From Our Students & Parents
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Real words from students and parents who joined our programs — how our seminars shaped their thinking, confidence, and transition into new learning environments.
— Sherry (University of Toronto, Rotman Commerce)
“My outlook and approach speak to the value of the PPE program. I gained an understanding of our society, the global economy, and my place in this world. It's been three years and I'm still so inspired by the lectures and the teachers.”
— Coral (UBC, Arts One Program)
“Being part of this community feels like being part of a family where every member helps each other grow.”
— Yao (UBC, Computer Science)
“The lecturers possess solid and broad educational backgrounds.The courses are harmonious, nutritious and profound. I highly recommend studying here.”
— Maysa (UBC, General Arts)
“Every class is exciting. The passion for learning that is shared between students and teachers creates a compelling dialogue and encourages everyone to share their point of view.”
— Keith (UBC, Bachelor of International Economics)
“The weekly readings are always carefully selected and offer students the opportunity to experience classes that really help them to make sense of the fast-changing world of the 21st century.”
— Emma (UBC, Arts One Program)
“This is the warmest intellectual home I’ve ever had in my life. Here, not only did I come to realize who I am and how I want to fit into society, but I equipped myself with a toolkit to unpack the beauty and complexity of the world.”
— Junchao (Max Planck Institute, Munich; Biochemistry)
“Everyday of class enriches my perspective, reminds me of the necessity of maintaining myself, and helps me navigate an ever-changing world.”
——Hugo (Harvard College)
"A gem mine of curated lessons that integrate many ways of thinking. The lessons were reinforced through an opportunity to revise drafts multiple times and receive extensive, deliberate, and concise feedback. The program has set me on a path of societal, cultural and political understanding that will help me to realize my scientific goals in a phronetic way.”
Xu Family
The Vancouver Institute for Higher Learning belongs to the strongest, it is small in scale and exquisite by design. The lecturers always present the world we are living in to the students in an intensive way in order to enlighten them to critically think about global patterns and our human civilization. I believe that the students who come out of the VIHL are much more well rounded and see much more clearly.Moreover, I’m very delighted that my son has had the chance to be a part of the VIHL during his IB Diplomat period. In addition, with the help of Mr. Ivan Penkov, my son has the opportunity to pursue his first degree — Bachelor of International Economics in the University of British Columbia. I truly appreciate the VIHL and I hope more wise students and parents will choose to join in the VIHL community.
Nouri Family
Over the past two years at the VIHL, we have witnessed our son mature and grow in self confidence. The weekly lectures and workshops are of extremely high quality. Every week, our son had the fortune of enriching his mind and gaining valuable knowledge. Our son has developed excellent note-taking and listening skills. What we admire most, however, is his newly found ability to articulate his ideas. In such a critical time of his life, attending the VIHL has given our son motivation, inspiration, and a place where he can come to know himself.We are proud to say that we’ve had the fortune of seeing our son undergo a unique transformation, he is becoming a man. We are sure that this is a dream that many parents have for their children, and the VIHL can help make this dream into a reality.
Hakim Family
Over the past two years at the VIHL, we have witnessed our son mature and grow in self confidence. The weekly lectures and workshops are of extremely high quality. Every week, our son had the fortune of enriching his mind and gaining valuable knowledge. Our son has developed excellent note-taking and listening skills. What we admire most, however, is his newly found ability to articulate his ideas. In such a critical time of his life, attending the VIHL has given our son motivation, inspiration, and a place where he can come to know himself.We are proud to say that we’ve had the fortune of seeing our son undergo a unique transformation, he is becoming a man. We are sure that this is a dream that many parents have for their children, and the VIHL can help make this dream into a reality.
Mackay Family
This PPE (Politics Philosophy Economics) course was an exciting find that was perfect for our college-bound son. He had been STEM-focused throughout his senior high school years and wanted to make sure his liberal arts education was up to snuff for the highly selective college he had chosen to attend. Ivan's rigorous University-level curriculum is a rare gem, covering topics that are neglected in today's educational landscape. Our son (Applied Sciences major) joined classes via Zoom and experienced the joy of discovering Greek and Roman classics and various 20th-century philosophers and literary critics, all of which challenged his mathematical and scientific thinking habits. He learned to read closely, think even more critically, and discuss important concepts respectfully with his classmates.He also received detailed feedback on his weekly essay submissions which raised his persuasive writing skills to upper-year college level. This course filled a gap in his otherwise strong education and he feels very prepared -- and excited! -- for his life as an undergraduate. He has a whole new lens through which to appreciate an individual’s life and ethical contribution to society. It’s been truly transformative for him at a crucial time in his growth. Bonus: He's made great friendships through this unique experience shared with a small group of inquisitive and talented peers. Ivan has been an excellent mentor to him!
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Students Testimonials
Max Plank Institute
“Everyday of class enriches my perspective, reminds me of the necessity of maintaining myself, and helps me navigate an ever-changing world.”
*Junchao (Max Planck Institute, Munich; Biochemistry)
Barnard College
“Attending the PPE program was an opportunity for me to navigare the events of the 21st century within the context of historical thinkers. Through this program I was able to identify my personal beliefs, something essential for any young adult.”
* Khayali (Columbia University)
University of B.C.
“This is the warmest intellectual home I’ve ever had in my life. Here, not only did I come to realize who I am and how I want to fit into society, but I equipped myself with a toolkit to unpack the beauty and complexity of the world.”
* Emma (University of British Columbia)
Harvard College
"A gem mine of curated lessons that integrate many ways of thinking. The lessons were reinforced through an opportunity to revise drafts multiple times and receive extensive, deliberate, and concise feedback. The program has set me on a path of societal, cultural and political understanding that will help me to realize my scientific goals in a phronetic way."
* Hugo (Harvard College)
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Parents Testimonials
Hakim Family
Over the past two years at the VIHL, we have witnessed our son mature and grow in self confidence. The weekly lectures and workshops are of extremely high quality. Every week, our son had the fortune of enriching his mind and gaining valuable knowledge. Our son has developed excellent note-taking and listening skills.
Nouri Family
Our family migrated to Canada with the hope that our children will make the best possible future for themselves. As I am sure is true of many families who are new to Canada, witnessing your children go through the final year of secondary school can be overwhelming and stressful. For parents who feel this type of stress, I strongly encourage you to consider the VIHL.
Xu Family
The Vancouver Institute for Higher Learning belongs to the strongest, it is small in scale and exquisite by design. The lecturers always present the world we are living in to the students in an intensive way in order to enlighten them to critically think about global patterns and our human civilization. I believe that the students who come out of the VIHL are much more well rounded and see much more clearly.
Mackay Family
This PPE (Politics Philosophy Economics) course was an exciting find that was perfect for our college-bound son. He had been STEM-focused throughout his senior high school years and wanted to make sure his liberal arts education was up to snuff for the highly selective college he had chosen to attend. Ivan's rigorous University-level curriculum is a rare gem, covering topics that are neglected in today's educational landscape.
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Guaduation
West Coast
University of British Columbia
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UBC Sauder School of Business
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UBC Pharmaceutical Sciences
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UBC Integrated Engineering
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UBC Biomedical Engineering
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UBC General Arts
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UBC Arts One Program
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UBC Visual & Fine Arts
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UBC General Science
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UBC Department of Psychology
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UBC Department of Economics
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UBC International Economics
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UBC Computer Science
University of British Columbia
(Okanagan Campus)
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Management Program
University of Victoria
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General Sciences
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General Arts
Simon Fraser University
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Beedie School of Business
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Department of Economics
East Coast
University of Toronto
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Rotman Commerce
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Computer Science
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General Arts & Science
Western University
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Ivy Business School
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Philosophy, Politics, Economics
Queen's University
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Queen's Engineering
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Philosophy, Politics and Economics
Ryerson University
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Bachelor of Commerce (Honours)
York University
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Schulich School of Business
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Commerce - Management
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York Engineering
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Faculty of Liberal Arts:
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Business & Society Program
University of Waterloo
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General Sciences
United Kingdom
King's College London
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Economics & Management
The University of Edinburgh
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Mathematics Department
American
Harvard College
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Math & Physics Concentrator
Barnard College, Columbia University
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Human Rights and Economics
University of California, Los Angles
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Microbiology
Carnegie Mellon University
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School of Business
Boston University
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School of Business
Northeastern University, Boston
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Honours Program: D'Amore-McKim School of Business
