3 minute read
2020 Top Choice Guide
Founded in 2003, VGC is an international college located in the heart of downtown Vancouver. As one of Canada’s fastest-growing private colleges, VGC offers English courses and International Business programs to domestic and international students from over 75 nations. For the second year in a row, VGC has been voted Top Choice language school in Vancouver - an extreme honor and one of the greatest endorsements any business can receive within North America & Europe. VGC prides itself on providing students with an unparalleled academic learning environment, student services, and an amazing intercultural experience. Dominic Walton, Executive Director at VGC International College since 2012, has turned the little known language school in Vancouver into one of the leading academic English language schools in Canada. With an extensive background in international education and an MBA, Walton sees himself as a business strategist and educator, combining both perspectives in his daily work at VGC. Today he speaks about what makes VGC so successful in a highly competitive market, how to pick the right language school, and the challenges of successfully guiding an international college through a global pandemic.
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Q: What makes the College successful?
A: It’s a combination of people, products, culture, and vision. People are the first and most important ingredient. Making sure you have a hardworking team with great ethics is key. Our team has taken years to develop and everyone contributes crucial roles in delivering the best to our students. The product, in our case, curriculum, is important because it is what you build your reputation off of. Then we must have a vision. A direction. Innovation. If you don’t keep swimming you are sinking. Who wants to come to a school with no excitement? All three of these factors focus on one thing and that is the student. Without them we have nothing.
Q: What advice would you give to a student to find the right Language School?
A: Do your research. Choose the school that gives you a good feeling inside. The one that talks to you. Don’t let anyone else decide this for you. If you love your choice, then you are more likely to be successful there.
Q: What are the top 3 things that make students choose VGC?
A: 1. Our staff. 2. Our great programs. 3. All the extras included tuition like workshops, writing center, study lab, continuing studies, and amazing activities.
Q: 2020 has been off to a challenging start with the outbreak of COVID-19. What has changed for VGC?
A: Obviously, this is a game-changer for everyone and as a result, we are changing day to day. We are making sure our students are taken care of and safe. We’re training our staff to make sure our programs still have that outstanding quality, and changing our marketing strategies to make sure people at home in their own countries know they can now join in.
Because we were able to get our message out quickly, VGC Virtual has become a success. People are seeing how it can enhance the learning experience. It is going so well, that we will extend those courses past our reopening. The greatest challenge has been dealing with uncertainty. Obviously, we had to close our locations down and reassure the students that we will all get through this. And now, making sure their well-being is front and foremost as we reopen.
Q: What positives are you taking from this crisis?
A: Lots! With every crisis comes opportunity. I believe this industry will come back strong in the next year despite being hit very hard. Our processes and curriculum will be improved as it is being vetted and strengthened every day. It is humbling to witness the resilience of the students and the resolve of our teachers and staff as they have dedicated themselves even more so to this company and in return I have dedicated myself even more to them. And we are back to the most important ingredient of a successful school - people.
To learn more about VGC, visit www.VGC.ca or contact the school directly at marketing@vgc.ca
