We welcome you into our community. Here you will work with others to gain first-hand information about, and insight into, Canadian university life. As a member of the SFU ELC community, you will have access to the university's computer labs and libraries. While you're here, please visit the Centre for International Students, operated by the Student Services Society, where you will find plenty of opportunities to connect with other students - both Canadian and international. Welcome - and enjoy your time at SFU!

Whether you are an international student seeking entrance to a Canadian university or a working professional pursuing your career path, ELC offers a range of programs to help you improve your English communication skills and realize your goals.

ELC has been preparing students with first languages other than English for academic and business success since 1995. Our approach at ELC is designed to equip you with the skills and strategies needed for long-term success in whatever pathway you choose.

You will be immersed in a dynamic learning environment at SFU's campus in downtown Vancouver. ELC connects you to a world of possibilities. Welcome!

Cathy Mutis joined SFU's English and Language program in September of 2006 as Program Coordinator. She has extensive experience of other cultures, having traveled around the world and lived in Japan for four years.Cathy brings to the program a solid background in English language teaching methodology and program development, as well as love for learning about other cultures. Please contact Cathy with any questions regarding any of our programs. She is also happy to help you with creating a custom program to suit your needs.

Jacqueline Sinclair has been with Simon Fraser University's English Language and Culture Program since 2000. Please contact her if you have any questions regarding the ELC Program, agent contracts, promotional materials, advertising, brochure requests, or fair information.

Shawna joined SFU's English Language and Culture Program in August 2009. Her previous experience includes instruction and program development in post-secondary ESL programs. Her initial foray into English teaching was a year's contract in Korea in 1997. That was followed by four years on the JET Programme in Japan. She returned to Canada to do her Master of Education in TESL, with a focus on teacher identity, from the University of British Columbia. Shawna is on the BC TEAL Board of Directors holding the role of editor of the BC TEAL Newsletter. She is passionate about travel and enjoys visiting new places and experiencing new cultures.

Irene Navarro joined SFU's English Language & Culture Program in November 2008. She spent the last 3 years in Japan teaching English in elementary, high school, government, and corporate settings. Irene had a valuable and rewarding experience living overseas. She especially enjoyed meeting people from various backgrounds and learning about different cultures. She hopes that students studying in the ELC Program share a similar experience during their stay in Vancouver. Please feel free to contact her if you have any questions regarding registration.

Atsuko Takenaka joined Simon Fraser University's English Language and Culture Program in December 2008. She has a background in accounting. Her work experiences in Japan and Canada have developed her deep understanding and awareness of cross-cultural interaction. She enjoys fishing and scuba diving in her free time. As Budget Clerk of ELC, she is responsible for processing tuition payments as well as maintaining financial and student records.

Ian Cottell joined SFU's English Language and Culture Program in September of 2010. He is a self-professed lover of everything Japanese and has a soft spot in his heart for all cultures and for working with courageous international students. He's a big fan of vinyl records, apple computers and speaking his mind. His favorite color is green and his favorite emotion is dawning comprehension. If you're looking for something interesting to do in Vancouver, or have questions in general, don't hesitate to contact him.