When Amirhossein (who most people call Amir) arrived in Canada from Iran three years ago, he already had a clear goal: continue his education in computer technology and build a future in the field.
Today, Amir is studying the Computer Systems Technician program at Seneca Polytechnic and already thinking ahead to future studies in Artificial Intelligence. Looking back, he says his time in the ILSC Language Schools University Pathway Program helped him adapt not only to studying in English, but also to the Canadian college environment.
Before beginning his studies at Seneca, Amir chose the ILSC University Pathway Program as a way to prepare for academic life in Canada. While he could have met English requirements through a standardized test, he was looking for something that would help him adapt to studying in a new country and challenge himself in a different way.
"Actually, before I came to Canada, I studied English a lot. But when I arrived to Canada, everything changed for me. I [needed to] adapt with the study method in Canada.
At that time, I could take IELTS or the CELPIP or another exam, but I wanted a new experience and a new challenge for myself.
And I chose the ILSC Language Schools and, honestly, the first and second week is so hard for me because I moved to a new system of studying. Everything is different. But it was a really good experience."
Amir studied at ILSC Language Schools Toronto for approximately six months before beginning his studies at Seneca.
Today, Amir is enrolled in Seneca's Computer Technician program, a choice that was influenced by both his interest in technology and the opportunity to gain practical experience through co-op.
"I think it's so important for all the people in Canada, and I like this program and I like computers and I like the technician part."
Although transitioning to college felt intimidating at first, Amir believes the University Pathway Program made that transition much smoother.
"Actually, for our first or second day, it was so dangerous for me because I know this is Seneca College. But I adapted (and I think the ILSC team helped me to adapt with Seneca); because in the ILSC Language Schools, training about the essay, or for example, conversation, these two classes helped me to adapt with Seneca College.
And I think the ILSC method is [comparable] to the Seneca College method or university method."
He also noted that many aspects of studying at ILSC Language Schools felt surprisingly similar to studying at college.
"I want to be honest with you, both of them is same. The system is same. For example, the class is same. Even the application in the phone is same."
Amir believes one of the most valuable parts of his experience was being surrounded by English every day.
"I think the area of ILSC Language Schools and that atmosphere can help me to talk with the other person."
He remembers that students were encouraged to communicate in English throughout the school, helping them build confidence both inside and outside the classroom.
"For example, in the ILSC school, we have the rules about you should just speak English, not other languages. And it was really good."
For Amir, learning English wasn't limited to lessons. It also came from daily conversations, making friends from around the world, and navigating everyday life in Canada.
"You know, living in Canada, you have... all the day, you have a challenge in your life [to communicate], so this challenge can help you for studying English."
Today, he believes one of the most important steps in becoming fluent is learning to think in English rather than translating.
"When you're talking with English, you should think in English and talk in English."
When asked which skills from ILSC’s University Pathway Program he still uses today, Amir didn't hesitate.
"Essay - really essay is so important."
One teacher in particular left a lasting impression.
"One of the teachers, I think the name is Melissa, she was a really good teacher. She was really focused on that essay part. And when I came to college, oh my God, essay is so important subject."
Now that he is studying at Seneca, Amir says he often thinks back to those lessons.
"And now I think back to the Melissa's class for the essay training.”
For students planning to continue into college or university, Amir believes these academic writing skills are one of the most valuable parts of the pathway experience.
For Amir, one of the most memorable parts of studying at ILSC Language Schools was the international community.
"I can find a best friend in this short time. This six months, it was really good months, a really good part for me.
I can understand about other cultures and I can adapt it with the Canadian studying system."
The friendships he built continue to be one of the highlights of his experience.
"We have Mexican friends, a lot of Japanese friends, Turkish friends, or the European friends. All the day we’re talking about all the subjects and it was really amazing for me."
He also remembers the welcoming atmosphere while studying at the Toronto campus.
"Most days I was so happy. My class was near Jenell's desk (The University Pathway Manager) and all the time when I see Jenell, Jenell is smiling for me, and I start the day happy and without any problem.
And we have a lot of party. I can remember for Christmas party and yeah, like that."
One of Amir's strongest memories from ILSC Language Schools came at graduation, when he realized how much the experience had meant to him. Reflecting on that day, he remembers seeing his teachers at the graduation celebration and feeling emotional about moving on to the next stage of his journey.
"And you can imagine all of my teacher was there for the graduate party."
"It was really hard for me to finish [that chapter] and start at the highest level in your life."
Amir is currently focused on completing his Seneca program and preparing for co-op opportunities.
Looking further into the future, he hopes to continue his studies in Artificial Intelligence.
"After my college program, I can choose the two options. One of them is study again in the Master’s degree in York University or TM University, or start working, or maybe both of them together."
For students considering the University Pathway Program at ILSC Language Schools, Amir recommends starting with a clear goal.
"Just finding your favourite program."
Once students know what they want to study, he encourages them to research their options and take advantage of the support available through the pathway team.
When asked to describe his experience in just three words, Amir didn't need long to think about it.
"Hard."
"Easy."
"Amazing."
He explained that the beginning was challenging, the middle became easier as he adapted, and the overall experience was unforgettable.
For Amir, the journey from ILSC Language Schools to Seneca Polytechnic wasn't just about improving his English. It was about gaining confidence, building friendships, developing academic skills, and preparing for the next stage of his life in Canada.