Nearly two dozen international university students have come to Lethbridge from Mexico to improve their English.
The 23 Mayan indigenous women are getting a crash course on what it’s like to be Canadian while also learning about First Nations culture in the area.
“Everyone is so nice, everything is different,” student Marcia Casdila said.
They learned to hoop dance from two experienced dancers. Even though there is a language barrier for hoop dancer Sandra Lamouche, she says she doesn’t need to speak to make a connection.
“I’ve always taught just by leading by example and actually, that’s a very indigenous way of teaching,” she said.
This partnership between the University of Lethbridge and the state of Quintana Roo, Mexico started in 2014. The students take English class in the morning and in the afternoon, they get to explore the city and surrounding areas.
The women are only here for two weeks but the experience has made a lifelong impact.
“I’m very grateful to be here, I like being here and I’m grateful to meet all the people here,” Casdila said.
Lamouche says the students left their mark too.
“I could just feel that they have strength and power and are leaders themselves.”
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