Highlights

Venezuelans learn English in Calgary — Spring 2008

It’s true – English is the international language of business.

As the world continues to get smaller and global communication gets bigger and better, it has become increasingly important for large companies to boast employees who can speak the language.

This explains why a group of Venezuelans, who work for one of the largest oil companies in the world, would want to come to Mount Royal to study in a Customized English Program.

"I must talk to many clients from many places and for that reason, it's very important to be able to write and speak in English. It's important to improve our communication," says Lorena La Rosa, an employee from Petroleos de Venezuela, S.A. (PDVSA) — the Venezuelan state-owned petroleum company.

La Rosa and her five fellow colleagues arrived in Calgary this past March and will stay until July studying key English components such as grammar, writing and punctuation.

Although four hours of classroom work per day seems like a lot of work, Paola Moreno says it's been worth it.

"Here I can speak with others from other countries and practice my English. Other people help me in pronunciation...listening and reading," she says, adding her English has improved immensely since starting her classes.

The group has also had some time to experience the sites in and around the city, noting the gondola ride in Banff, ice-walking in Johnston Canyon and ice-skating for their first time ever in Lake Louise.

"I've never seen a frozen lake before," says La Rosa about their mountain excursion. "The sun was shinning and reflected off the snow. It was beautiful!"

Judging from their first snowy experience, it is obvious their home of Venezuela is very different from Canada. However, the group says multiculturalism is one thing that is common to both countries.

Sandra Key says because of this, it was easy to fit in from the get go.

"The culture of Canadian people is very important. It's an interesting mix of people. (They) are friendly so it makes us feel comfortable," she says.

The group will return home this summer, where their family and friends are awaiting to hear about their loved ones' fabulous Canadian experiences.

Photo (left to right): Lorena La Rosa, Ghledya Saurez, Sandra Key, Leonel Gonzalez, Paola Moreno & Maria Ines Caceres

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