Students Explore Culture, Language and Leadership on Vancouver Trip

Two years ago, I first imagined taking our English Language Learning (ELL) students to Vancouver for a multiculturalism trip. My hope was to help them build connections, ease culture shock for our newest students, introduce them to the landscapes of Canada and First Peoples culture, create a leadership opportunity for Grade 12 students who have come through the ELL program, and nurture a sense of pride in being part of this wonderful community at our school.

This year, our group included all new Grade 9 ELL students, both new and returning Grade 10s, and Grade 12 students serving as our student leaders—38 students in total, along with four chaperones: Leanne Hamilton, Becca Reid, Mauricio Barahona, and myself. Our Grade 11 students didn’t attend because of a scheduling conflict with their outtrips, but they will have the chance to apply as Grade 12 leaders next year.

We left school on a Thursday (Sept. 11), took an afternoon ferry to Vancouver and took the rest of the day to settle into our hotel. Once checked in, the Grade 12 leaders ran an icebreaker activity in the rooms to get everyone talking and laughing.

On Friday, we started the day at False Creek. The Grade 12s introduced the Language Quest Challenge, which had students completing fun tasks like talking with strangers, finding shared interests, and taking playful photos such as a human pyramid or a creative perspective shot. We visited the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden for a guided tour, had a lunch break around Chinatown, and then experienced FlyOver Canada. In the afternoon, some students explored Richmond Centre while others enjoyed a slower pace near the hotel. That evening, we capped off the day at the Richmond Night Market, soaking in the food, bright lights, and bustling crowds.

Saturday was headed to the University of British Columbia (UBC), visiting the Museum of Anthropology, Nitobe Japanese Garden, and the UBC Bookstore. The highlight was reconnecting with some former SMUS students—some who were apart of the ELL program—who are now studying at UBC. They toured us around the UBC campus and showed us to their favourite lunch spots, which made the visit extra special.

This trip would not have been possible without the school’s support. My goal from the start was for this multiculturalism trip to become a built-in part of the ELL program, included in tuition so students wouldn’t face extra costs. After several presentations, consultations, and itinerary revisions, we got the green light and were able to take our first group this year. I am grateful for the encouragement and ideas many colleagues offered throughout the planning process and, especially, to Reagan Daly who was integral to coordinating logistics and bookings.