Q: What were you hoping to achieve by taking English Bay College’s Work and Study program?

A: I am young and a very curious person. Ever since I can remember I have been interested in travelling. When I chose this program I was hoping that it would be not only be the greatest adventure of my life, but also a very good way to improve my English skills and get some experience in the hospitality field.

Q: How did you experience the study time at EBC Vancouver campus? (how were the teachers, the other students, the curriculum).

A: First of all, I have to mention that Vancouver is really an amazing city and it looks spectacular with the ocean and the mountains in the background. EBC is located right in the centre of the city, which is one of the strengths. Teachers are really friendly and helpful. They know how to work with international students. The most helpful and interesting class was the “Step Up”. Special thanks to Anna who is not only the teacher of this class but is also a very interesting person. I am really glad that I chose this program in EBC. Thanks to that I met a lot of interesting people from all over the world.

Q: How did the placement process go? (Was it easy, difficult, quick, how was the interview)?

A: I got my job offer two weeks before I finished my part of the program in Vancouver. Originally I was waiting for a phone interview from Edmonton Shopping Mall but two days before that I was invited to Poets Cove Resort and Spa on a panel interview. So I decided to try. I remember that on my way there I was a little bit stressed but unnecessarily. Since the moment I arrived there everything was very good - you could feel the positive atmosphere around this place, the atmosphere that somehow makes you comfortable. All these things made me more confident in my interview. I had my interview with Caroline Johns - it was a really good interview in my opinion Now she is my boss and opinion. I have learned a lot of important and useful things from her.

Q: What do you think of your placement now? How are the people you work with?

A:I am really glad that I am here right now. I have Bachelor of Art in tourism management so it is a great opportunity to see and learn how the resort works. And it is a perfect place to do that.

Q:How do you feel this experience has helped you learn about Canada, Canadians, and interacting with people from different cultures?

A: I had some information about Canada and about Canadians before I came here. But I think that the best methods to get to know about another country is to live for a period of time in that country. This program provides for that 100%. As I mentioned before, I met people from all over the world in my school and very often they have different cultures. It was also part of my class program how to interact with people from different cultures.

Q: Have you noticed an improvement in your language skills?

A: I think I did notice. Absolutely. I am using English all the time, 24/7. Besides I was the only one in EBC at the time from Poland and that is the same situation in my class here on Pender Island. By the way, these lessons are really interesting and here I have to say thank you to our teacher Amanda.

Q: What do you do in your free time at the resort?

A: For certain the best way to spend my spare time for me is kayaking and hiking which is very popular here. As employees we also have free access to the swimming pool, hot tub, or tennis court. We can also play disc golf.
 
Q:How do you feel about the program now that you have been at your placement for a while? Did this program meet your goals (that you set at the beginning)?
 
A: I think that it was one of the best choices in my life to choose this program and to come here I met a lot of interesting people I improved my English skills Thanks to my job at here. people, skills. Poets Cove I have gotten a lot of work experience. This is the place where I can develop myself. I started as a coffee attendant. And now I am a supervisor of the café and the liquor store in this resort. I am totally satisfied with this program, it’s a great experience.



Q: Is there something you wish somebody had told you before you came to Canada or before you started working at your resort?

A: No. I think that the less we know, the more interesting the experience will be.

Q: Have you learned anything unexpected or particularly interesting about yourself or others during your time in Canada?

A: In my opinion, we all are learning about ourselves all our lives, especially when we are abroad. When you go outside your country it is always really difficult in the beginning. Everything is different: people, culture, morals, life style, etc. And you have to deal with that. It can be difficult but it also teaches you many new things about yourself, often surprising but mostly advantageous. To summarise I want to use this quote: “A mind that has been stretched by a new experience can never go back to its old dimensions.” Oliver Wendall Holmes.

---