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Top Language School Vancouver 2020: VGC featured in Top Choice Magazine

Top Language School Vancouver 2020: VGC featured in Top Choice Magazine

Top Language School Vancouver 2020: VGC featured in Top Choice Magazine

August 26, 2020 Posted by Scarlett Liu About VGC, News

As a winner of Top Language School in Vancouver 2020, VGC International College and its Executive Director Dominic Walton are featured in the latest edition of the Top Choice Magazine. The article focuses on what makes VGC so successful in a highly competitive market, how to pick the right language school and the challenges of successfully guiding an international college through a global pandemic. 

Dominic Walton, Executive Director at VGC International College, has turned the little known language school in Vancouver into one of the leading academic English language schools in Canada since joining the school in 2012. With an extensive background in international education as well as an MBA, Walton sees himself as a business strategist and educator, and combines both perspectives in his daily work at VGC.

> Click here to see the article in Top Choice Magazine

“With every crisis comes opportunity.”

Read on to see the full article as Walton goes further into the development, growth and success of VGC, an outlook on online learning as well as the changes he had to make for VGC in light of the global events in 2020.

  • VGC has been voted best language school in Vancouver for the second year in a row – what makes the College so successful? It’s a combination of people, product, culture and vision. People are the first and most important ingredient. Making sure you have a team that understands what the company is about and are hard working, all with strong character and ethics. The product is important because it is what you build your reputation off. In our industry product means academics, the curriculum is important and so is getting people who understand academics, and the theories in delivering a product that is really affective.  We have a team that has taken years to develop and collect and who all contribute crucial rolls in delivering this to our clients.Then we must have vision. As all businesspeople know, there always must be vision. A direction. If you don’t keep swimming you are sinking. There is no excitement and who wants to come to a school with no excitement?
    All three of these factors, of course, focus on one thing and that is the student. Without them we have nothing.
  • Vancouver has numerous schools and colleges to choose from – what advice would you give to a student to find the right school for their stay? Do your research. And when you have done your research choose the school that gives you a good feeling inside. The one that talks to you. Don’t let anyone else decide this for you. It must be your decision. If you love your choice, then you are more likely to be successful there.
  • What are the top 3 things that make students choose VGC International College?
    Easy.
    1. Our People: teachers, staff and marketers.
    2. Our great programs.
    3. All the extras you get included with your tuition like workshops, writing centre, study lab, continuing studies and amazing activities.
  • How would you describe VGC’s culture?
    We asked this question to our students and teachers once and everyone said “family”.  There is something special that happens when you market well and hire well. People are attracted to the same positive energy.
  • What impact does the social experience have for a student in a language program?
    As students will tell you, we have amazing activities. There are studies that say students are three times more likely to succeed in their studies if they make friends in the school. These social experiences enable them to make lifelong friends and get the support needed to be successful in their studies. Furthermore, it’s just so much fun. It’s the adventure of a lifetime.
  • Why did you decide to expand your focus and add business programs?
    It was a natural step for me as an MBA graduate and someone obviously interested in business, but the real reason was that the majority of our students when surveyed were using their English for business or wanted to further their studies in business.
  • Have you seen a change in the way teachers work with their students over the last years?
    When I first took over the school, the classes were not very interactive so the first thing we introduced was regular professional development workshops for our teachers.  These originally focused on making the classes as dynamic and interactive as possible. Then we recognized how technology is so important, so we focused on delivering a program that integrated technology and interactive activities. Now over the COVID crisis we have gone online, and this training has paid off. Our teachers are doing a fabulous job of keeping the students engaged.
  • What do you think is the key to a good language program?
    A combination of a good teacher and an excellent curriculum combined with very precise learning outcomes.

  • What do you think about technology to help with language learning?
    We have a competitor who has sworn to be tech free and of course now they are racing toward technology during the COVID crisis. The truth is technology is part of the language now. The vocabulary is integrated into our everyday lives.  We must embrace it. During this crisis we have gone online with our VGC Virtual program and I think a lot of people are seeing how technology really can enhance the learning experience. You can review language points that are not clear the first time. You can communicate easily with people and learn from a distance as if the classroom is in your own home. It especially helps with people who take longer to learn languages as they can review easily.
  • What do you think are the biggest challenges international students face when they come to learn English in Canada?
    I think when they have to learn to get over the mistakes. Don’t worry about them so much. Let’s start with the meaning.  The function of the language.  Grammar isn’t so important and that will come later. Nothing is more exciting than to see our students order a coffee for the first time and … get a coffee! Wow I ordered something, and I got what I ordered! In English!
  • What do you think is the best age to come for a language program?
    Any age.  It’s never too late to learn although if you are like me your brain absorbs less as I am getting older.  Our average age is 28 and we recognize there are a lot of older students who want to learn. We divide our classes according to age as well as culture, so students feel more comfortable in class. So, any age!
  • 2020 has been off to a challenging start with the outbreak of the Coronavirus. What strategies have changed for VGC to react to the pandemic?
    Obviously, this is a game changer for everyone. The nature of it means we are changing day to day. Our strategy is first of all, to make sure our students are taken care of and are safe. Training our teaching staff to make sure our programs still have that outstanding quality, then changing our marketing strategies to make sure people at home in their own countries know they can now join in. And because we were able to get our message out quickly, VGC Virtual has become a success.
  • What was the greatest challenge the school had to face in the recent global outbreak of the Coronavirus?
    Dealing with uncertainty. Obviously, we had to close our locations down when we had to go online and reassure the students that we will all get through this. Making sure their well-being is front and foremost – and doing this all online. It’s hard not seeing people in person.
  • The Coronavirus has urged international education providers to react to this unforeseen global event quickly. Was expanding to virtual education something you had considered previously?
    It is something I am familiar with. We have looked into it as we are constantly asked to do online courses for some of our markets abroad.  So, it was not a hard expansion to VGC Virtual. Right now, it is going so well we will extend those courses past our reopening. It will definitely change how we deliver programs even when things get back to normal.
  • What are the chances of virtual classrooms for an International College like VGC? Do you think online learning will replace face-to-face courses in the future?
    No. I think a nice blend would be better.  I think we will see time and budget sensitive students gravitate towards these online programs, but they have been out there for some time. Why won’t the face to face learning be replaced entirely? Because the girl still wants to meet the boy and the boy still wants to meet the girl.  Face to Face.  How exciting is the possibility of romance … in English!
  • What positive side are you taking out of this crisis for your College?
    Lots! With every crisis comes opportunity. I believe this industry will come back strong in the next year despite being hit very hard with this crisis.  I believe our processes and curriculum will be improved through this crisis as it is being vetted and strengthened every day. And it is holding up well! But the most important is to witness the resilience of the students and the resolve of our teachers and staff as they have dedicated themselves even more so to this company and in return I have dedicated myself even more to them.  And we are back to the most important ingredient of a successful school – people. And we have renewed faith in our people.

To learn more about VGC and its programs, visit www.VGC.ca or contact the school directly at [email protected]

Top Choice Award is one of the greatest endorsements a business can receive within North America & Europe. VGC has been voted Top Language School in Vancouver for the second year in a row. We take pride in providing its students with excellent services, an amazing intercultural experience, and the best academic learning environment.

Find out more: https://www.topchoiceawards.com/winner/vgc-international-college

Tags: Academic SchoolBritish ColumbiaCanadaEducationEnglish LanguageESL SchoolLearn English in CanadaLearn English in VancouverStudy AbroadTop Choice AwardVancouverVGC International College
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Some new seasonal decorations are up on our campus Some new seasonal decorations are up on our campuses... Can you guess what we’re celebrating later this month? ☘️ #VGCcollege #studyinvancouver #studyincanada
Are you eager to start your learning journey but a Are you eager to start your learning journey but are still waiting for travel restrictions to ease?

🌎 With VGC Virtual, you can access all of VGC’s award-winning programs from the comfort of your home! Whether you are looking to improve your general English skills, preparing for your IELTS test or are interested in expanding your business skills - we got you covered!

🎓 For students interested in our University Pathway options we offer different University Preparation programs that suit international time zone demands and different English levels, tailored to your needs. This way you can start your pathway from home and finish in Canada when the time is right!

Or join Express English, or flexible part-time English program for people on the go!

Send us a DM for more information, we look forward to hearing from you! #VGCcollege #onlineschool #learnenglish #studyonline #virtualclasses #universitypathway #canada #internationalstudents #eslschool #onlineclass
Happy Monday #English students! Time for a new idi Happy Monday #English students! Time for a new idiom. Have you heard of the phrase ‘Every cloud has a silver lining’ before? Do you know what it means? 

‘Every cloud has a silver lining’

Definition: This saying means that there is always something positive about a bad situation. It is often said as an encouragement to someone who is feeling sad or disappointed to try and make them feel better or when someone realises a positive aspect to a bad situation. A silver lining on a cloud indicates that the sun is behind it.

Examples of how you can use this phrase in a sentence: 

“I just lost my job, but now I found a new one and actually like this one better than the last!” Answer: “See, every cloud has a silver lining.”

You can also use ‘silver lining’ on its own:

“If there is a silver lining to losing my job, it is that I now have time to go to school full-time.”

Head over to our stories today to see our teacher Chris explaining the idiom with a few examples.

Try to use this idiom in a conversation this week! Has this been helpful? Let us know in the comments!

#VGCcollege #learnenglish #idiom #englishlesson #speakingenglish #englishfun #studyenglish #englishtips #englishlanguage #studyincanada #eslschool #englishincanada #studyinvancouver #silverlining
Time for the weekly purple card announcement! 💜 Time for the weekly purple card announcement! 💜 The winners this week are Mai from Eli’s class and Thayssa from Jana’s class! Congratulations! You will receive your gift certificates next week! #VGCcollege #studyincanada #studyinvancouver #eslschool #englishschool #esl
Can you think of something better than a nice hot Can you think of something better than a nice hot chocolate with marshmallows? Neither can we! 😋☕️

Winter is coming to an end here in BC so we finished off February with a hot chocolate day for our students yesterday! Check out some of the impressions and head over to our Facebook for the full album! 

Are you a hot chocolate, tea of coffee person? Let us know in the comments! 👇🏻

#VGCcollege #studyincanada #studyinvancouver #hotchocolate #internationalstudents #eslschool #activity
🎓 Congratulations to all of our graduating stud 🎓 Congratulations to all of our graduating students of the week! Swipe to see some of our graduates from today: 

(1) Sunjin from Korea 🇰🇷 who graduated from her Global English program
(2) Nana from Japan 🇯🇵 who graduated from her IELTS preparation program
(3) Moe from Japan 🇯🇵 who graduated from her Global English program today!

Wishing you all the best in your future endeavours! 💜 

DM us if you’re interested in our English or business programs on campus in #Vancouver or if you’d like to learn more about our #onlineclasses #VGCcollege #studyincanada #studyinvancouver #esl #eslschool #learnenglish #internationalstudents #604now
Did you know that VGC International College is a @ Did you know that VGC International College is a @qualityenglish School? 

Quality English (QE) schools are carefully selected from the best independent English language schools in English speaking countries. They are renowned for their quality and reputation and offer a choice of general and specialized courses in desirable locations around the world. All schools are independently owned and managed. They are not part of a chain and each school has its own unique character.

Head over to our stories today to see the recording of our live with Quality English from this morning. Our Global Marketing and Recruitment Manager Mariana spoke with Quality English Chief Executive Johnathan Swindell about student life in Vancouver, VGC’s current services and gave a small tour of the campus. 

Are you interested in learning more about VGC’s programs? Send us a DM for more information! #VGCcollege #qualityenglish #qualityeducation #learnenglish #studyincanada #studyinvancouver #studyonline #eslschool
We are excited to announce that Ryugaku Compass ha We are excited to announce that Ryugaku Compass has honoured us with an award! ✨ We are very grateful this to accept the Award as The Most Excellent ESL School of 2021.

This year’s recognition is especially important after a tumultuous year. It is a tribute to how the VGC team has handled themselves and how our focus changed through the pandemic. It recognizes our teacher’s hard work in the classroom but most of all how our students have found a home and shaped our positive school culture where everyone is welcome.

We’d like to thank Ryugaku Compass for this recognition. We will continue to be committed to provide all of our students with the best possible experience. Whether they study with us online or come to learn English in Vancouver to achieve their future dreams. 💜

DM us if you are interested in VGC’s online programs or English courses in Vancouver! 

#VGCcollege #studyincanada #studyinvancouver #learnenglish #englishincanada #onlineenglish #eslschool #award #604now #qualityenglish.
Hi #English students! Do you know what a toque is? Hi #English students! Do you know what a toque is? Here in Canada, many people own a variety of ‘toques’ to put on during the colder months of the year. Do you know what it could be? 

Toque, noun
Pronunciation: to͞ok

Definition: A toque is a Canadian word for a warm, close-fitting, brimless winter hat or a knitted hat. It can have a tassel or pom-pom on top. A toque is usually worn when it's cold. Outside of Canada a toque is usually known as a beanie or a ski hat. 

Here’s an example of how you can use toque in a sentence:

Make sure to bring a toque, it's freezing outside. 
He wore a blue toque and a big scarf. 

Head over to our stories today! Teacher Linda is explaining the word and is showing you some examples of what a toque could look like. 

Do you own a toque? What colour is your favourite toque? Try to use the word in a sentence today! 

#VGCcollege #wordoftheweek #vocabulary #canadianslang #canadianenglish #verycanadian #toque #studyincanada #learnenglish #esl #englishlesson
We hope that you’re all enjoying your weekend! T We hope that you’re all enjoying your weekend! Time to announce this weeks purple card winners! 💜

Congratulations to Melissa Jazmin from Bianca’s class and Seo Young from Vleska’s class - you are this week’s winners and will receive your gift certificates via email next week! #VGCcollege #studyincanada #studyinvancouver #eslschool #learnenglish
Attention students! 📣 The Canadian government a Attention students! 📣 The Canadian government announced new testing and quarantine requirements for international arrivals to Canada. This includes international students as well. 

As of February 22, 2021, all travellers arriving in Canada will be required to take a COVID-19 molecular test when they arrive in the country before they exit the airport, and another toward the end of their 14-day quarantine period.

Travellers will also have to reserve, prior to departure, a 3-night stay in a government-authorized hotel. Travellers who receive a negative test will, after these three days, proceed to their place of isolation to finish their 14-day quarantine. Ten days into their quarantine, they will use a take-home test provided at their arrival in Canada. A further clear result is required before leaving quarantine at 14 days.

Travellers who receive a positive test result after the initial test must be prepared to pay for additional hotel isolation should they receive a positive result.

Please see the link in our bio for more information as well as a list of government-approved hotels. 

#VGCcollege #studyincanada #enteringcanada #studyinvancouver #vancouver #yvr
Congratulations to all of our graduating students Congratulations to all of our graduating students of this week! 🎓 

Here you can see our students Yoshie and Yuta (swipe) from Japan 🇯🇵. Both completed their Global English program and received their certificates today! Well done 👏🏻 #VGCcollege #studyincanada #studyinvancouver #eslschool #graduation #learnenglish #englishincanada #itrustlocal
Did you know that VGC offers a variety of business Did you know that VGC offers a variety of business certificate courses and diploma programs? 

🎓 In a recent study we took with with alumni of our business courses in January 2021, 100% of the students who participated were happy with their learning experience and said that they would recommend our programs to other students.

All of our business certificate courses can be taken online through VGC Virtual from the comfort of your home! Check the link in our bio for more information on program options and admissions requirements. 

📣 We are still accepting applications for Practical Sales Techniques and Communication for Customer Satisfaction and Excellence, both starting March 1, 2021.

#VGCcollege #studyonline #businessschool #schoolofbusiness #businessprogram #studyincanada #onlineclasses #internationalstudents
Campus safety ✨ In a recent survey we conducted Campus safety ✨ In a recent survey we conducted with in-class students, 100% of students agreed that VGC has taken the necessary steps to ensure campus safety.

The safety of our students and staff is our biggest priority and we want to make sure that everyone feels comfortable about their learning experience in the classroom.

Some of the measures we have implemented to keep everyone safe, happy and healthy are 

✅ Temperature check for every person entering the campus
✅ mandatory use of face masks in common areas
✅ hand sanitizer stations throughout the campus
✅ furniture is arranged to allow for safe distancing
✅ markers on floor as visual guidelines for distancing
✅ limited number of students on floor and in classrooms 
✅ students and staff are asked to stay home when feeling ill or symptomatic
✅ a full-time janitor is cleaning the campus environment throughout the day, with special emphasis on high touchpoint areas 

We saved some impressions to our ‘Safety’ highlight and stories today so make sure to take a look! For more information of Covid-19 safety and further resources make sure to check out the designated section on our website (link in bio). 

#VGCcollege #covid19 #safetyoncampus #studyincanada #internationalstudents #campus #studyinvancouver #staysafe
Hi #English students! Since it’s all been about Hi #English students! Since it’s all been about love and hearts around Valentine’s Day this weekend, we’d like to introduce you to a new idiom this week: heart of gold. Do you know what it means? ♥️ 

Noun phrase: have a heart of gold

Definition: To have a heart of gold means to be very kind, sincere and caring by nature. A person who is said to have a heart of gold is thought to be a very good person. 

Examples of how you can use this phrase:

You can trust her, she has a heart of gold.
My teacher has a heart of gold, she always helps me. 

Head over to our stories today to see our teacher Catherine explaining the idiom. 

Do you know someone who has a heart of gold? Try to use this idiom in a sentence today! 

#VGCcollege #learnenglish #idiom #englishlesson #speakingenglish #englishfun #studyenglish #englishtips #englishlanguage #studyincanada #eslschool #englishincanada #studyinvancouver
Happy Valentine’s Day! 💜 This Friday we our s Happy Valentine’s Day! 💜 This Friday we our students to celebrate both Lunar New Year and Valentine's Day! Swipe for some impressions and make sure to visit Facebook for the full album! (Link in bio) 💕

Students received an envelope with their Lunar New Year horoscope for 2021 — the year of the Ox. At the same time we also delivered the (secret) Valentine's greetings that students sent through us! 

A day full or surprises for our students and the best send-off into the long weekend! #VGCcollege #valentinesday #lunarnewyear #studyincanada #studyinvancouver #studyabroad #itrustlocal #happyvalentinesday #internationalstudents
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