My name is Carla dos Santos. I was born and raised in Prince Rupert, BC, but I moved to Portugal in 1986. I returned to Canada in August, 2012. I’m married with two wonderful daughters, Erica and Ema. I enjoy spending time and going out with my family, discovering lovely Vancouver and the surrounding areas. I’m a native English speaker and I was an EFL teacher in Portugal for 17 years in various public schools to students from grades 7 to 12. I have been working at EC Vancouver since May of this year and it has been a rewarding experience working with foreign students from all over the world who are willing to learn and improve their English. Not only has it been a fulfilling experience for my students but for me as well, as I have learned a great deal from them regarding their different and unique cultural backgrounds. Singing, reading, watching TV, listening to the radio and speaking, regardless your knowledge of English, are great learning tips which will make you, in no time, more confident and willing to improve and learn even more. Being able to have the opportunity to live and study in an English speaking country, no matter how long you decide to stay, is actually the best way to improve your skills because English is the air you breathe during your stay. My favourite visiting place in Vancouver is Stanley Park where you can walk or bike ride along the seawall and while you are there you can also visit the Vancouver Aquarium. In the Summer, English Bay is the place to be for swimming, sunbathing and lots of fun.

What's so great about being a teacher at EC Vancouver that I've been here for 15 years? Well, it's the people, the language, and the culture. In our international students and this multicultural city, we have the Canadian mosaic in all its variety. At the school, the teachers come from diverse backgrounds, bringing and sharing different cultures, skills and interests. With students from all over the world as well, each class brings new surprises, and lots of laughs! There is also the pleasure of watching students learn and grow and connect with each other and with the language. That's what I love - I want to get the students to enjoy English - to see how cool it sounds, and find out all the ways they can use it. Vancouver is the perfect backdrop for a rich, multicultural, and 'supernatural' experience! Students often say it's 'the nature' that they fall in love with here, and it's true. Vancouver is nestled in between snow-capped mountains, The Fraser River, and The Burrard Inlet (the sea). It’s absolutely beautiful. I love swapping stories with the students about the experiences they've had around here: “I climbed Grouse Mountain!” (High five!) “I saw whales spouting in the Pacific!” (Awesome!) “ I rode a tandem bike around the Stanley Park Seawall!” (So funny!) “I saw raccoons at my homestay and bears in the Rocky Mountains!” (A little scary, but sooo cute!) Yeah, EC Vancouver is a great place for 'natural' fun.

My name is Mindy Thompson. I’m originally from Tahsis, a very small village on Vancouver Island, just a few of hours from Vancouver. I recently got married and I have four step children that I love like my own children. I am very loyal to my friends and family. My hobbies include dancing, walking and getting together with friends and family. I really enjoy living in Vancouver because there is so much diversity! I always knew that I wanted to teach English because more than half the people on earth need or want to learn English, and I love helping people to achieve that goal. Working with many different levels of students in international schools and community centres in Vancouver, I take pride in my work. I have been a Facilitator of informational workshops that help students with their life here in Vancouver, because starting to learn a new language even more difficult when living in a new place. Some of the topics have included tenants’ rights, workers rights, health and first aid, and culture and communication. I have also worked as an Invigilator for government exams. There are exams for everyone, it just depends on which one is best for you! Surround yourself with English. I know it is hard to speak another language 100 % of the time, but the more language you have around you, the more you will practice.

My name is Hannah Holmes. I'm originally from the South Island, New Zealand, but have lived in Vancouver for the last 6 years. What I really enjoy about this city is its location on the spectacular West Coast of Canada, with access to beautiful beaches, mountains and parks. My favourite activity to do in Vancouver is jump on a bike and explore the city and outlying areas. I am a native English speaker and have taught the English language for 3 years, in Vancouver and in New Zealand. I come from a background of English Literature and Linguistics, and have worked as writer and editor in addition to teaching. I have taught and tutored a wide range of levels, students, and classes, everything from beginner conversation classes to the Cambridge First Certificate and Certificate in Advanced English. The most important thing for me in a classroom is that every student feels comfortable to be themselves and to let their personality shine. I am a big advocate of students helping each other and answering each other's questions if they can. I think of myself as more of a facilitator than anything, and when everyone gets involved in a grammar point or vocabulary discussion, the greatest learning takes place.

Why do I love teaching English? The ESL classroom is an incredible place where each and every person, students and teachers alike, bring something unique to share with everyone else. Different cultures, personalities and quirks make it a dynamic and fascinating environment, and at the end of the day we all walk away enriched, informed and enlivened. The city of Vancouver is an experience in itself. The beautiful summers here offer a variety of beaches, hikes and festivals, and there's nothing like a walk or bike ride around Stanley Park along the seawall. In wintertime, some of the best skiing and snowboarding in North America are only a short drive away, on the majestic mountains of Whistler and Blackcomb. There is never a dull moment for the students here! Every week we have school outings to football, soccer or hockey games (Go Canucks!). Some of the most popular activities are paintballing, rafting and boat cruises, and of course, excursions to nearby Seattle and Victoria. And for those students who like to take in the nightlife, there are a variety of bars and clubs within walking distance from the school. Vancouver, with its’ natural beauty and thriving cultural scene, is the perfect setting to improve your English, make some new friends and learn just what amazing things you are capable of!