Cooperation for Excellence

The personnel involved in Canadian Armed Forces’ Military Training and Cooperation Program know that communication and language barriers must be eliminated, and have been a leading example in the development of programs aimed at breaking down those obstacles. Such is the case of the Language Teacher Training Course, where foreign allied personnel as myself are able to develop their language teaching skills. I am certain that each and every one of us will go back to our countries with a lot more knowledge than we arrived with, and continue break down these barriers in the most effective way possible.

The professionalism and passion that we’ve encountered within everyone involved in the course has been second to none, and gives us a really good overview of the values on which Canada was formed. I have nothing but respect and admiration for a country represented by such high-caliber individuals.

Lieutenant Aviator Pilot
Diego Renato Avalos Carmona
Mexican Air Force 

Oh Canada – What an Experience  

“O Canada”, “True Patriot love”; lines from the Canadian National Anthem. A true patriot of love, respect and kindness.  My journey to this noble land started on 10 August 2019, when I was met at the airport by my homestay family. They have provided a comfortable environment that has allowed me to feel at home away from home. I came to Canada to undergo Language Teacher Training at the Canadian Forces Language School. I was excited yet fearful of the unknown lifestyle, culture and most importantly, the weather. At school, the diversity of cultures among Student-Teachers and the professionalism of the Teacher-Trainers combined, made me excited about learning. 

It wasn’t too long after the start of the training that I began to experience the true Canadian culture, and suddenly the fears disappeared and I was loving every moment of it. The cultural excursions have provided a foundation for future learning and understanding of the Canadian way of life.  My travels on the OC-Transpo buses all over Ottawa just to get a close-up of various cultural and historical sites ensured a closer mingle with the Canadian people. It was also my only means of transportation to get a taste of poutine or the well-renowned Beavertails from the Byward market. A closer encounter with history was my visit to Parliament Hill where I saw firsthand the Changing of the Guard, the Northern Lights Sound, and Light Show which displayed the rich history of the origins of Canada. I felt such warmth that I wanted to be a part of such a culturally diverse and unique nation.

Originating from a land of sand, sea and sun, didn’t stop me from enjoying the outdoors during my stay! There was no snow just yet, but I boldly seized the opportunity to skate on ice at the ice skating ring.  I was quickly reminded of how ignorant I was to this sport when my back was plunged against the ice, oh how funny that was…

The journeys I take in life can either make me or break me depending on the experience.  Sometimes it’s difficult to adapt to change and I may experience culture shock. But that’s the beauty of life, it exposes me to great people with unique cultures, it creates an avenue to forge lifelong friendships and unforgettable memories. Now when I return to Jamaica, my Canadian experience will forever be etched in my memory.

Staff Sergeant Juliet Clarke
Jamaica Defence Force