How was it to be in an International Language School ?

During my gap year, I spent five months studying at the International Language Academy of Canada (ILAC) in Toronto. It was an incredible opportunity not only to improve my English skills but also to experience life in a multicultural city and connect with people from all over the world.

Ilac, what is it ?

Founded in 1997, ILAC (International Language Academy of Canada) is one of the leading English language schools in Canada, with campuses in both Toronto and Vancouver. The school was established with the goal of providing high-quality English education for student from around the world.

Its programs focus on various aspects of English learning, including General English, Business English, Exam Preparation (such as IELTS and Cambridge), and University Pathway programs, which help students transition to Canadian colleges and universities. The academy received multiple awards.

Variety of courses

As I mentioned earlier, ILAC’s programs are designed to fit the needs of each student. One of the key aspects of this is the level system, which is determined based on your score on the Cambridge Placement Test—a requirement before starting your classes.Within each program and level, there are multiple classes, allowing for a more personalized approach depending on your progress. The courses focus on core skills such as speaking, reading, listening, and grammar, all aimed at preparing you for the Cambridge test, which plays a crucial role in determining whether you can move up to the next level.

This test is scheduled every two weeks and is divided into different parts:

Tuesday: Writing exercise (could be an informal/formal email, proposal, or essay)

Wednesday: Reading, Use of English, and Listening sections.

A bunch of activities

Outside of class, ILAC organized events and trips around Toronto and nearby cities. It was the perfect balance of learning and fun. From visiting the CN Tower, or enjoy Hockey and Baseball game, to weekend trips to Niagara Falls, every moment was a chance to explore and practice English.

Inside the school itself, ILAC organized fun activities for major Canadian celebrations like Halloween, and many students dressed up for the occasion. I found it really nice to see such a festive atmosphere!

By going to school every day from 8:30 AM to 1:00 PM, I eventually developed a kind of routine—attending classes, seeing familiar faces or meeting new people. Playing games in English, taking the Cambridge tests, and of course, improving my grammar and fluency were all part of the experience. This daily practice allowed me to deepen my personal learning, as improving a language requires patience and determination.

I almost always took my 11 AM break at Circle K—mostly because the coffee was better than Tim Hortons. Over time, this habit allowed me to have those famous small talks with the cashiers, which was a fun and natural way to practice my English every day.

My thoughts

As I said throughout this post, I will never forget my time at ILAC, especially because I met people who are now important to me—friends I know I will keep in touch with and hopefully meet again all around the world. I also can’t forget my amazing teachers—each of them so different, yet all incredibly kind and supportive.I truly enjoyed my time at ILAC, even if it was sometimes challenging—being abroad isn’t always easy. But in the end, I feel grateful and lucky to have been part of this school for five months.

A Note for French Students at ILACAs a French student myself, I wanted to make a small note specifically for future French students considering ILAC. During my time there, I noticed something that often surprised many of my international friends: I wasn’t always surrounded by other French people. In fact, I could count my French friends on one hand. Many of my classmates shared how they had observed a tendency among some French students to stick together, even in such an international setting. They would often continue speaking French during breaks and group activities. While I completely understand the comfort that comes from staying close to people from your own country—especially when you’re far from home—I couldn’t help but wonder: Why go abroad if it’s only to stay in your comfort zone?

What made my experience truly special was embracing the multicultural aspect of ILAC. I was often the only French person in my group, which pushed me to fully immerse myself in English and connect with people from all over the world. Many of my friends even complimented me for not following the common pattern and instead choosing to engage with the diversity ILAC offers. So, if you’re French and thinking of studying at ILAC (or any international school), my advice would be: step out of your comfort zone. It’s a unique opportunity to broaden your horizons, improve your language skills, and make meaningful connections that go far beyond borders.

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