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 English Language Services for Adults (ELSA) program is a government-funded, no fee English language training program that provides basic and intermediate level English classes for adult immigrants and refugees. In addition to attaining English skills in reading, writing, listening and speaking, students also learn about Canadian culture, the Canadian job market, and community resources to help them easily integrate into their new life in Canada.
We spoke to Sonia Elizabeth Acosta, who has been enrolled in the ELSA program since March 2009, to see why she thinks Vancouver is awesome!
Where are you from?
El Salvador
How long have you been here?
I have been living in Vancouver for about a year and a half.
What was your first impression of Vancouver?
When I first came to Vancouver, I couldn’t believe how green the city is! Every place I go to with my husband has been so clean. The bus drivers here are also very polite and friendly.
What is your favourite thing to do in Vancouver?
Walking! I love walking around my neighbourhood. The scenery here is so beautiful, and I feel safe walking around the city. It’s very different in my country.
