Fifty years from now, when historians look back at the COVID-19 pandemic, they will realize the unimaginable economic fall-out from it. COVID-19 has significantly transformed the North American economy. Here’s what strikes me as the three most important ways our economy has been transformed. Not surprisingly, they are interrelated.

1) When it comes to working, there’s no place like home

Recently, Jaime Dimon, CEO of JP Morgan, said that every employee was obligated to reveal their COVID-19 vaccination status by the end of June, and he expected everyone back in the office a week later. To me, this is one of those cases where the exception proves the general rule! Scores of other companies including Microsoft, Apple, and Google, have announced that there will be a mixed employment model going forward, with the majority of time spent working from of home.

There are two good economic reasons for this, one that benefits the employer and one that benefits the employee. From the employer’s perspective, it means paying for less office space. From the employee’s perspective, it means saving both time and money. The commute from one’s bedroom to one’s den is a lot shorter than from one’s house to a downtown office! And now that employee no longer has to spend money on either public transit or gas.

My prediction is that this will have the impact of reducing wage increases for what we would term “white collar workers”, as businesses recognize how much further ahead their home-based employees are in cost savings.

2) The new real estate landscape

Even before the onset of COVID-19, there was a significant shift from bricks-and-mortar retail to online channels. COVID-19 accelerated this trend. It is now estimated that roughly one quarter of North American malls are scheduled to close in the next few years. As I walk the downtown streets of Toronto – where I’ve lived for the past forty-five years of my life – I’ve never seen anything similar to this vacancy rate. My guess is that it will be getting worse before it improves, as businesses that have been hanging on for dear life realize that the rebound is going to be far less robust than many imagine.

I’ve already talked about the working from home phenomenon, and this has a tremendous impact on commercial rents. I spoke with a couple of good friends involved in that business, and what they’re seeing is a great deal of negotiation between landlords and existing tenants. However, they don’t see any uptick in demand as more and more work is done from home

This helps explain why house prices are appreciating as rapidly as they are; more people are spending more time at home than they ever have before. It makes sense that you’d want more space, because if there is a couple who both work from home, you simply need it. Unless mortgage rates tick up significantly, it looks like there will be a long-term bull market in residential housing.

3) The emergence of cryptocurrencies

To combat the government-imposed shutdown, there has been an almost inconceivable amount of fiscal stimulus, combined with the monetization of debt. By the way, what “monetization” means is that when debt is issued by the government, rather than finding a legitimate, arm’s length buyer, the Central Bank simply runs the printing presses to come up with the money. There is the belief among many that fiat currencies issued by governments aren’t reliable. In previous generations, gold would be the safe haven. But that was then, and this is now. Today, many are piling into cryptocurrencies.

Let me get something on the table: I think that crypto is a Ponzi-scheme and there will be a monumental collapse sooner or later. I don’t know what will precipitate it. But I think it’s inevitable, and my hope is that the collapse happens before there is too much “value” tied up in cryptos. I hope their demise doesn’t pull the real economy down with it.

The best-case scenario is that the developed world will find a way to flatten out its accumulation of debt. If economic growth could be 3%, while the debt would grow at a slower rate, it would restore faith in fiat currencies, and that would gradually and gently take the air out of the Bitcoins of the world. Fingers crossed that it plays out this way.

But here’s the really important economic lesson from COVID-19: If you allow an economy to efficiently allocate resources, in the short run there will be winners and losers. But in the long run, everyone wins because the machine will find a way to generate goods and services of real value.

Michael Hlinka received his MBA from the University of Toronto in 1986, became a CFA Charterholder in 2004, and is a tenured professor at George Brown. Michael specializes in industry licensing courses such as Canadian Securities, Derivatives Fundamentals and Portfolio Management. In addition to his teaching duties, Michael is a regular commentator on CBC Radio's Metro Morning is a nationally syndicated radio columnist, and writes a regular weekly column for Outreach Magazine, marketed by Toronto's homeless and unemployed. 

Michael instructs our Passing the CFA® Exam preparatory courses as well as Passing the Canadian Securities Course®.

There are many risks in life that are worthwhile! However, gambling with your finances isn’t worth it for most of us. Here are some simple tips to avoid financial mistakes that could reap unfortunate consequences. 

1. Don’t buy a house you can barely afford when Canada’s real estate market is on fire. Beware of FOMO (fear of missing out). Don’t get into bidding wars or make an unconditional offer to purchase a property.
2. Don’t gamble on growth stocks (Tesla, Canopy Growth, Gamestop), or cryptocurrency investments (Bitcoin, Ethereum ), based on tips from friends. 
3. Don’t shop at payday loan shops or alternative lenders without understanding the costs. They can be very high. The same goes for “buy now, pay later” plans. 
4. Don’t order from online goods and service providers without checking their reputation first. Use the Better Business Bureau (BBB.org) to search for consumer complaints and reviews.
5. Be smart about insurance! This is a big one. If you travel outside Canada, you need travel medical insurance. You also need trip cancellation insurance in case you get sick before you leave, and trip interruption insurance in case you get sick while away and have to return home.

If you have a mortgage, you need enough insurance to maintain the payments in case of illness or death. Shop around. The best deals usually don’t come from a mortgage lender.

Once you retire the mortgage, ask your home insurance carrier for a mortgage-free discount. A paid-off home is seen as lower risk by insurers.

Also, consider critical illness insurance, even if you’re young and healthy. You never know what life will bring. Check out Darin Diehl’s medical story and Kerry Taylor’s medical story. 

Here are some great quotes to inspire smart financial choices:

“Almost everyone wants you to spend as much as possible – your kids, friends, real estate agents, bankers, retailers, restauranteurs. When it comes to saving, you don’t have much of a support group.”

“Spending less than you make won’t be easy. People are going to fight you every step of the way. And the person who will fight you the hardest will be yourself.” 

– David Chilton, The Wealthy Barber Returns

“Run, don’t walk, to get a disability quote from an insurance agent. You insure your house and car. But what about your single biggest asset: the ability to earn an income for the rest of your life?” 

“Think of borrowing money today as negotiating a pay cut with your future self.”

– Preet Banerjee, Stop Overthinking Your Money

“I hate debt. It’s going to sound extreme, but for me, owing money is like making a deal with the devil. I would worry what would happen if I lost my job and couldn’t meet my debt-obligation payments.”

“Thinking of debt as a life-threatening, contagious disease served me pretty well. Once you’re debt-free, there’s no feeling like it.”

-Andrew Hallam, Millionaire Teacher: The Nine Rules of Wealth You Should Have Learned in School

Ellen Roseman is a personal finance columnist and former business editor at the Toronto Star. She is the author of Money 101: Every Canadian's Guide to Personal Finance, and she is Chair of FAIR Canada, a non-profit charity that advocates for investor rights. She has had a long career as a journalist specializing in consumer advocacy and personal finance. Ellen teaches our Investing for Beginners course, and our Introduction to Investing Workshop. She will be teaching The Smart Consumer course in spring 2022.

When Edinair Damasio Barbosa came to Canada from Brazil five years ago, she was eager to continue her career as a lawyer. However, on top of the challenges associated with moving to a new country, Edi faced professional barriers. “I had been a lawyer for ten years when I immigrated to Canada, and wanted to practice law in Toronto. As a step towards earning my Ontario license, I decided to pursue the Global Professional Master of Laws (GPLLM) at U of T, which required obtaining a top mark in a program that satisfies the university’s language proficiency requirement (Academic English-Advanced Level 60),” recalls Edi. “I tried a couple English classes, and felt really frustrated. I was learning the basics of language, but nothing about culture or true communication. It was a means to pass a test, not a real immersion into the English language.”

When Edi found the Academic English Program in our School of Continuing Studies’ English Language Program (ELP), she immediately felt at ease. “From the very first day, it was clear we were learning how to communicate effectively, not just speak English. The online learning experience was great; our instructor used various teaching tools such as videos, slides, and podcasts to help us learn. She encouraged classroom discussions, group work, and online socializing, which allowed us to practice our social and speaking skills,” reflects Edi. “My classmates were from all over the globe, which enhanced the learning experience as we bonded and grew from one another’s experiences. We learned about effective English communication, such as how to write persuasively and clearly, summarize information, and even write effective and concise emails. My husband—who is Canadian and a native English speaker—was amazed at the skills I was gaining. He even said ‘oh my gosh, I can’t even write this way!’”

Edi felt supported both by her instructor, and the administrative team at ELP. “My instructor was so supportive, like a mother almost. She was professional, knowledgeable, and all learners got 1-1 time with her each week to work on specific skills,” says Edi. “The ELP team also contributed to the learning process by providing support and encouragement throughout the program. I am grateful; they played an integral role in my successful completion of the class. This experience wasn’t about passing a test; it was about learning how to thrive in an English-speaking setting. These are skills I will use daily in my educational and work experiences.”

Having completed the Academic English Program in April 2021, Edi has been accepted into the GPLLM program, and is excited to move her career forward. “This program has ignited my confidence. Now, I am so excited to write in English, I can’t stop! The skills I’ve learned will help me write persuasively, speak in court, and negotiate effectively,” smiles Edi. “Today, I feel ready to step into the next chapter of my life.”

Forgiveness is anything but easy, but philosophies of the Stoics give us an antidote. 

If we hold on to unforgiveness, we become slaves to the actions of others and lose our freedom. In fact, it’s our judgement of things that truly upsets us. When we are able to focus on controlling our minds, instead of trying to manipulate outside events, we can forgive, and live the life we want to live; we can be the person we want to be. 

Join me as we explore how mindful practices and stoicism can help us forgive and take back control of our own feelings and fate. If you would like to learn more, check out my recent Knowledge Hub webinar titled Stoicism - Strategies for Resilience and Joy.

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Ranjini George Philip's work has appeared in Hamlet Studies, Peregrine, Agni, So to Speak, Room of One's Own, The Sincerest Form of Flattery: Contemporary Women Writers on Forerunners in Fiction, Modern English Teacher, Commonwealth and American Women's Discourse, The Victorian Newsletter, Write (a publications of the Writers' Union of Canada), among others. A recipient of the Arnold B. Fox Award in Research Writing (1989), a Georges and Anne Bochardt Fiction Scholar at the Sewanee Writers' Conference (2005), and the first prize winner in the Canada's inaugural Coffee Shop Author contest (2010), she holds a PhD in English from Northern Illinois University, USA, an MA in English from St. Stephen's College, New Delhi, and an MFA in Creative Writing from the University of British Columbia, Canada. Her book, Through My Mother's Window: Emirati Women Tell their Stories and Recipes was published in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates in December 2016. In 2019 she won the Excellence in Teaching Award at the School of Continuing Studies, University of Toronto. She can be contacted at her Facebook page, Ranjini George, Writer or on her website.

For Charles Musa, continuing education not only helped him launch a new career, but it provided him with motivation and focus during a challenging time. When the financial company he was working for closed their Toronto office, Charles found himself laid off, and faced with the daunting but exciting opportunity to re-assess his career. “In late 2019, I Iost my job, and had to decide what I wanted to do next. It was time for a career change, and to get back to my marketing research roots. To ease this transition, I started pursuing a Marketing Research Certificate at the School of Continuing Studies (SCS),” recalls Charles. “I had just begun my learning when COVID hit, making the job market even harder to navigate, especially for someone trying to return to an industry after many years away. My finances were affected, so I knew I needed to find ways to support my learning.”

Charles explored funding opportunities at SCS. He applied for -and received- the School of Continuing Studies Bursary. “The funds allowed me to continue my learning. I was both excited and relieved to receive this support,” says Charles. “It was a very anxious time for me, and being able to continue my studies boosted my confidence as I searched for a job. Studying gave me a plan, and something positive and productive to focus on.”

In May 2020, while working towards his certificate, Charles landed an interview at Numeris, a Canadian audience measurement organization. “The knowledge I gained at SCS was critical in how I performed in that interview. It just so happened that in one of my classes, we had discussed Numeris in a conversation around brand equity,” he recalls. “I brought this knowledge up to the interviewer, and they were impressed by how timely and relevant my comments were. I got the job, and now I am back in the market research industry.”

The skills Charles learned at SCS have also impacted his entrepreneurial spirit. “I’ve always been passionate about market research, and studying at SCS inspired me to take a business plan I had in my head, and make it a reality,” explains Charles. “I started an ecommerce business, World of Daily Essentials, at the end of 2020, using the marketing research abilities I gained in class. I also have greater confidence in my capacity to implement plans based on smart market data. Having this business makes me feel empowered both personally and financially.” 

As Charles completes his certificate, he is grateful for the support he received from SCS, and is eager to grow into a management role in the market research industry. “Continuing education can only help; it can only advance your career. There is truly nothing to lose,” says Charles. “SCS supported me when I needed it most, and now I have a career I love. One day, I want to give back and financially contribute to the bursary program at SCS, so other learners can have the same life-changing experience that I did, regardless of their financial challenges.”
 

Sophie had always loved studying language. After earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Spanish in 2010, Sophie pursued a career in administration. A decade later, she made the bold decision to explore new possibilities and broaden her employment prospects. “French is my first language, so as someone who speaks English, French, and Spanish, I was typically the sole multilingual employee in most workplaces,” reflects Sophie. “I was often relied on to provide translation, interpretation, and other language services. I was browsing through the University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies (SCS) website one evening in January 2020 and came across the French Translation Program. It seemed like a natural and logical fit: I figured that if I was going to continue to provide translation services off the side of my desk, it was a good idea to formalize what I was doing.” 

She decided to go for it, and began taking the first course in our Certificate in Translation: French to English. “I figured, if nothing else, it would give me something more to do outside of work, and I would learn a few things. If I liked the introductory course, I could carry on with the next one and perhaps all the courses required to obtain the certificate, and I would think of what to do next after that,” says Sophie. “When I signed up for the introductory course, learning was my only expectation. I had no way of knowing that 15 months later, I would end up being a living ‘best case scenario’ embodiment of what continuing education at SCS is all about.”

Sophie immediately connected with her instructor, Pamela Lipson. “Not only is Pamela an engaging, knowledgeable, and motivating instructor, she also did a great job of simulating the real, professional world of translations,” recalls Sophie. “As part of assignment feedback and at every webinar, Pamela provided insider knowledge of what the professional translation field is actually like, examples of what distinguishes top quality translations from passable ones, and so much practical advice on how to stand out in this competitive field. We went beyond the fundamentals of translation, and Pamela consistently emphasized the importance of mastering related skills, including scrupulous research practices, quality control procedures, and revision strategies. She coached us to sharpen these important skills.”

As Sophie neared the end of her certificate, she felt confident in her new abilities and began applying for translation roles. She was hired by a linguistic services company, and is now applying her translation skills on a daily basis. “I felt appropriately prepared throughout the testing and interview process, and I’m now employed as a full time French to English Translator,” shares Sophie, who earned her certificate in May 2021. “Thanks to SCS, I feel well-equipped and ready to enter this exciting new chapter in my career. Pamela’s holistic approach, combined with her expertise and intellectual generosity, set me up for success in this field.” 

For Clara Tsim, lifelong learning is a way of life. After earning a business degree, Clara began her career working for the Canadian Government. “I’ve always been curious. After completing my degree, I was eager to do some personal development, and wanted to learn to speak Mandarin to learn more about my culture,” explains Clara. “In 2004, I started learning Mandarin at the School of Continuing Studies (SCS), and had a really positive experience. So, when I wanted to do some professional development, I knew SCS was the right choice. Much of my work is project-based, so I decided to start by earning a Project Management Certificate at SCS, and my love of continuing education just snowballed from there.”

Over the next 17 years, Clara earned certificates in Mandarin, Risk Management, Financial Analysis and Investment Management, Financial Trading and Option Strategies, and Applied Specialization in Mindfulness Meditation. She also earned a Master of Public Administration at the University of Victoria. “I enjoy taking a mix of courses that help me develop both personally and professionally. And some do both! For example, my finance-focused certificates have helped me not only on the job, but also in my personal finances,” says Clara, who received a Marilynn Booth Award of Excellence from SCS. “The biggest effect continuing education has had on my career and life is my increased confidence. Taking a wide range of courses has diversified the tools in my toolbox, opened doors, opened my mind, and allowed me to see things from different perspectives. I know my skills are transferable, and this has diversified the types of projects I can work on, and multiplied my career options.”

According to Clara, a commitment to lifelong learning has allowed her to enter any work situation with confidence and a problem-solving mindset. “When you are armed with knowledge, you are able to make better decisions, both professionally and personally. Learning has helped me relate to other people, work collaboratively, build relationships, and understand other people’s perspectives,” she reflects. “I work on a lot of multidisciplinary teams, and having skills in project management, risk, financial analysis, trading, language, and mindfulness, allows me to contribute, break down silos, and lead on a whole new level.”

In order to succeed in her studies, Clara — who is currently a Senior Financial Analyst with Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) —was adamant about time management, and carving out dedicated time for her learning. “I appreciated the flexibility of online learning, which I was able to make work with my schedule. I also gave myself breaks between courses, really scheduled my time carefully, and tried to avoid rushing assignments as much as possible. In many classes, we did a lot of group work and team building; it was great to grow with likeminded people from different sectors, and learn from their experiences,” reflects Clara. “My instructors were really inspiring. In fact, my Risk Management instructor gave me a strong academic reference to support my application for my Master of Public Administration.” 

For Clara, studying at SCS has meant the ability to say “yes”. “A commitment to lifelong learning has allowed me to try new things, and build transferable skills,” she says. “When I am given new challenges, I can say YES, because I have the confidence I can do it. Learning at SCS has given me a ‘can-do’ attitude, and taught me that I can overcome any challenge.”

How has COVID-19 affected your finances? The answer will show how you rate on an important quality called financial resilience.

Has the ongoing health crisis cut back your employment income to the point you can’t manage your monthly expenses without deferring your mortgage and credit card payments? Do you worry about paying bills once the federal government’s COVID relief measures end?

If so, you fall into the category of financially vulnerable, meaning you haven’t been able to save enough to offset your lost income, and will probably cover your spending needs with borrowed funds. This can feel very overwhelming and stressful. I’m here to share some tips to help you better manage your finances during difficult times. 

The goal is to become financially resilient, so you have a savings cushion to help you achieve your goals and sustain your lifestyle despite the curve balls life throws at you.

The good news: according to the Seymour Financial Resilience Index developed by a Vancouver consulting firm, 60% of Canadian households are either financially resilient or approaching resilience. 

The latest index report in February 2021 shows that 27% of Canadians are reducing or consolidating their debt, compared to 18% in October 2020. Almost 30% are setting up or building their emergency savings funds, up from 19% in October 2020. 
When asked if they agreed with this statement, “I want to better understand my household's financial resilience and how I can improve it,” 77% of Canadian survey respondents said yes.

Here are my ideas on how to improve your financial resilience in five steps.

Step 1: Track your spending in detail

• Keep every receipt. Record expenses in a notebook, spreadsheet or free online app (such as Mint, or other top spending and budgeting apps).-Review your monthly bank and credit card statements. Ask your bank about expense items you don’t recognize.
• List your irregular expenses (such as gifts, donations, home and car repairs) that may occur only once or twice a year.
• Total your expenses and sort them into categories. Do this for at least 3 to 6 months.

Step 2: Find areas where you can save money

• Review your monthly bills. Look for mistakes, overcharges, and late charges you incurred.
• Negotiate better rates on your banking, home heating and air conditioning, telecom services internet, TV, phone) and insurance (life, health, travel, car and home insurance). Learn to compare rates online, so you can bargain more effectively.
• Calculate your food costs. How much do you spend monthly on groceries for home cooking, takeout food from stores and restaurants, meal preparation kits and food delivery apps? Try to cut down the last three categories.
• Analyze your needs vs. your wants: do you need to own a home? Can you rent instead? Buy used cars rather than new—or no cars at all? Do you need the latest high-tech gadgets? Look into your closets and drawers at home to find older “must have” gadgets now gathering dust.

Step 3: Decide how to save money in the future

• Do research before buying. Compare the prices of similar products at multiple stores. 
• Use comparison sites for financial services (Ratehub.ca, LowestRates.ca, RateSpy.com). To compare telecom services, check out this list of comparison shopping sites from Canada’s telecom regulator (the CRTC).
• Remember the little things; they add up! Track where your small change is going (miscellaneous fees, delivery costs, restocking fees, sales taxes) and look for suppliers with lower fees.
• Check the subscriptions you signed up for (Netflix, Spotify, Apple, Audible, Amazon Prime, Costco). Make sure you still use these services. Note the expiry dates and cancel well ahead.
• Avoid 1-click purchases when shopping at Amazon.ca. Remove your credit card information and shipping addresses. Creating friction will force you to stop and ask yourself if you can wait and if you really need the items.

Step 4: Invest your windfalls from reduced spending

• Set up an emergency fund. Start small, but save regularly, with the goal of putting away enough to cover your living expenses for 3 to 6 months. Keep the money in a separate account that is hard to tap.
• Pay yourself first. Make saving a top priority. Set aside part of your salary when it comes in and live on the rest. You won’t miss it after a while.
• Put your saving on autopilot. Set up automatic transfers from your chequing to saving accounts every 2 or 4 weeks. Save money from tax refunds, gifts, and salary raises. 
• Make your savings grow. Use a tax-sheltered RRSP or TFSA to save for the long term. Find the best savings rates online (Ratehub.ca, HighInterestSavings.ca, RATESDOTCA).

Step 5: Keep a tight rein on credit purchases

• Limit the number of credit cards you hold. Keep your credit limit low to avoid problems with ID theft and fraud. If offered a higher limit on a credit card, think twice before saying yes.
• Pay the balance in full each month. If you can’t, pay as much as you can before the due date. Set up regular payments from your bank account. Pay more than the minimum.
• Never skip a minimum monthly payment. Credit card issuers can hike your interest rate if you miss 2 to 3 minimum payments in a year. Call the company if you’re having money problems. 
• Check your credit report and credit score once a year to find any problems or errors. With a good credit score, you can get a better rate on loans, apartment rent, and home insurance.

Ellen Roseman is a personal finance columnist and former business editor at the Toronto Star. She is the author of Money 101: Every Canadian's Guide to Personal Finance, and she is Chair of FAIR Canada, a non-profit charity that advocates for investor rights. She has had a long career as a journalist specializing in consumer advocacy and personal finance. Ellen teaches our Investing for Beginners course, and our Introduction to Investing: A Workshop. She will be teaching The Smart Consumer course in spring 2022.

Our Academic English Program in our School of Continuing Studies’ English Language Program (ELP) attracts learners worldwide. Recently, we connected with Farhane Onifade, to learn about her unique experience with the program. Farhane, who is from Benin, West Africa, shared why she chose the Academic English Program. 

Having studied English in school, Farhane knew she wanted to enhance her English-speaking abilities. After seeing her sister participate in the program, she was impressed by how well her reading, writing, and communication skills improved. This experience inspired Farhane to go for it and enrol! 

Check out Farhane’s story.
 

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Taara Smith wanted to become a learning expert. However, her path to a career in instructional design was winding. “I’m a military spouse whose career was in the provincial government. This required me to leave a successful career in Alberta and rebuild a career in B.C. when we relocated. When I found myself in Ontario having to rebuild a career again, this seemed like the perfect opportunity for change. I needed a new career that matched my needs and interests. I loved training staff, and after researching the field, I knew instructional design was the right fit for me,” recalls Taara. “Although I had relevant experience, I wanted to pursue further education to demonstrate I had the necessary academic foundation to pursue this specialization. I considered getting a second degree in adult education or pursuing a Master’s degree, but neither of these options were the right fit. I didn’t really need another degree. Then, I came across the Learning Design program at the School of Continuing Studies (SCS). Its content addressed the industry knowledge I was lacking, with no extra fluff. It was the missing puzzle piece.”

She began taking courses in Fall 2019, but was hesitant at first. “I had been out of school for a while, and I wasn’t sure if I would be successful in an online learning environment or if it would fit my needs,” says Taara. “However, the digital classroom was very flexible and designed for adult learners. My peers came from diverse backgrounds, meaning I got to hear about learning design within various industries, such as the corporate and financial sectors, government, and education. My instructors were very passionate and knowledgeable. It wasn’t the intimidating experience I had feared, and I learned to be kind to myself, know my limits, manage my time, and not take on too much at once.”

From the start, it was clear to Taara that the program’s main focus was on comprehension and application. “This program was unlike university courses I have taken. I was challenged to think about the practical application of the teachings. We were encouraged to think beyond standard processes and formats, and instead, we developed our assignments based on the needs of our workplace projects,” she says. After being hired by the Department of National Defense as an Instructional Designer, Taara found that the program had not only enhanced her learning design skills, but also her confidence. “Starting a second career can be daunting. Even when you finally break into that new role, you can feel like an imposter. SCS gave me the essential skills and industry language that I needed to fit in and thrive in my new environment.”

Taara, who won a Marilyn Booth Award of Academic Excellence from SCS, now applies her learning design skills on a daily basis. “When I started my new job, I inherited a large project that was mid-completion, and thanks to the abilities I gained at SCS I was able to step into the lead Instructional Designer role fairly seamlessly. As I advance in my career, my goal is to continue to apply best practices to make training even more engaging and effective. I want to use creative solutions to ensure learners can retain and use what they learn,” says Taara. “SCS truly provided an adult learning environment, with a key focus on applying concepts vs. getting great grades. I did excel academically, but when my mindset shifted from ‘getting an A’ to ‘how can I grow,’ I was really able to focus on my personal learning needs. This program was invaluable in obtaining the knowledge and experience I was missing to make a career change, and I love my new career.”

Learning English is a gateway to opportunity. The Academic English Program in our School of Continuing Studies’ English Language Program (ELP) is designed to help English language learners improve their use of academic English. Learners from all over the globe develop the skills needed to share ideas, and communicate in an academic context. Successful completion of the highest level of Academic English (Advanced - Level 60) satisfies the language requirement for admission to most degree programs at the University of Toronto, setting up learners for success in their undergraduate and graduate studies. 

What makes this online program different? First, we design and develop all our materials in-house, and they are distinctly tailored to the needs of our learners. We focus on teaching “real” English; learners gain the skills and strategies needed to understand and respond in both academic and non-academic contexts. We go beyond traditional textbook learning, and ensure our learners gain the ability to express themselves and interact successfully in a university setting. 

Our online classes attract learners worldwide. In fact, our most recent class included learners from 11 different countries: Benin, Brazil, Cameroon, China, Ethiopia, Haiti, Honduras, Iran, Korea, Kuwait, and Togo. The online format - which includes classroom learning, small group tasks and discussion in breakout rooms, learner engagement activities, and instructor office hours for one-on-one feedback and support - allows for a truly interactive learning environment.

According to Academic English instructor Catherine Lawton Donnelly, offering challenging and innovative material in her digital classroom is a top priority. “Teaching an integrated skills program allows me to change it up and use a variety of activities. This helps to keep everyone focused and motivated, and the out-of-class activities that are assigned give learners the opportunity to collaborate,” says Catherine. “My classrooms are dynamic and engaging. It’s not only me who brings energy to the classroom, but also the learners! Each learner brings their unique background, knowledge, and experience to classroom activities (and do so with great enthusiasm)! They create vibrant conversation about their varied world experiences, contributing their insights and perspectives.”

Catherine also creates an open and inviting learning space. “Many learners have commented that the online environment is a comfortable, safe place where they can voice their opinions,” reflects Catherine. “Some learners have even referred to our online classroom as our ‘living room’. This speaks to their comfort level, and the fact that they feel confident participating and trying new things in class. Time and time again, learners have expressed their enthusiasm for the program. It is one step toward fulfilling their goals.”

João Haetinger of Brazil, who successfully completed Academic English Level 60 and is now studying theology at U of T’s Regis College, agrees that the program has helped set him up for success. “Academic English has been a fantastic introduction to academic life here in Canada. It has helped me build a solid path to reach my goals,” says João. “The classes were personalized and fun. There was one-on-one and group learning, and practical exercises in pronunciation, grammar, and text comprehension. I also got to connect with other learners from around the world; this experience helped me understand how diverse and rich the Canadian academic setting is.” 

In addition to developing academic communication and presentation skills, learners use strategies and techniques to improve reading and listening, write clearly about complex subjects, and expand their vocabulary. But this program has also helped learners who are motivated to learn English to thrive outside of a traditional academic setting. “As an artist, one of the primary sources to make an income is grants and awards from different art organizations and institutes,” says Azadeh Pirazimian, an Iranian Canadian multidisciplinary artist and art instructor based in Toronto, who recently completed the program. “Before completing the Academic English Program, I did not have enough self-confidence to apply for these grants and write the proposals because my writing skills were not adequate. But the writing work I completed during the program has allowed me to improve my skills, and I recently applied to a paid exhibition with confidence. This program has opened the gate to my future.”

Regardless of learners’ future goals, the Academic English Program can help accelerate their path to success.
 

After years in the audio branding industry, Jordan Stevens made the move to pursue a career in marketing. Having built a successful business as a freelance digital marketing consultant, he was eager to take his skills to the next level. “I saw how important data analytics was in successful marketing, and identified this as an area where I really wanted to grow my skills,” recalls Jordan. “I did my research, and decided to pursue a Data Science Certificate at the School of Continuing Studies (SCS) to compliment my marketing skills. I liked that the certificate offered a diverse curriculum in programming, machine learning, and AI.”

Jordan chose to attend in-class courses, but when the pandemic hit and classes quickly shifted online, he was faced with a unique set of challenges. “I’ve always had hearing loss, and recently experienced a drop in my hearing. So, in addition to shifting to an online format, I needed closed captioning and screen readers. There was a real sense of uncertainty as to how my hearing needs would be supported,” he says. Jordan connected with his instructors, and worked with them to outline his accessibility needs. “My instructors quickly adapted and set up closed captioning. We had an open line of communication, and I was able to make suggestions and experiment with new strategies. It was important for me to be able to connect with my instructors about my needs, and we overcame challenges together,” he recalls. “I had a positive online learning experience, and appreciated the flexibility of the courses. My peers were from many different industries, so it was interesting to hear from their diverse perspectives.”

Jordan, who recently earned his Data Science Certificate and was awarded a Marilyn Booth Award of Excellence from SCS, says that his new skills help him in his consulting work on a daily basis. “I’ve gained new perspectives on data. For instance, when I look at Search Engine Optimization (SEO) data, I now have a strong capacity to interpret information and implement strategies. I’m also able to use my new analysis and statistical skills to enhance web performance, and predict sales trends for clients,” he says. Jordan has also developed a healthy skepticism of data and AI tools, and can objectively look at studies and assess how effective AI offerings are. “I’m using my new abilities to continue to grow my business, and take on more data science projects. Augmenting my marketing skills with data science has really expanded my portfolio of work, and I’m determined to continually improve,” says Jordan. “It sounds so simple, but you truly get out of continuing education what you put into it; give it the time and effort, and you will reap the benefits.”