Do you dream of studying at a Canadian university but worry about your English skills? You’re not alone! Many international students need to improve their English to succeed in their studies and feel confident in a new country.
Meet Kokona Tanikawara, an international student from Kyoto, Japan. When she first arrived in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, she felt like she was in another world. Halifax is a modern coastal city quite different to Kyoto, Japan, with its historical temples and tall buildings. The reason for her move? To join the English in Canada (EIC) program at Dalhousie University, which she learned about as an international relations student in Kyoto.
Kokana admits she was initially afraid to speak English with native English speakers. “While in Japan, I hardly had the chance to speak English,” she says. “I was very nervous the first time I spoke English to a native speaker, and I didn’t have confidence that they would understand me.”
This feeling is common and building confidence takes time. That’s why the Faculty of Open Learning & Career Development at Dalhousie designed a four-week program for students to improve their English language skills step by step.
What you’ll experience:
- English in use: Develop your speaking, listening, reading and writing skills through learning opportunities beyond the classroom.
- Sociocultural program: Immerse yourself in Canadian culture and practice English in real-life situations.
- Summer by the sea: Spend your summer in Halifax, a beautiful coastal city, alongside over 4,500 other international students!
When pursuing the EIC program, you’ll create lifelong friendships and find opportunities to network. Source: Dalhousie University
The EIC program at the Faculty of Open Learning & Career Development helps prepare you for your academic future. You’ll build a strong network with other students from around the world and gain valuable skills for university and beyond.
As an international relations student, Kokana pursued the EIC program. To her, English is an important language used between countries to discuss complex issues like poverty and the state of refugees. As English was one of Canada’s official languages, it only made sense for her to move there for the summer – and she certainly wasn’t alone in the journey.
One of the highlights for Kokona was the support she received. “The teachers are so kind to us,” she shares. Leading the classes are instructors who create warm and welcoming environments where students feel seen and heard. They often use projects and group work to make learning more dynamic.
Kokana found that no matter how many times she had to stop and ask a question, they’d help her understand in an easy manner every time. “I was surprised,” she says. “Our students are Japanese and not very good at English, but I felt respect from them. I appreciate that.”
This kind of encouragement helps. Kokona felt her confidence grow by the day.
When studying in Halifax, you’re surrounded by one of Canada’s fastest-growing cities, filled with tech innovation and more. Source: Dalhousie University
After learning to speak, read, and write in English, you’ll apply those skills through an elective course related to the field. All students take an English elective called “English in Use.” This course allows students to learn English in class and extends those lessons outside the classroom, where they interview, survey, or complete quests to practice their English.
“The skills I gained from this program, such as presentation, listening, and communication skills – I want to know more,” says Kokana, who still studies English daily. “My teachers understood me, asked, and listened, so I could speak English without being afraid.” These communication skills are useful not only for your studies but also for your future career and personal life
Kokana broadened her views through diverse classrooms. Back in her home university, she’d chosen food banks as something she wanted to explore, which she got to while in Canada. Her class visited Feed Nova Scotia, where they communicated with staff in English. After the visit, students reflected on their experiences and presented what they learned. Kokona even conducted her own research, interviewing people in grocery stores through her volunteer work with the Dalhousie Food Bank — opportunities like these are open to any student who wishes to serve a cause at Dalhousie.
When Kokana returned to Japan, she was much more confident using English. She tackled presentations with ease, speaking in more detail, and surprising her teacher with how much she’s improved. She upped her English test scores at university and moved up to a higher-level class. Beyond language skills, Kokona gained a larger network of friends and peers from Canada and around the world – a global community that will always support her.
Inspired to take the next step toward your university dream? The English in Canada program is offered in February, June, and July each year. Learn more about Dalhousie and the EIC program.
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If you have any questions, please contact us at els@dal.ca, we are here to support your learning journey.
