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ELC Los Angeles
ELC - English Language Center Los Angeles
Student Spotlight Aleksandra Liikala November 27th, 2017

Aleksandra is from Finland, and has been studying for 15 weeks in our Semi-Intensive Plus Course. She has really be taking advantage of all the things that Southern California and the greater west coast have to offer! She really loves all of the fitness opportunities that LA has to offer! Find out some more about Aleksandra below!

Where were you born and raised?

I was born and raised in Finland. Finland is very small country. We have only 5 million people there. Nature is very beautiful and clean. During the winter we have lots of snow and during the summer the whole environment is totally green. We have lot of lakes, forests and mountains. During the winter and darkest times of the year it’s possible to see the beautiful northern lights in the sky. The best part of my country is that we have four seasons: winter, spring, summer and autumn. But sometimes this is also bad because our summer is so short, only like 2 months and the winter is long, dark and cold. My city is near our capital Helsinki and it’s named Järvenpää and in my city we have only 50,000 people.

What do you do for fun? What are your hobbies?

My passion is a healthy lifestyle. I love exercising and taking care of myself. A couple times a week I like to do weightlifting. I’m also a horse rider and especially dressage riding is my thing. I love animals.

What is your special talent?

I’m pretty ambitious, if I want something I’ll do everything to get it and I’ll get it. So I am good at working hard to get what I want. I like to make dreams come true.

What is your profession? What do you like about it?

I’m a group fitness instructor and I love it, because I can work with people and help them to move and have fun at the same time.

I’m also a salesman. I like it because I’m good with people. I am also at my best whet there is a little bit competition.

Tell us about your family, do you have kids? Siblings? Pets? Do they live close to you?

I kind of have two families. My mom and dad and they both have new life companions. I have two older brothers and they are living in different cities but I like to visit them every month. I have a little sister and she’s still living at home. I also have a half sister and a half brother. And I have the best dog ever.

Why did you choose to study English in Los Angeles? Did you consider other options?

I chose Los Angeles immediately I didn’t even consider other options. I have always been dreaming about living in the west coast. Also my boyfriend moved here to study drums six months before me so this was a good opportunity for me at this point of my life.

What are all the ways that LA is different than your city/town?

Los Angeles is totally different compared to city where I live. In my city there are only 50,000 people and here “a couple” more so for example our rush hour is nothing there. In my city the weather is always pretty cloudy and cold and here weather is always great and warm. There are many opportunities in LA.

What were you most surprised to learn about the US or LA? Did you experience any culture shock?

I knew that LA is a big city but really it’s so big and so many different parts that I couldn’t even imagine. All parts of LA feel like they are their own cities. I love LA!

What do you miss most about your country?

Most about in my country I miss my family and my friends. But I’m glad my best friends came to visit here and I had vacation with them. I also miss some Finnish food and candies.

What are your top three favorite places in LA?

I love the Pacific Coast Highway. Best thing to do here is driving down the PHC with a convertible and enjoying the views. Venice beach is great and I like the atmosphere. There are a couple viewpoints on Mullholland Drive. I like to go there and watch LA when it’s dark because you can see the whole city and all the lights.

Where have you found the best food from your country in LA?

I haven’t found any Finnish restaurants here in LA

Favorite moment in class at ELC:

I have had so many good moments in ELC. I’m always glad when we are playing some games. My favorite class is conversation class because it’s a good way to improve my English and get new friends.

What are some tips you have for people who want to learn English?

Don’t give up. If you haven’t spoken much English before it doesn’t matter. Always when you want to say something just try to say it somehow, because there’s nothing to lose. Mistakes are the best way to improve and people here really appreciate when you try to speak and they totally understand that it’s not your native language. The best way to learn is speak, speak, and speak.

What are your plans after ELC?

After ELC I will have a longer vacation here. At least I’m going to San Francisco and maybe to Mexico. I’m going to enjoy my time here in LA. I love it!

Aleksandra Liikala Skiing