I decided to come to Vancouver one year ago. Last year I went to Victoria for four weeks to learn English. I made a weekend trip to Vancouver, and after the first hour I fell in love with the city. I’m not sure if a can explain why, you need to see and feel it with your own eyes. But I think it is everything which fascinated me: Downtown with the beautiful modern houses, the green small parks in the middle of the city; the nature around Vancouver with the mountain and the sea; the ambiance when you are walking on the street; the people who are very nice, friendly, helpful and handsome (especially the men…); and of course the language. So I decided to come back. And here I am, back in Canada, back in Vancouver, back in one of the most beautiful cities in the world. I’m now here to improve my English for three months. To be honest, I came back to achieve a specific goal: the TOEFL test which allows me to be a student. I don’t know why I chose EC, but I’m very glad to be in this school. If you have a particular target (like me the TOEFL) you should go to this school. The teachers are very competitive, the location of the school is excellent, the material we get is extremely useful and last but not least and very important, the front desk can answer every question you have. Even when you want to have a conversation with them to practice your English, they help and support you in every situation. Life here is awesome. Are you afraid to go to another country with another language and you don’t know anybody? I know… and I know how you feel… and you are … Read more

  Vancouver is known as a green city. It has been rated the greenest city in Canada, and the second-greenest city in the USA and Canada. However, the mayor of Vancouver doesn’t want to stop there. His goal is for Vancouver to become the greenest city in the world by 2020. That’s very soon! What makes Vancouver so green now? What are Vancouverites (the people of Vancouver) doing to go green? How is Vancouver going to achieve its goal of being the greenest city in the world? How does Vancouver compare to other cities in the world? Come to the lecture and find out!  Lecture times: Higher level (intermediate +): November 23rd, 2012, 1:45pm Lower level (beginner-low intermediate): November 30th, 2012, 1:45pm

If you are not travelling this long weekend, don’t be disappointed! Vancouver always has an event that may be interesting for you. So, check out what’s happening in town this weekend: Make it Vancouver: from Nov 8 to Nov 11 you will have the opportunity to start your Christmas shopping early at the Croatian Cultural Centre. There will be more than 140 crafters from across the country and this will be your chance to beat the Christmas rush!  The centre is located on 3250 Commercial Drive Hopscotch Festival: This one is for those who love beer and whiskey! You will have the chance to try samples of liqueurs while you enjoy some gourmet foods. From November 12 to Nov 18. More information: hopscotchfestival.com Vancouver Jewish Festival: This will take place until November 15 and it will showcase 30 different documentaries, dramas, comedies and much more! Please, visit vjff.org for the complete schedule. Fuse at the Van Art Gallery: This is the right option if you want to party on Friday! With a mix of cocktails and culture, you can enjoy live music, djs and more at this stand out festival: 750 Hornby Street. For more info visit http://www.vanartgallery.bc.ca/events_and_programs/fuse.html

  Next Monday is Remembrance Day and there will not be classes! But do you know what Remembrance Day represents for Canadian people? Remembrance Day is a memorialday that has been observed in Commonwealth countries since the end of World War I to remember the members of the armed forces who have died in the line of duty. In Canada, November 11th is a federal statutory holiday. The red poppy has become a symbol of Remembrance Day. They remind us of the red poppies that grew on the graves of fallen soldiers who were buried in Flanders, a region between France and Belgium. Most Canadians know the poem that has become just a recognizable as the poppy, ‘In Flanders Fields” written by Canadian soldier, Lieutenant Colonel John Macrae in 1915.   In Flanders fields the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row, That mark our place; and in the sky The larks, still bravely singing, fly Scarce heard amid the guns below. We are the Dead. Short days ago We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, Loved and were loved, and now we lie In Flanders fields. Take up our quarrel with the foe: To you from failing hands we throw The torch; be yours to hold it high. If ye break faith with us who die We shall not sleep, though poppies grow In Flanders fields. During the month of November volunteers will be selling poppies around Vancouver. The money collected from the sale of poppies will be used to fund various veterans’ programs.

If you enjoy the unique sound of vinyl recordings, the Main Street Vinyl Record Fair is for you! The fair is in its third year and there will be  serious collectors out hunting for that one rare find as well as people looking to expand what they’ve got. A free discount card will be offered at the door which will give you deals at local participating records shops. So if you’re new to this, there’s no better way to get started! The Main Street Vinyl Record Fair takes place at The Cambrian Hall, 215 East 17th Ave on Saturday, November 10th, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Admission is $2.

  Hi everyone, The movie class is on again this week, tomorrow, Wednesday November 7, at 3:30 pm in room 203. We will be showing an episode from the TV series “The Office” and will have a fun and lively discussion about it with you guys. Free popcorn as always! Please sign up at reception!