University’s English Language Centre opens doors to Mexican students

Canada and Mexico have strong ties as North American neighbours and strategic partners in areas such as trade, politics, environmental and social interests. These ties became even stronger when, following the February 2014 North American Leaders’ Summit, the two countries agreed they should co-operate further in the areas of education and innovation. Following the summit, the Mexican government launched the Proyecta 10,000 scholarship program, which aims to send 10,000 Mexican undergraduate students, teachers and researchers to study English as a Second Language in Canada by 2018.

From July 5 through 27, the University of Ontario Institute of Technology’s English Language Centre provided 30 Proyecta 10,000 student scholarship recipients with four weeks of intensive English language instruction. They participated in workshops and learning activities to help immerse them in the language and Canadian culture. They also experienced a diverse classroom immersion, working with students from different countries and cultures.

Activities included:

• Canoe camping trip (July 14 to 16).
• ELC talk on technology and happiness, presented by Forensic Psychology PhD student Lyndsay Woolridge.
• Goal-setting workshop.
• English on Skates at the Campus Ice Centre.
• Soccer for Language game at the Campus Fieldhouse, with representatives from UOIT-Baagwating Indigenous Student Centre as guest speakers on the Indigenous origins of soccer and lacrosse.
• Tours of the university’s Gaming and Virtual Reality Laboratory, ACE Climatic Wind Tunnel.
• Yoga in Polonsky Commons.

The visit concluded with a farewell barbecue on July 27.

Select student quotes:

“For me to be in this university has had a great meaning because the courses and teachers are of great quality, and that helped me a lot. But I also liked it because the facilities and activities that the university has make you have a pleasant experience. Being at the University of Ontario Institute of Technology is my recommendation. It is a very good institution.”
- Fernando Tellez Luna

“ELC has a quality program to teach English. Teachers use different methods of learning and are very close to the students. I would recommend ELC as it supports international students and promotes co-existence among all students with various activities.”
- Yazmin Calixto Hilario

“Studying at ELC presented for me the opportunity to reinforce my learning of a second language (English) through unique experiences. I appreciated the interaction with people from other countries and cultures, the support and unceasing work of teachers to find the best way to help us to achieve our educational objective, and the staff of the ELC for their interest and attitude of service in all activities.”
- Jessica Amaya Martinez

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