Having previously taught ESL in Vancouver at Pan Pacific College, I`ve witnessed how effective study abroad can be for English learners. Many choose doing a homestay or farmstay (WWOOF)  to further immerse themselves in a foreign culture while benefiting from daily English conversation. I encourage students to not only explore the cities but also visit smaller towns and experience the vast countryside that Canada is so privileged to offer. Do things and see things you would not normally do back home. Those with an adventurous spirit have a better chance of gaining more rewards out of their time abroad.

For example, one of my students from Osaka decided to enroll in an English program in Kelowna, a smaller town in the interior of British Columbia and she loved it, extending her stay. Others have tried working on farms in the gulf islands in exchange for food and accomodation. Summer`s especially are a wonderful time of year to spend time outdoors. Farm staying is an inexpensive way of travelling and opportunities are available throughout the country. I worked on farms during my stay in Australia and really enjoyed it.