What does a typical international student look like? Is there an age limit to learning a new language?
When most people think of international students, they imagine someone young and inexperienced who is looking for a pathway into higher education or a better career. In actuality, international students come from all walks of life, and an increasing number are older students interested in building their knowledge and skills through travel to another country.
At ILAC, we believe that you’re never too old to study English. Just take a look at 79-year-old Victor Tomelin, a published author and academic from Brazil who recently came to Canada to improve his language skills. He enrolled in a customized program for three months that caters to mature and professional students.
“Senior students, in my view, are the result of a more generalist experience, with more diversified goals,” says Victor about his experience at ILAC. “I hope to have helped with my modest contribution and have added to the other students’ experiences.”
ILAC provides personalized study plans for students of all ages and backgrounds. Victor was given special accommodation on test days and greatly improved his English communication skills during his time at ILAC. The other students in the class also enjoyed interacting with and learning from Victor.
“Victor is very open to learning,” says Barbara Mendes, the Academic Campus Manager for the Dream Building in Toronto. “He came to ILAC fully committed to this project and told us that even with all the challenges he had a true learning experience with us.”
Victor was also impressed with the facilities, administrative staff and high level of customer service at ILAC, as well as the qualified teachers and unique program offerings.
“ILAC Toronto is an English school that attracts students from different continents,” says Victor. “There is time allotted to reach a common goal: to obtain knowledge that will complete and enrich their prior and future skills, giving their lives a new sense of purpose.”
Victor is one of the oldest students that has ever studied at ILAC and an example for other students that that when it come to learning, there are no limits. As Henry Ford, the founder of the Ford Motor Company once said, “Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at twenty or eighty. Anyone who keeps learning stays young.”
