My ILAC experience

Before entering Sheridan I had to first attend an English school in the downtown Toronto area, called: International Language Academy of Canada (ILAC).

Typically in El Salvador when you look in a classroom you will find that everyone is of Salvadorian decent. So, when I first arrived to the school it was interesting to see all the different backgrounds gathered together for one common purpose.

ILAC is an English school that helps students of all countries to improve their English and open doors to excel in foreign countries.

With only two days having arrived in Mississauga, I had to figure out my route to commute downtown Toronto. Since I did not have a phone to aid me with directions I had to rely on my printed copy of directions from google maps. I had to travel an hour and forty minutes every day to get to school. This is something that I had never expected because El Salvador is so small that I was able to reach any point of San Salvador in less than 20 minutes.

In order to be accepted into Sheridan and the Advertising program I had to complete a test called TOEFL which examines the ability to write, read, speak, and listen in english. You are expected to finish with an average of 90 to 100 to be successful in a college course. ILAC helped me for 2 months and during that time I was to write essays, take classes, and conduct presentations which prepared me for the final exam.

A positive thing that I can take away from my experience at ILAC is that I gained new friendships with people from many different cultures.

For more info about ILAC visit:

http://www.ilac.com/about/toronto_campus.php

Canadians and Cultures

One year - six months.

In that amount of time, this is what I've gathered and come to know about Canada and the people who inhabits its beautiful land.

I have found that Canadians are generally known for having a very peaceful manner, and tend to be cooperative, polite and generous.

It's been quite a experience living in a country with a very diverse culture. This means it has a vast variety of ethnic foods and activities that can be found all across the country.

I have attended many festivals in downtown Toronto and most take place in order to honor and recognize the different cultures and traditions of the Canadian people. To be Canadian could mean that you come from a background such as: spanish, asian, african or you name it!

But what does it really mean to be Canadian?!

Canadians enjoy a very active lifestyle, and participate in activities, indoors or outdoors, throughout the year. To be Canadian you must be ready for each season and what opportunities they offer.

Among the most popular activities in Canada they include hockey, baseball, camping, cycling, skiing, and snowboarding. Canada has given me the opportunity to find my new passions which are cycling and snowboarding.

So thank you Canada for being safe, fun, friendly and full of surprises.

There's no place like home

Before coming to Canada I previously lived in El Salvador for 21 years. I left behind behind treasured relationships and it was truly one of the hardest things I've ever done. I miss my family greatly. My mother, my sister, my father and my beloved Schnauzer, Rocco​​. From time to time I become homesick because I had a loving family that was always with me.
A few other things I miss about home are some of the delicious typical dishes of El Salvador and the refreshing locally made beer. I also cannot forget to mention the amazing friends I have and most of all playing soccer with them.

However, living in Canada has given me new friends and new found experiences and opportunities that have made me grow. Even though from time to time I miss home I can still say that Canada has become my second home.

When I was 20 I never imagined that I would leave El Salvador and much less to live on my own. But I guess things happen for a reason.

El Salvador for being a tropical country with a warm temperature all year round, it is know for being one of the best Central American countries to surf and enjoy the beautiful beaches.
Having lived in a country with a hot climate I can say I enjoyed experiencing the four sessions of the year. Being able to have the best of both worlds of sun and snow, is something that I would not trade for anything.

Introduction

Hello there! I'm Francisco Guevara and I'm a second year Advertising and Marketing Communications student.

This blog has been started for my Interactive Marketing class.

I shall share my experience of living in Canada.
If you're interested in what a foreign guy has to say about my experience in Canada, tune in!