Welcome to IH Pacific

Eduardo Campargos

Every month, a hard-working student is selected to be ‘Student of the Month’. They are chosen based on their dedication, focus and improvement in their classes. This month, we have the honour of awarding Eduardo Camargos for his diligence and significant improvement throughout his three months here.

Interview with Eduardo Camargos ‘Student of the Month’

JM: “How do you feel being Student of the Month?”

EC: “I feel really good and pleased. It was a big surprise for me! It gives me a very positive feeling, and it encouraged me to keep studying.”

JM:  ”What did you do to receive Student of the Month?”

EC:: “Every time I come to IH, I attempt everything and study a lot. I always come to class and try my best! I try to help other students by giving examples, and I focus!”

JM: “Why are you learning English?”

EC: “I am learning English for my business degree. It’s very important to know English for my profession.”

JM: “How did you like your time at IH?”

EC: “The teachers and staff were very kind and helpful, I loved it! They care about you a lot; I had a very happy time here at IH. The structure of the school is really nice.”

JM: “How was your experience in Canada?”

EC: “I had an amazing experience. I learned a lot about Canadian culture and saw beautiful places like Stanley Park and Whistler. There are very kind, helpful people here and I got to experience lots of new things like skiing. It’s very cold though!”

JM: “What is the biggest difference between your home and here?”

EC: “The culture and the weather are very different. Also, the security here is much better than in Brazil, and people seem to live a less stressful life here. Public transport here is much better and the environment is very nice.”

JM: “What is your work background?”

EC: “I am a financial manager. I was working for a company and will look for a new job in Brazil. I have two MBA’s and graduated in business administration.”

JM: “What are your future plans and what do you plan to do with the information you learned here at IH?”

EC: “My future plans are to keep studying English. I will take what I learned here into my business, and improve my vocabulary.  I plan to speak English in Brazil, and use my English to get a better job. English will help me start my PhD, which I will start next year.

JM: “How will learning English improve your life?”

EC: “I can find a better job, make new friends, learn about a new culture and be a part of new opportunities. It opened many doors for me to a new world!

JM: “This is a very important question. What advice can you offer other students?”

EC: “It’s important to have a good balance between fun, going out and studying. Students should focus in class and attend all classes! A good balance between social life and learning is necessary.”

JM: “Would you recommend your friends to come to International House Vancouver?”

EC: “Yes of course! I will give good advice and recommendations to everyone I know back home. IH really satisfied what I was looking for— knowledgeable teachers, great staff and good work material.”

JM: “Thank you very much for your time Eduardo. You are an inspirational student.”

EC: “It was my pleasure.”

Jessica McNeil February  2012

Jessica McNeil from Windermere Secondary

This week, January 30 to February 3, 2012 I have had the pleasure of working at International House through my high school’s Career Prep program, as an intern. I was placed here due to my love of languages and aspiration to be a teacher.

At first I was timid to work here because it’s unlike any work experience I’ve ever had. As the hours progressed, I was happy to meet kind staff and students who were quick to welcome me. My nervousness disappeared as I was shown the place and introduced to the daily routine. I was awed by the student’s responsibility, as they would frequently ask questions and try their best to speak in English. I have been in the same situation when I went to Quebec for five weeks. I know it’s challenging to live in a new place, and to get accustomed to a new way of life and speech, so the students’ effort is inspiring.

International House is filled with dedicated teachers, who make learning amusing and advantageous for the students. The students’ passion to succeed is a reflection on the hard-working teachers and staff who make IH a positive and educational place to be. Sitting behind the desk and hearing the students laugh in class brightens my day, because I can’t wait until it’s my turn to inspire students- rewarding them and myself. The office staff were so inclusive and generous. They each brought a smile to my face on several occasions, and it was such a delight to get to know and work with them.

Another remarkable moment for me here was going to Grouse Mountain with the Brazilian class. I had the chance to learn about a new culture, make new friends, and to help them with their English. I found the differences hilarious; such as the imitated sounds of animals in Canada versus the imitated sounds of animals in Brazil. Interviewing our ‘Student of the Month’, Eduardo Camargos, surprised me at how quickly someone from an entirely different background can learn a new language and excel. Every day at IH is a new learning experience.

Through this work experience, I have learned what it’s like to be a teacher and a secretary here at IH—both are time consuming, yet beneficial jobs. It has brought me one step closer to grasping my dream and making a difference in children’s lives, as I have seen the staff do here. I am thankful for this career molding experience, it has taught me a great deal and I have met very wonderful people.

Find out about the Cambridge CELTA

or call: 604-739-9836  and ask for Frank or Jeff

Back to our blog

Greetings to all of our old readers and welcome to our new ones. We have been busy with preparations for our schools, IH Whistler, IH Vancouver and IH San Diego and have not been updating our blog recently. But we are back and ready to report on everything exciting happening in our schools, updates, etc.

Stay tuned for lots of upcoming news as we finish off 2011 and look forward, with anticipation, to up and coming events in 2012.

Continued from last week, this is the last post of the IH Student Spotlight:

Sun Young M.

Sun Young really enjoys spending time here in Vancouver, and one of her favourite things to do is to go downtown with her friends after class. That is not to say that all of Sun Young’s free time revolves around “hanging out.” In class, her favourite things are the group activities that help her build confidence in speaking English aloud. Sun Young also works as a volunteer. She is also optimistic that within three months she will significantly improve her skills in English proficiency. Other than her focus on school, Sun Young plans to go to the Rocky Mountains and Vancouver Island.

Each of these young adults willingly shared with me their own experiences and expectations and after interviewing them, my own experience at International House was further enriched. Apart from the disheartening rainy weather, all four students felt as though their expectations of Vancouver were met. Some of the students said that their favourite part of IH was the diversity of all these different people coming together for a common purpose, to learn English.

Continued From Last Week:

Steven L.

Steven is a Taiwanese student eager to learn English.. Within a year, Steven feels that he can greatly improve his pronunciation and hopes to travel around the world with the improved knowledge of English he hopes to achieve at IH. In Steven’s free time, he likes to travel around the city and take in the sights and scenery. In a few weeks he plans to head down to the United States for a well-deserved vacation.

Next week, IH Student Spotlight on Sun Young M.

We offer a wide selection of homestay options as well as long-term stay at hotel accommodations near our Fashion Valley campus at IH San Diego.

We are also pleased to offer residential suites in the nearby Studio 819 residential hotel.  The suites at Studio 819 are perfect for students who prefer to prepare their own meals and look after themselves. The rooms all come equipped with a private bathroom, desk, telephone, microwave, refrigerator and cable TV. Wireless Internet is available for a small fee.

Located just a short 10-minute bus or bicycle ride (see map) from the school in the trendy San Diego neighbourhood of Hillcrest. This neighbourhood is fun and pedestrian friendly, known for its locally owned and eclectic stores, restaurants, cafes, bars and clubs.

IH San Diego has negotiated very favourable rental rates with Studio 819, making it a very affordable option for stays of one month or more. Our Accommodation Coordinator will look after all of the arrangements for you.

Room at Studio 819

Asami Takei with J-SHINE Graduates

“The most rewarding aspect of the J-SHINE program is seeing my students grow in confidence as teachers,” says Asami Takei, the coordinator of J-SHINE as she reflects on the growth of the J-SHINE program at IH Vancouver. “We have been offering J-SHINE for several sessions now and all of the students have successfully obtained the J-SHINE certificate.”

IHV J-SHINE Class

One advantage to taking J-SHINE with IH Vancouver, even though it is offered in Japan as well, is the relative time and cost. Students can learn in an intensive 4 week course and obtain the same certificate as in Japan. And the experience of living in an English speaking country is another benefit. The IH J-SHINE program is also recognized by several Japanese universities. Very soon university students from Japan will be able to take JSHINE in Vancouver as a university credit.

J-SHINE Students on the Pracitcum

J-SHINE prepares students to work in ESL immersion classrooms in Japan. Typically our graduates find employment in Daycares and Elementary schools. Starting in April 2011, English will be mandatory in all Elementary schools in Japan, and demand for English teachers will grow dramatically. J-SHINE graduates will have knowledge and skills that are needed.

Continued From Last Week:

Clea hails from the French part of Switzerland; she came to Canada because it was her dream to see the vast beautiful landscape that this nation holds. Clea wants to do well in the CAE and to expand her vocabulary. Clea wants to travel and attend university. Currently, most of Clea’s free time is spent on emailing her friends and family back home and on her life here in Canada. Clea’s plans for the summer are to just stay in Canada as  just being here is her vacation.

Continued next week with the spotlight on Steven L.

One of the best things about International House is its diversity of students.  I had the chance to interview four lovely students at various levels of English proficiency. Each student was different in their own way but something they all shared was the fact that they all came to Vancouver to learn English.

Lina K.

Lina is from South Korea, she came to Canada to work and learn English. Although her pronunciation is not at a level where she would like it to be, Lina continues to work hard. Besides attending classes, eating and sleeping, Lina does not do much else besides study and go to the park with her friends. Lina is still unsure of what  the future holds for her, but she hopes to use the knowledge she has gained from IH to work in the field of business, especially between Canada and South Korea. For summer vacation, Lina hopes to travel to another city.

This post will be continued next week with the next student profile of Clea G.