination. 

“ (…) all my questions are promptly answered by the teacher, we can take the exams, we keep in touch with each other very easily and our english skills are being improved as normal.” – Daniel, VGC student UP Advanced 

5. Location independence and further education

Continue your education from anywhere in the world! While we understand that this is not the study abroad experience you initially hoped for, VGC’s online English or Business courses give you all the tools you need in order to continue your class online, even beyond your initially planned stay. Whether you have already returned home or plan to do so once everything is over, you’ll now be able to extend your program and advance even further by taking additional English levels or one of our online Business Certificate courses.  All you’ll need is a tablet or computer and a stable internet connection. 

“Based on my experience, there was nothing different between an online class and an in-class lecture. We could still see and talk/discuss each other as usual.” – Kim, VGC Student UP Advanced 

6. Academic Standards

Here at VGC we’re proud to say that all of our online English and Business courses are government (PTIB) approved and follow the same high standards as our classes on campus. We will ensure that our students get the quality they have paid for, and that have VGC ranked continuously as the best language school in Vancouver. 

“Enjoying and being open to new forms of interaction and learning, taking online lessons with VGC, that the present circumstances need, makes this experience pleasant and enjoyable. Having the chance to concentrate on doing things that are left paused by “lack of time” is good.  Read books, investigate topics of your interest, connect with friends and family, and most importantly connect with yourself, to generate empathy with those around us.” – Karen, VGC Student UP Advanced

Let’s take this time of social isolation and uncertainty to continue to learn and come together digitally. Our teachers are enthusiastic and passionate and can’t wait to meet you in our digital classroom today!  

Are you a student currently enrolled in VGC’s online classes and would like to share your experience? Or do you have further questions to find out whether our online programs are the right fit for you? Please do not hesitate to reach out to us directly! 

by Henriette Freese