Fluent success: English language classes in Canada helped Larisa gain the confidence to succeed
Larisa Zakharenko came to Canada in 2022, and soon afterwards understood how signing up for English language classes in Canada would help her succeed in finding work, integrate into Canadian society, and assist her in becoming more independent. She signed up for LINC classes with Collège Boréal, where she was able to develop her skills in an environment conducive to learning, enabling her to communicate freely with others.
In this article, Larisa explains how she came to know about English language classes in Canada, and how it’s helped her build the foundations needed to succeed.
- Name: Larisa Zakharenko
- Country of origin: Ukraine
- Arrival in Canada: October 2022
- Currently lives in Toronto, Ontario
- Occupation: Custodial services
What motivated you to enroll in the Adapted LINC program at Collège Boréal?
I came to Canada with minimal knowledge of English and immediately went to take a test, where my level was determined. After that, I was assigned to a school near my place of residence and I was supposed to attend it twice a week in the evenings.
But when I found a job, I began missing my classes a lot, because I did not have enough time to get to school using public transport, so I started looking for online training to save time. And I chose Collège Boréal after reading a lot of positive reviews about the classes.
How has the program enhanced your confidence in communicating in English in social settings as well as in job interviews or at the workplace?
Communicating one-on-one with the teacher only in English on any topic, enabled me to become less afraid to talk to other people. It was explained to me that the best practice is to communicate in English. Even if I do not speak so well, everything will work out: the main thing is not to be afraid and to engage with a native speaker more often. As a result, I began to understand better, and am no longer afraid to speak and even think in English.
How did your interactions with teachers, navigators and classes during the program prepare you for your integration into Canadian society?
I am delighted with my teacher, Nevine Muir. She is positive, sociable, attentive, and always understanding. If I cannot formulate my thoughts correctly, she chooses words in a way that makes things clear to me. She then explains how to communicate correctly and easily.
Can you share any advice or tips for newcomers considering enrolling in language programs like Adapted LINC/CLIC Adapté to ease their transition and enhance their language skills?
Of course! If you need to learn English or improve your language skills, then this course from Collège Boréal is a great option. Here you will be given help to overcome your fears and be taught to formulate sentences correctly. Learning these skills will make these classes very interesting and exciting. I am sure they can find an approach to help every student.
Looking back on your settlement and integration journey, what are you most proud of achieving, and how do you envision continuing to grow in the future?
Looking back, I was unsure of myself. I was in a new country, with no knowledge of the language, a person who was afraid to even order coffee in a café. Now, I have conversations on different topics and I am not at all afraid, even if I may sometimes not be able to formulate sentences perfectly.
But everyone understands me… this is a great feeling and validates my achievement. I will continue to study at Collège Boréal and communicate with native English speakers until I am 100% fluent in terms of communication and understanding the language.
Besides Larisa, Kyrylo Kolot also benefitted from Collège Boréal’s Adapted LINC program. Watch him share his experience below.
If you live in Ontario and want to know more about English or French language classes offered by Collège Boréal, here’s more information.
