VGC Student Experience – Meet Johanna from Chile
- Name: Johanna Castro
- Home City and Country: Copiapó, Chile
- VGC Courses: Global English, IELTS Preparation
- One favourite thing about Vancouver: “I love how Vancouver’s nature blends perfectly with the high-rise buildings and urban life. The public transport makes it easy to explore the city while feeling safe. The most important thing for me is that, regardless of the weather, the city is always full of sights and events, allowing you to fully enjoy it year-round.”
Meet Johanna, an engineer from Copiapó, Chile, who is living her dream of moving to Canada thanks to the IEC Working Holiday program supported by VGC International College as part of the Languages Canada Consortium! With a background as an Occupational Safety & Health Advisor, Johanna is a lover of travel, adventure, and continuous learning. After just one month in Canada, she’s already feeling at home and excited about the experiences she’s having in this beautiful city!
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Could you please introduce yourself?
Hi, I’m Johanna from Copiapó, in the Atacama Desert of Chile. I’m a professional Occupational Safety and Health Engineer, but I’ve always been self-taught and have run my own businesses, including a tourism agency, a fast food restaurant, and a clothing store. I’m here because I love to travel, know other cultures and beautiful landscapes. I’ve always wanted to experience living abroad, and what better place than this vibrant, multicultural city? Vancouver offers a high quality of life, cultural diversity, and a focus on sustainability. It truly combines the best of both worlds—nature and city life.
Hi, I’m Johanna from Copiapó, in the Atacama Desert of Chile. I’m a professional Occupational Safety and Health Engineer, but I’ve always been self-taught and have run my own businesses, including a tourism agency, a fast food restaurant, and a clothing store. I’m here because I love to travel, know other cultures and beautiful landscapes. I’ve always wanted to experience living abroad, and what better place than this vibrant, multicultural city? Vancouver offers a high quality of life, cultural diversity, and a focus on sustainability. It truly combines the best of both worlds—nature and city life.
What attracted you to enroll in the English program at VGC?
One of the main reasons was the guarantee of having a visa that would allow me to work and study in Canada. With the IEC program, I was assured of obtaining this visa, which gave me the opportunity to receive the invitation and work permit to come to Canada and live this wonderful experience. The process was simple and fast. English is essential for securing better job opportunities and building a life here. It’s an excellent tool for improving communication skills and making important connections to start your life in Canada.
In what ways has the course enhanced your English skills and development?
I’ve greatly improved my communication skills, and since my visa is a Working Holiday Visa, the classes are also focused on helping with the job search. This has been a great tool for gaining confidence in interviews and preparing a strong resume and cover letter to apply to companies.
Additionally, the multicultural environment in class has allowed me to learn more about different cultures and experience the diversity of life. I also feel that the classes, which test us in various skills such as listening, speaking, and writing, help us track our progress and identify areas for improvement, allowing us to enhance our skills and address any weaknesses..
Do you think this course will help you in your future career?
Absolutely! Thanks to my English classes, I’ve significantly improved my communication skills. For example, I now feel much more confident when preparing for interviews with companies. The lessons on job-specific vocabulary and interview techniques have been especially helpful. Additionally, the classes have covered a wide range of everyday topics, like ordering food, discussing hobbies, or talking about current events, which has made it easier for me to engage in casual conversations and feel more comfortable in social settings. This overall improvement has not only boosted my confidence but also helped me feel more prepared for my professional and personal interactions.
How would you rate the support you got from your teachers and staff?
I would rate the support I received from my teachers and staff very highly. From the beginning, they were incredibly welcoming and always available to answer questions or provide additional help when needed. The teachers were not only knowledgeable but also fun and didactic, which made a big difference in my learning experience. They tailored lessons to meet our specific needs and were proactive in providing feedback to help us improve.
Are you happy with the classmates you have? Have you been able to create networks or connections through this program?
As I mentioned, I’ve met many multicultural classmates, and we’ve been able to connect and create memorable experiences together, having fun while learning. We’ve also realized that our realities aren’t as different as we expected, as we share similar life experiences and goals.
What made you want to study here in Vancouver? Is there a memorable moment or activity that you’d like to share?
I’ve always wanted to experience living abroad. I have a childhood friend who has been living here for about 10 years, and I’ve often heard about the high quality of life in Canada. However, I was initially worried about the cold weather. While researching, I found that Vancouver has one of the best climates in Canada. So far, I’ve felt very comfortable with the weather. Vancouver is a well-prepared and developed city to live in, and I love how it’s surrounded by the ocean and mountains. The stunning landscapes blend perfectly with the modern high-rise buildings, creating a beautiful and unique atmosphere. As for cultural experiences, people here celebrate Halloween and Christmas in a big way. I love how the entire city is filled with lights during these times, and there are endless panoramas to explore and enjoy while touring the city
I’ve always wanted to experience living abroad. I have a childhood friend who has been living here for about 10 years, and I’ve often heard about the high quality of life in Canada. However, I was initially worried about the cold weather. While researching, I found that Vancouver has one of the best climates in Canada. So far, I’ve felt very comfortable with the weather. Vancouver is a well-prepared and developed city to live in, and I love how it’s surrounded by the ocean and mountains. The stunning landscapes blend perfectly with the modern high-rise buildings, creating a beautiful and unique atmosphere. As for cultural experiences, people here celebrate Halloween and Christmas in a big way. I love how the entire city is filled with lights during these times, and there are endless panoramas to explore and enjoy while touring the city
Would you recommend VGC to other students who want to study English in Vancouver?
Absolutely! The process to obtain my visa was smooth, and having access to a great group of teachers made all the difference. Additionally, something I really love are the extra activities organized by the VGC staff. These activities allow us to explore the city at affordable prices while creating memorable experiences during our time in Vancouver. It’s a fantastic way to learn about the city’s culture and landmarks, all while having fun and connecting with other students.
