Community Profile: Erika
This week’s student spotlight features Erika from Chile, who is currently enrolled in an Intermediate ESL class.
Thank you, Erika, for sharing your story with us!
1. Tell us about yourself.
My name is Erika, and I’m from Chile. I moved to Vancouver two years ago in search of new experiences and opportunities to grow. I’m a physical education teacher, and before coming to Canada, I worked in the health field supporting older adults and people with cardiovascular risk. This experience helped me develop strong skills in functional training and overall wellbeing. I’m passionate about climbing, I use my bike as my main way of getting around the city, and I love exploring new coffee shops and reading in my free time.
2. How do you spend your free time in Vancouver?
I usually spend my free time climbing and training because staying active is a big part of my lifestyle. I also love going for coffee and reading a book—I really enjoy having that quiet moment to myself. Of course, I spend time with my friends as well; we often meet up to climb together or just catch up and enjoy each other’s company. These activities help me stay balanced and make my time in Vancouver very meaningful.
3. What are some challenges you’ve faced with moving to Canada?
One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced since moving to Canada has been starting over from scratch and realizing that everything is a process. Learning English has been essential, as it opens up new opportunities, and I’ve had to stay open and adaptable to change. It has been a journey of patience, growth, and constantly pushing myself to step out of my comfort zone.
4. Which place would you recommend to someone visiting your country?
It really depends on what the visitor is looking for. If someone enjoys desert landscapes, I would recommend San Pedro de Atacama, located in the Atacama Desert—one of the driest places on Earth. For those who prefer mountainous and forested scenery, Patagonia and the Carretera Austral are amazing. The landscapes there are quite similar to British Columbia, with dense forests, turquoise lakes, and rugged mountains.
Chile also has many beaches from the northern to central regions, although they aren’t always very warm. And being surrounded by the Andes Mountains offers plenty of opportunities for mountaineering and outdoor activities.
5. What are you hoping to achieve during your time at MOSAIC?
I want to improve my English so I can communicate more confidently and fluently with my classmates and other people. By improving my language skills, I hope to participate more actively in discussions, better understand others, and build stronger connections both academically and socially.