Community Profile: Luisa
Luisa is one of our regular students at MOSAIC. Thank you, Luisa, for sharing your interesting insights and experiences with us!
Tell us about yourself.
Hi, my name is Luisa Fernanda, I am from Colombia. I am a senior graphic designer with an emphasis on digital marketing. I have been in Vancouver for 18 months, a city that has given me great experiences and personal and professional growth.
How do you spend your free time in Vancouver?
As a foodie, I have enjoyed Vancouver's diverse cuisine. During my time in the city, I have tried Indian, Japanese, Chinese, Italian, Mexican, Thai, Korean, Greek, and Vietnamese food, among others.
What are some challenges you’ve faced with moving to Canada?
I have faced many challenges since arriving in Vancouver. Adapting to the change in climate has been quite tough, as I come from a warm city all year round. Additionally, adjusting to a new culture and local customs has been a continuous learning process. Finding a job and establishing a new social network has also been challenging, as it takes time to build new relationships and adapt to a new environment. However, my biggest personal challenge has been the language; it has been difficult for me to become familiar with English and achieve a level of fluency that allows me to communicate confidently.
Which place would you recommend to someone visiting your country?
I would recommend visiting my city, Barranquilla, especially for its Carnival, one of the largest and most colorful festivals in Colombia and the world, which has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage event. Held every year in February or March, the Carnival is famous for its vibrant parades, contagious music, dance, and elaborate costumes, offering an explosion of joy and culture. It’s an experience you don’t want to miss!
What are you hoping to achieve during your time at MOSAIC?
At MOSAIC, I have gained confidence in speaking English, and most importantly, studying with people from around the world with different accents has significantly improved my listening skills. This has allowed me to better understand people in my everyday life and handle situations where English is spoken with greater ease.
