BACK HOME IN BOGOTÁ, my English education in school was limited to just two hours a week—barely enough to cover the basics. Later, I pursued tourism and hospitality at Agustiniana University. English was essential for my career, so I moved to Toronto in 2019 to study ESL. My first conversation with a native speaker—a border officer at Pearson airport—was a disaster. He spoke fast, and I struggled to understand him. I had to use Google Translate just to get by. Those early days were hard, but my ESL teachers helped bridge the gap and I kept using Google to translate new words. After six months, I returned to Bogotá with enough English to read articles and give presentations, but casual conversations still threw me off.
Denne historien er fra January/February 2025-utgaven av Maclean's.
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Denne historien er fra January/February 2025-utgaven av Maclean's.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
A Teacher's Tale
My career in Quebec ended because I chose to keep my hijab
Top Marks
InSaguenay, Quebec, Ecole de l'Etincelle embodies the school of the future
Modernize Parental Leave
Canada's birth rate is dropping, and the cost of living is partly to blame. A more supportive leave plan would make parenthood more affordable
"I spent years trying to learn English.Now I use ChatGPT."
AI isn't perfect, but it helps me write complex emails and understand Canadian culture
MY PREDICTION - The National School Food Program Will Transform Kids' Health
When students have access to nutritious food, they do better in school and life
FOOD
The exorbitant cost of food will have ripple effects on the restaurant industry and grocery stores. The good news? There's a plan to save the country's salmon supply.
MY PREDICTION - New Mortgage Rules Will Drive Up Housing Prices
Looser lending policies will encourage more people to buy homes they can't afford in the first place
HOUSING
Politicians will spar over how to tackle the housing crisis. Falling interest rates will draw young people into the real estate market. And a rude awakening is coming for homeowners renewing mortgages.
MY PREDICTION - Stuctured Literacy Will Help Level the Educational Playing Field
Canadian students have struggled to read and write. That stops this year.
EDUCATION
Quebec's classrooms will take centre stage in the secularism debate. Chatbots will help students create A-plus work, while others will grade themselves. And thousands of international students will be sent home.
