The Immigrant Services Society of BC (ISSofBC) is western Canada’s largest multicultural immigrant-serving agency that helps immigrants and refugees build a future in Canada. For over 30 years ISSofBC has been driven by a commitment to work with immigrant communities, and they continue to uphold their tradition by providing clients with ESL, settlement and career services.

The first of its kind in BC, ISSofBC’s Host Program is a friendship program that eases the difficulties faced by immigrants and refugees by matching them with volunteer hosts from the community. From sharing family dinners to exploring the community, volunteers join with newcomers to learn the joys and challenges of experiencing a new culture, and a new land.

We spoke to Mariya Zarkova, Mekdes Wagan and Alula Yohammos, who have been participating in the Host Program since December 2009, to see why they think Vancouver is awesome!

Mariya Zarkova, Volunteer Host (pictured middle)

Where are you from?
Bulgaria.

How long have you been here?
8 years.

What was your first impression of Vancouver?
I fell in love with the city! It’s a beautiful place with such nice, helpful people.

What is your favourite thing to do in Vancouver?
I like to go salsa dancing. I also enjoy spending time outdoors, because we have gorgeous parks and hiking trails.

Mekdes Wagan and Alula Yohammos, Refugees

Where are you from?
Eritrea.

How long have you been here?
About six months.

What was your first impression of Vancouver?
We were both scared about coming here! But Vancouver is a pretty place, and the people are so nice.

What is your favourite thing to do in Vancouver?
Play football, go swimming, walk around and go sightseeing. There is so much to see in the city.

LEARN ABOUT THE HOST PROGRAM AND MORE AT ISSBC.ORG