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- Name: Nana Matsubara
- Age: 28
- Hometown: Saitama, Japan
- VGC Courses: Global English and Diploma in Business Communications with Co-Op
- Favorite part of Vancouver: “My favorite part of Vancouver are that we can enjoy beautiful nature anytime and the people are very friendly!”
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Nana Matsubara’s journey with VGC started with her wanting to improve her English and now has her Diploma in Business Communications with Co-Op from VGC’s International School of Business. What began as a plan that was thrown into disarray by COVID-19, Nana instead showed remarkable resilience by transforming this into an opportunity to better prepare for her future professional career.
Read more about why Nana chose to study in VGC, her experience with the Co-Op program and her plans after completing her diploma course.
Why did you choose to study with VGC?
The reason why I chose VGC is that VGC has a business program with Co-Op and VGC has won the Best Language School Award. The teachers are very professional and supportive. Also, students are learning not only English but also their cultures.
Tell us more about your Co-Op work experience?
I worked in a local company named NewSmile Canada as an administrative assistant, office assistant and a shipping representative for six months. I like my experience I gained there. I acquired great skills in business communications during my Co-Op program.
Before I worked in NewSmile, I had no confidence to work in a local company in Canada. This was because I had no experience working in Canada. However, I realized that the most important thing is to communicate with co-workers as much as possible to get to know each other. It is possible to cover the shortcomings by building a good relationship and earning the trust of my co-workers.
How did VGC help prepare you for this?
VGC helped me to improve my business English skills and taught me how to make my resume attractive.
What surprised you the most working for a Canadian company?
I was surprised with the differences of business culture between Japan and Canada. In my opinion, a Canadian company has built a more equal relation compared with (a) Japan (company). Therefore, employees can speak out their opinions frankly and it helps them to improve their customer service.
What advice can you give students who want to take the business program with Co-Op here in Canada?
Firstly, even if you do not have confidence to work in Canada and enough experience, they are not big problems. If you do your best, you will find a great company.
Secondly, I worked as an admin assistant and also in a gelato shop as a server. Both of them gave me great experience and skills, so I recommend to work in different work environments to understand well (the) business culture in Canada.
Lastly, some of the students will feel more anxiety to live alone in other countries. If you feel so, just talk frankly with your friends, family or people who you can trust. It is okay to stop thinking and just take a rest!
And now that you’re done with your studies at VGC, what’s your plan for the future?
I’m planning to go back to Japan and work in a publisher. I’m happy if I can make use of my English skills and the experience I gained here.
Finally, do you feel you made the right move studying at VGC?
I highly recommend VGC to other people who want to improve their English level. This is because VGC has various courses and you will be able to find the best one. The teachers are so supportive and professionals, and they will give great advice. Now, we can join school activities and it would help you make amazing friends in Vancouver!
Watch the video below to learn more about Nana’s first days at VGC building up her business skills.