From Skates to Stage: A Day of Firsts at Wynchemna

Today was another action-packed and unforgettable day for our students in Calgary! From morning routines to late-night laughs, the day was filled with fun, first-time experiences, and meaningful learning opportunities.

We began the day with breakfast to get our energy up for everything ahead. After eating, students took some time to do their laundry as they have spent almost a full week here! It was a slower-paced morning, which gave everyone a chance to recharge before jumping into the day’s first English lesson.

Once class wrapped up, we made our way to the University of Calgary for lunch. The students were impressed by the campus atmosphere and enjoyed their meal of chicken and noodles at a Vietnamese place. It was a great chance to see what student life is like at a Canadian university and to practice ordering food in English in a real-world setting.

After lunch came one of the most anticipated activities of the day.. ice skating! For many of our students, it was their first time ever stepping onto the ice. There were wobbly legs, a few slips, and lots of laughter. The students cheered each other on, and by the end of the session, many were gliding confidently around the rink. It was amazing to watch their courage and perseverance, and to see how much fun they had trying something new.

With tired legs and big smiles, we hopped on the C-Train and headed back to our rooms for two more English lessons.

For dinner, we had breakfast food at Denny’s, where students got to try classic Canadian breakfast fare and put their English restaurant manners into practice once again. Bellies full and energy high, we then made our way to Loose Moose Theatre for an improv comedy show.

The show was a hit! The performers were hilarious, quick-thinking, and engaging, and they even involved the audience. The room was filled with laughter — a universal language that brought our whole group closer together. For many students, it was their first time at a comedy show, and it was a memorable experience.

We ended the day back at our residence, where students relaxed, shared stories from the day, and hung out with their friends. It was the perfect end to a day full of learning, friendship, and fun.

Days like today remind us how valuable and rewarding international learning programs can be. From trying new foods to skating for the first time and laughing together in a new language, our students are growing more confident every day and having a great time doing it!