English Canada

In this episode of the 'English Canada' podcast, I share a personal milestone: my successful completion of the DELF B1 French exam. Although my initial goal for the year was to take the DELF B2 exam, I decided to first attempt the B1 level to build my confidence. I recount my long journey with the French language, which began from scratch in 2023, initially motivated by immigration needs. Despite taking breaks from learning, my passion for languages reignited my commitment to French, and I have also begun exploring Spanish. I detail my exam experience at the Alliance Française in Toronto, where I appreciated the support from my mentors and peers. The DELF B1 exam consists of four parts: listening, reading, writing, and speaking. I describe the structure of each section, including the contexts of the listening tasks and the types of reading materials. While I excelled in reading, scoring nearly full marks, I found writing to be the most challenging due to my limited practice in writing French by hand. The speaking component was particularly nerve-wracking, involving spontaneous role-play scenarios with examiners. My overall score was 84.5 out of 100, and I express my determination to continue improving my French skills and eventually tackle the DELF B2 exam. Join me as I reflect on my experience preparing for the DELF B1 speaking exam, highlighting the structure of the test, which includes a short speech preparation segment. I was given two topics to choose from: making acting classes mandatory in French colleges and juggling family life with work, particularly from the perspective of a single mother. I chose the acting classes topic, drawing on my own background in acting, and appreciated the relaxed exam schedule starting at noon, contrasting it with the early morning start times of other language tests like CELPIP and IELTS. I express gratitude for the supportive examiners and emphasize how this experience has boosted my confidence to pursue the DELF B2 exam for personal and career development. I also reflect on my past language learning experiences, particularly with German, and express regret for not having taken any international tests to validate my skills. This motivates me to take action with French, encouraging listeners to pursue language exams as a valuable addition to their CVs. Stay tuned for the next episode, where I promise a relatable topic and invite you to stay connected.

Welcome to episode 14 of 'English in Canada,' where I delve into my personal journey with music, focusing on my evolving taste and a memorable concert experience. In this episode, I share how music has been a cornerstone in my life, aiding my language learning and cultural understanding. I discuss my newfound appreciation for the Swedish rock band Ghost, which I discovered in 2022. Their unique identity, led by masked frontman Tobias Forge, and their theatrical performances captivated me. Join me as I recount attending a phone-free concert at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, where I dressed in a Ghost-themed costume, deepening my connection with the music and the fan community. I reflect on how this experience transformed my misconceptions about rock and metal music, providing an emotional boost during challenging times. This episode is perfect for music enthusiasts, language learners, and anyone interested in cultural exploration. By listening, you'll gain insights into embracing new experiences and how they can profoundly impact your perspective and appreciation for life. I also share my admiration for the band's artistry and the frontman's impressive command of English, which inspires me as a language teacher and polyglot. Don't miss out on this personal and engaging episode, where I invite you to connect with me beyond language topics and explore the transformative power of music.

In this episode, I dive into the realities of being a self-employed ESL instructor in Ontario, Canada. With over a decade of teaching experience, I aim to dispel the myth that online teaching is a glamorous and easy job. I discuss the significant financial burdens, such as high taxation rates—around 30% in Ontario—and the lack of benefits like paid vacation or dental coverage. I emphasize the importance of careful financial planning, especially during low-income months, and the necessity of consulting with accountants to manage expenses and taxes effectively.I also address the psychological and emotional toll of self-employment, including the pressure from students who often have unrealistic expectations. I stress the importance of setting clear boundaries and contracts to manage scheduling and client expectations. Additionally, I discuss the challenges of competing with lower-priced tutors from different regions, explaining that my pricing reflects my qualifications, experience, and the cost of living in Toronto. Ultimately, I aim to foster a respectful understanding of the value of quality education while navigating the complexities of running a small business in the ESL field.Join me as I share my experiences and insights, offering valuable advice for fellow educators and students alike. Whether you're an ESL instructor or a language learner, this episode provides a candid look at the challenges and rewards of the teaching profession.

In this episode, I dive into my personal journey of taking the IELTS Academic exam, a crucial step for non-native English speakers aiming to study or work in English-speaking countries like Canada. As a professional English teacher who immigrated to Canada, I share the challenges I faced during my preparation and the exam itself in September 2022. Despite my extensive knowledge of English, the exam was a formidable challenge, underscoring the stress and pressure it entails. I achieved an overall band score of 8.0, showcasing advanced proficiency, yet I emphasize that even experienced teachers can find the exam format demanding. I break down the IELTS exam structure, highlighting the differences between the academic and general modules, and provide insights into the listening, reading, writing, and speaking components. I recount my experiences, such as the listening section's difficulty and the diverse reading topics. I offer practical advice for future test-takers, stressing the importance of practicing in the test format, whether paper-based or computer-based, and preparing thoroughly with a variety of texts and teacher guidance. My reflections serve as a valuable resource for anyone considering the IELTS exam, offering insights into the writing and speaking sections, the importance of being ready for diverse English accents, and the unpredictability of exam topics. I conclude by emphasizing the value of experience and skills over certifications alone, and my commitment to helping students build confidence for their exams.

In this episode, I take you on my personal journey of learning French as part of my Canadian immigration process. I highlight the importance of French proficiency in Canada, especially for those seeking permanent residency. I share my initial struggles with the language, achieving a B1 level before transitioning to B2, and emphasize how French can significantly enhance career opportunities, particularly in government roles. I recount my experience consulting an immigration lawyer, which motivated me to start learning French from scratch, and how I found a tutor named Lena to help me build a solid foundation. Despite achieving permanent residency without French, I realized the long-term benefits of continuing my language studies. After a year and a half break, I re-engaged with my lessons, transitioning from private tutoring to group classes at a prestigious French center in Toronto. Throughout this episode, I stress the value of consistent practice over intensive study and encourage you to invest in quality education. As I prepare to tackle the B2 level, I underscore that French can be a 'ticket to Canada,' and advise you to stay informed about immigration requirements, as they are subject to change. Join me as I reflect on my nearly three-year journey of learning French, currently at a B1 level and aspiring to reach B2. I express regret over taking a break from language learning, noting that such pauses can hinder progress. I emphasize the importance of consistency in language study, contrasting it with intensity, and highlight the unique aspects of French grammar. I share my personal transformation from initially disliking French to now loving the language and wanting to immerse myself further. I recommend resources like the Bachelorelle book for conjugations and suggest exploring the TEF and TCF exams for those pursuing immigration. Additionally, I mention the free Canadian government app, Mauril, as a helpful tool for learning. I conclude by encouraging you to embrace the language-learning journey, remain open to new experiences, and consider reaching out for tutoring or guidance.

In this episode of English Canada, I dive into the complexities of finding a job and housing in Toronto as a newcomer. I share my personal experiences and the challenges I faced, such as the competitive rental market and the necessity of financial preparedness. Many landlords expect tenants to prepay several months of rent upfront, which can be a daunting requirement. Throughout the episode, I recount my initial housing struggles, including living in unsanitary and unsafe temporary accommodations. I emphasize the importance of working with a real estate agent and having a rental history or guarantor to improve your chances of securing a decent apartment. For those seeking employment, I discuss the value of a strong digital presence on platforms like LinkedIn and the importance of adapting resumes to Canadian standards. I also share insights into the emotional journey of immigration, highlighting the need for resilience and the importance of building a supportive community. This episode is perfect for newcomers to Canada, especially those moving to Toronto, who are looking for practical advice on housing and job hunting. By the end, you'll gain valuable insights into navigating the challenges of settling in a new city and the importance of patience and community support.

In this episode, I share my experiences as an ESL instructor in Toronto, Canada. I discuss the unique challenges and rewards of working in various language schools in the city, highlighting the education requirements, pay, and employment conditions for ESL instructors. I emphasize the importance of having a bachelor's degree and international certifications like CELTA or TESL Ontario to secure a job in the competitive market. Furthermore, I compare different language schools based on my personal experiences, noting the varying levels of support, benefits, and resources offered to instructors. I touch on the challenges of preparing lesson plans without textbooks, the absence of curriculum in some schools, and the limited social benefits provided by private institutions. This episode is particularly useful for prospective ESL teachers navigating the field in Toronto, or anyone interested in the ESL teaching landscape in Canada.

In this episode, I delve into my language learning journey, focusing on how I achieved a C2 level in English. I share my background in linguistics and my experience learning six languages, emphasizing the importance of building a strong foundation in language education. Key topics include grammar, vocabulary, immersion experiences, learning through teaching, debunking language learning myths, improving advanced skills like accent, and sharing life lessons from language learning. This episode is perfect for anyone interested in language learning, particularly those aiming for advanced English proficiency. By the end of this episode, you'll gain insights into the challenges and rewards of language learning, understand the importance of mastering grammar and vocabulary, and learn about the value of immersion and teaching others as part of your language learning journey.