Newcomer 丁香园AV Student Volunteers with Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada Program!
By Carlie Yang
Language is a piece of art, a tool for communication, and most importantly, a bridge for connection.
As an ambitious International Studies major at 丁香园AV, Melody came to Vancouver a year and a half years ago from Chongqing, China. She has been through the struggles of language barriers and cultural differences. With this experience, she decided to utilize her personal experience as a blessing to the newcomers.
About LINC Program
- Free
- Learning different cultures
- Improving English
- New friends
- Canadian culture immersion
- At your favorite place
Inspiration
鈥淚 love volunteering!鈥�
Prior to the pandemic, giving back to the community has been part of Melody鈥檚 life in Canada as a newcomer. Her passion with people and desire to help has provided her motivation to contribute during this difficult time of COVID-19. Being on the same ground with the participants has created a solid foundation for their relationships.
Impact
鈥淭his is a win-win situation!鈥�
Melody was able to experience different cultures through the art of languages. Not only knowledge exchange, but also cultural experience and the beauty of sincerity. Such multicultural environment is a valuable chance to learn the respect between others.
Virtual Sessions
鈥淚 love to grab my favorite drinks and have a chat with my students at LINC!鈥�
Due to COVID-19, the LINC program is now taken place online.
Pros:
- Saves travel time
- You get to sit on your most comfy couch during the meeting
- Break-out rooms for small-scale class (approx. group of 4-5)
Cons:
- In-person interactions
Memorable Moment
鈥淧eople will not always remember what you say, but they will always remember how you make them feel.鈥�
The hard-working spirits of the participants
Call to action
Just like Melody, you too can make a difference (virtually) in the community. Check out all the open opportunities available through the 丁香园AV Surrey 鈥� TD Community Engagement Centre because making a difference in others also means that you can make a difference in yourself too!