Shan Wan

LINC - Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada

We are one no matter where we’re from

Student finds diverse value from NorQuest College language training

Taking Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) classes through NorQuest College isn’t just about learning to speak English.

There is a whole lot more to becoming Canadian than mastering the language. The good part about that is the experience at NorQuest is educational, rewarding, and fun.

Xiaoshan (Shan) Wan arrived in Canada from China just over a year ago. Suffering from all the anxieties of someone new in a strange country, she kept her head down, avoided contact with people, and felt detached from the place she was now supposed to call home.

That was then; this is now, and Shan is now not only an eager conversationalist, she’s built the confidence to begin pursuing her Canadian dreams. Shan sent the following to NorQuest President and CE0 Dr. Jodi Abbott on May 11, 2017:

Dear Principal,

I'm writing to express my compliment and thanks for my awesome LINC 6 full time 2017 Spring Program in Downtown NorQuest.

I'm a new immigrant from China. When I began my English training, I just had landed [in] Canada for 6 months. I am short of not only English language skills but also Canadian culture knowledge. Our teacher Friedmann Poetzsch makes patient and painstaking efforts to help us, showing his professional experience and rich English accomplishment. We had done Downtown Edmonton Orientation Scavenger Hunt, visited galleries, and so many interesting activities, which help us to get practical local life tips. We have got not only some English language technique but also confidence and courage to settle down here. I can read Metro 9newspaper], publish rental information in website, and I'm not afraid to talk with strangers in street now. I think our teacher is a magician and the LINC program is very practical for our newcomers.

Never stop the great way of helping newcomers. The help really means a lot to every new immigrant.

Best regards,

Xiaoshan Wan

We are in this together

At NorQuest College, whether students are enrolled in a career program, upgrading for future education, or taking language training, instructors treat them as partners in education. It is in the best interest of the student and, in Shan’s case, our Canadian identity. Shan, who says she has a background in the medical field from China is now looking beyond the fundamental teachings of Canadiana. Her plans are to one day continue learning at NorQuest so she too can make a difference in someone else’s life.

“My goal is to become a medical device reprocessor,” she says, answering the question of why in very simple and humble terms.

“Because I can help people.”

Is that Canadian enough for ya?

We have got not only some English language technique but also confidence and courage to settle down here. I think our teacher is a magician and the LINC program is very practical for our newcomers.