In this episode of 'English Canada,' I delve into my personal journey of learning French without a formal teacher, highlighting the concept of a 'study buddy.' A study buddy is a peer with similar language proficiency who learns alongside you, fostering mutual accountability and enjoyment in the learning process. Over three years, I reached an intermediate level in French and aimed for the upper intermediate DELF B2 certification. I share how I connected with a fellow student from my French class, and how we organized our study sessions using the book 'Edito B2' by Didier Publishing House.

I emphasize the importance of finding the right study partner, suggesting that it’s beneficial to meet in person initially to establish a connection. While this method is great for intermediate learners, beginners should seek professional guidance. I also touch on the significance of lifelong learning, expressing my passion for languages and my desire to learn Spanish in the future. I encourage you to consider the study buddy format as a fun and effective way to enhance language skills, and I invite your feedback and experiences regarding your own language learning journeys.

Additionally, I discuss the advantages of using AI in language learning, and share insights from my successful journey of taking and passing the IELTS General exam. Stay tuned for more engaging ideas and strategies related to language learning and IELTS preparation!

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.

Welcome to episode 11 of the 'English Canada' podcast! In this episode, I dive deep into my personal journey through the health challenges I faced last year and share my reflections on 2025. I talk about my goals and resolutions for 2026, inspired by my experiences and the lessons I've learned. After battling the flu and norovirus, which led to significant weight loss, I discuss my achievements and setbacks from the past year.

A major highlight was my decision to pursue a new higher education diploma in a field outside of teaching, driven by the financial instability in my current career. I emphasize the importance of financial independence and my desire to minimize expenses while still engaging in teaching and tutoring.

Join me as I outline my goals for 2026, which include improving my financial literacy, learning French, and achieving a B2 level in the language. I candidly share my struggles with physical activity and investing, and reflect on the challenges of being self-employed in Canada, particularly in the teaching sector. Despite some unmet goals, I remain optimistic about my journey and the importance of setting resolutions to guide my life.

Whether you're looking to set your own goals or simply enjoy hearing about personal growth journeys, this episode is for you. Let's embark on this journey together and find inspiration in each other's stories.

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 heartfelt episode, I delve into my personal journey of immigrating to Canada and the profound impact it had on my physical and mental health. As an ESL instructor, I faced immense financial pressure, working long hours across multiple language schools to qualify for the Canadian experience class immigration pathway. The relentless schedule took a toll on my health, leading to severe sciatica pain.

I share how a friend's encouragement led me to seek medical help, eventually finding relief through acupuncture and therapy. I open up about the emotional challenges of immigration, including feelings of loss and the pressure to succeed, especially amidst the ongoing war in my home country, Ukraine. I emphasize the importance of prioritizing health and seeking help, whether through therapy or other resources.

This episode is for anyone navigating the immigrant experience, particularly those in demanding professions. By sharing my story, I hope to inspire you to prioritize your mental wellness and seek support early on, avoiding the stigma surrounding mental health. Remember, self-care is essential for personal growth and healing.

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, I dive into the intricacies of the CELPIP exam, a pivotal step for those aspiring to secure permanent residency in Canada. Drawing from my extensive background in teaching English for over a decade, I share my personal journey and success with the CELPIP exam. I highlight why CELPIP might be a better choice over IELTS, especially with its focus on North American accents and a more predictable format.

Throughout the episode, I reflect on my experience as a certified CELPIP instructor and the structured preparation course I developed to guide others. I discuss the test's structure, including listening, reading, writing, and speaking components, and offer strategies for achieving high scores. I emphasize the importance of choosing qualified instructors and provide insights into my course available on my website.

For those preparing for the CELPIP exam, I cover the unique tasks involved, such as creative scenarios that require quick thinking and adherence to structured requirements. I encourage listeners to engage with my course for valuable resources and personalized lessons, aiming to help you achieve your immigration goals and enjoy a fulfilling life in Canada.

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.