Studying English and Business in Vancouver: Yunnee’s Story
- Name: Pei-Yun (Yunnee)
- Home Country: Taiwan
- VGC Courses: Global English and Diploma in Business Communications with Co-op
After working in the same job for more than eight years, Yunnee from Taiwan decided it was time for a change. She came to Vancouver to improve her English, gain professional business skills, and challenge herself in a new environment. Over the course of a year, she completed both VGC’s Global English program and the Diploma in Business Communications with Co-op, gaining confidence, international friendships, and experiences that she describes as one of the best investments she has ever made in herself.
1. Could you please introduce yourself?
哈囉～我是來自台灣的佩芸，
Hello~ I’m Yunnee from Taiwan. Before I came to Canada, I had worked at the same job for over 8 years. I decided to make some changes! Now, 1 year passed, I knew that this decision was one of the most valuable decisions I made in my life.
2. What attracted you to enroll in the English and Business programs at VGC?
透過我的代辦公司SEC的介紹，讓我知道數家很棒的語言學校，其
My agency, SEC, recommended some great language schools to me. VGC stood out because they have so many options for Co-op programs, the schedule is flexible, and the whole sign-up process was really smooth. I’m hoping to actually level up my English skills and learn something useful for my career at the same time. Since VGC offers a lot of different courses and strictly enforces their English-only policy, it feels like the right place for me. Plus, the number of Taiwanese students there is just right—not too many, but not zero either. It’s easy to find people to hang out with without missing out on chances to practice English.
3. How would you rate the support you got from your teachers and staff?
VGC的語言課程及Co-Op課程我都有報名。
I enrolled in both VGC’s Global English classes and the Co-Op courses.
I really liked the Global English classes because the different levels and classes helped me gradually improve my listening, speaking, reading, and writing. It was especially helpful for speaking and listening, since Taiwanese students don’t always get many chances to practice them.
The Co-Op courses were also great. My teachers were really knowledgeable and passionate, and I learned a lot, especially about presentations. I heard teachers have changed since then, so you might want to check with the school for the latest information.
The school also has lots of activities, like free hikes, paid sports games, and school events. I actually joined a school trip to Banff with my classmates. It wasn’t too expensive, and I made some really great memories.
I really liked the Global English classes because the different levels and classes helped me gradually improve my listening, speaking, reading, and writing. It was especially helpful for speaking and listening, since Taiwanese students don’t always get many chances to practice them.
The Co-Op courses were also great. My teachers were really knowledgeable and passionate, and I learned a lot, especially about presentations. I heard teachers have changed since then, so you might want to check with the school for the latest information.
The school also has lots of activities, like free hikes, paid sports games, and school events. I actually joined a school trip to Banff with my classmates. It wasn’t too expensive, and I made some really great memories.
4. In what ways has the course enhanced your English skills and development?
起初最明顯的改變是聽力，
The first thing I noticed was listening. Listening to people speak English is actually really different from doing listening tests. When I realized I could understand English songs and podcasts pretty quickly, I was honestly really happy with my progress. But I think the biggest improvement was definitely my speaking. Just being willing to speak is the first step. Then you can slowly work on your pronunciation, stress, and more natural, local ways of saying things. The more you practice, the more confident you become.
5. Are you happy with the classmates you have? Have you been able to create networks or connections through this program?
這是一定的！在VGC匯集了世界各地的年輕的、年長的學生，
互相認識、了解各式各樣不同文化背景的人們，
Absolutely! VGC brings together students from all over the world, from different ages and backgrounds. I met a Korean college student, Japanese classmates getting ready for a working holiday in Canada, a Brazilian family of four who came to Canada to learn English, and Mexican classmates who were working hard toward their goal of immigrating here. Getting to know people from so many different backgrounds really opened up my perspective. A lot of my friends have gone back home now, but that actually makes me excited to visit places I never thought I’d go to and hopefully see those faces again someday.
6. What made you want to study here in Vancouver? Is there a memorable moment or activity that you’d like to share?
其實選擇溫哥華也沒有其他原因，就只是很怕冷而已
值得一一細數的回憶太多了，我是從夏天開啟我的加拿大之旅，
Honestly, I chose Vancouver for a pretty simple reason—I’m really bad with the cold . Thanks to the ocean, Vancouver has a relatively mild climate and doesn’t get that much snow, but you can still get out and enjoy some snow. That said, locals always tell me that Vancouver’s damp cold can actually feel colder than the snowy winters on the East Coast!
. Thanks to the ocean, Vancouver has a relatively mild climate and doesn’t get that much snow, but you can still get out and enjoy some snow. That said, locals always tell me that Vancouver’s damp cold can actually feel colder than the snowy winters on the East Coast!I have way too many memorable moments to list them all. I started my Canadian journey in the summer, when Vancouver is full of things to do. Even just having a picnic with friends by the beach and watching the sunset was enough to make my day.
In fall, the whole city turns red and yellow, followed by Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Winter makes the city feel like it’s lost all its colors. It’s often rainy and gloomy, but you also start looking forward to the snow. Of course, skiing and snowboarding! And spring is probably the most hopeful season. The trees slowly turn green, flowers start blooming everywhere, and when the streets are covered in pink cherry blossom petals, you just can’t wait for summer to come back again.
In fall, the whole city turns red and yellow, followed by Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Winter makes the city feel like it’s lost all its colors. It’s often rainy and gloomy, but you also start looking forward to the snow. Of course, skiing and snowboarding! And spring is probably the most hopeful season. The trees slowly turn green, flowers start blooming everywhere, and when the streets are covered in pink cherry blossom petals, you just can’t wait for summer to come back again.
7. Would you recommend VGC to other students who want to study English in Vancouver?
會的！這裡語言課程的老師大多十分用心教學、和善且風趣，
Definitely! Most of the teachers in the language program are really dedicated, friendly, and fun. They don’t just follow the textbook. They also come up with activities that make it easier and more enjoyable to learn and practice English.
8. Would you recommend your agency? Why?
會的！一開始在台灣顧問的詳細介紹並步步協助簽證申請、
Yes!! Before I came to Canada, my advisor in Taiwan explained everything clearly and helped me step by step with my visa, homestay, and communication with the school. After I arrived in Vancouver, there were also local advisors who organized activities and were there whenever I needed help. They made it much easier to meet people and experience more of Vancouver. They have monthly student gatherings, trips to Seattle and Whistler, and even skiing activities in the winter. I actually ended up meeting quite a few Taiwanese friends in Vancouver who I really clicked with!
Are you ready to start your own adventure and learn English in Vancouver? At VGC International College, we offer a variety of English programs throughout the year to fit your goals – whether it’s improving your language skills, preparing for university, or simply experiencing life in Canada with VGC Camps. Contact us today to learn more about our program options and find the right path for you!
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