Word TravELS Issue 03 - April 2016

ELS Newsletter, Issue 03

April 2016

Word TravELS |

Contents

English Language School Executive Director’s Message

ELS Photo Contest: The winner and honourable mentions

April 2016

Dear readers: The old expression tells us that “A picture is worth a thousand words”, so I would like to welcome you to this issue of Word

3 Student Achievements: Wildemar Pereira Caravalo

4-5 ELS Student Corner: Physical fitness with Kader Lougue

TravELS with a few words that come to mind when I look at the pictures submitted to our recent English Language School photo contest: success; ambition; excellence; joy.

6

I am sure you will agree that these powerful sentiments resonate through this latest issue of our newsletter from cover to cover.

I invite you to read and learn about your fellow students and ELS team members and join me in congratulating them on

Meiji Pharmaceutical University: Looking back at MPU’s visit

7

their successes and excellence in academics, sports, and

APPEMI: An award-winning program

community involvement. I hope you will recognize their ambition and share in their joy.

7

We are so very proud of all of our students and staff at ELS. We hope that you will be inspired to tell your story, too.

Wishing you a very happy and healthy springtime!

Sincerely,

@ualbertaels on Instagram: a photo montage of ELS

8-9 APPEMI: Registration for the Summer Symposium

10

Mimi Hui Executive Director English Language School

Final Words: Upcoming events, Top Ten column, and more

11 Word TravELS | 2

ELS Photo Contest

We are always looking for student submissions, so please feel free to send any photography, artwork, writing, or other creative entry for upcoming issues of Word

Thank you to all the students who entered the ELS Photo

TravELS!

Contest! It was difficult choosing the winner, as all of the entries were colourful and eye-catching. Our panel of judges chose EAP student Noriko Matsunaka’s photo of the Edmonton Ice Castle in Hawrelak Park. Please also enjoy a sample of the entries that we had to the contest.

Word TravELS | 3

ELS Student Achievements Beyond Borders

By Tracey Hilden, Social Media Coordinator, ELS

W

ildemar Pereira Carvalo didn’t initially have his sights set on a PhD program when he first came

to the University of Alberta in 2013 from Brazil. Rather, he intended to further his undergraduate education in Portugal in his native tongue of Portuguese. However, changes in his Science Without Borders scholarship required that he choose an English-speaking university.

With a passion for Analytical Chemistry, Wildemar discovered the English Language School after researching different educational programs and chose to come to the English Language School based on Canadians’ lifestyles and openness to other people and cultures.

Faced with his biggest challenge of language barrier in

Don’t be scared. You feel like you have a goal and you love what you’re doing and you want to grow – just do it! Life is up and down, and just keep going. Take all the negative thoughts away, and keep the good things.

everyday life, Wildemar had no previous English language training and therefore accompanied his IDP classes with supplemental Writing Basics for Science Without Borders

Wildemar’s language skills developed very quickly. He

and English for Science courses. “I needed writing classes

was greeted with a cold Edmontonian winter. “I still

a lot, especially in the science field. Though science can

remember the winter,” Wildemar laughs. “It really said,

be a universal language, there are many different ways to

‘Welcome to Canada!’ But it was really nice.” Wildemar

say the same phenomenon in science,” Wildemar says.

travelled back to Brazil before returning to Edmonton. “I

Wildemar pointed out that while studying with ELS, the one thing he enjoyed most was “making friends from different cultures; learning about different cultures and the Canadian culture was amazing. We live in one world, and yet places can be so different.” His experience of Canadian culture extended beyond the classroom environment, where the class took trips to the Legislature Building, to getting around Edmonton and even Alberta.

“Being away from fellow Brazilians was good,” Wildemar

never had any contact in English. I learned English in 8 months, and wow, it was a huge improvement! When I went back to Brazil, I talked about the English Language School, and I encouraged everyone to come if they really want to learn English. The city is an amazing place to go to, and Edmontonians are very receptive. That’s why I chose to come back.” Wildemar was offered a scholarship from the University of Alberta’s Faculty of Science to further his education in a PhD program.

says, “because then you have to push yourself and

A major factor in helping Wildemar succeed were the

improve your English.”

teachers, he says, “They were amazing, and really patient.

Word TravELS | 4

Wildemar Pereira Caravalo is currently taking his PhD in Chemistry at the University of Alberta.

They were very helpful and tried to push us to speak

now developing new polymer-based devices for

English even outside of the class.” Wildemar wants to

detecting various harmful species in water (to detect

return the favour, and aims to become a professor after

water contamination) and in biological fluids (for disease

possibly pursuing a post-doctorate degree after he

diagnostics). He is extremely hard working, and has

finishes his PhD studies.

accomplished a lot in the lab over the past two years.”

Now a student under the Chemistry Department’s Dr.

Wildemar remembers his initial feeling when starting his

Michael Serpe, Wildemar continues to study, research,

studies. “At the beginning, you’re scared to speak English

and teach. “Wildemar is exactly what you would like in a

– you get shy and worry the other person won’t

student: he is extremely engaging and just a nice person

understand you.” To prospective ELS students, though, he

to be around. He is excellent at communication, which is

says, “Don’t be scared. You feel like you have a goal and

important in my group as I have people from all over the

you love what you’re doing and you want to grow – just

world and it is hard to connect with everyone. Wildemar

do it! Life is up and down, and just keep going. Take all

has found a way to connect with everyone in a

the negative thoughts away, and keep the good things.

meaningful way,” Dr. Serpe says. “Wildemar's research

Don’t let your fears ruin your future; just face it and if any

skill is also excellent. He started in my lab developing

problems appear, there is always another pathway.”

polymer-based materials for water remediation and is

Word TravELS | 5

ELS Student Corner Soccer and Studies

By James-Dean Sauter, Program Coordinator Sponsored Students, ELS, and Tracey Hilden, Social Media Coordinator, ELS

K

ader Lougue, from Agboville, Côte d'Ivoire , hasn’t

games help players to “work with others and trust oth-

stopped since he came to Edmonton. Kader has

ers,” which is the same as the academic setting at the

played soccer with the French Ivory Coast soccer team in

University of Alberta. Kader’s ELS teacher notes that,

a competition at Faculté Saint-Jean, participated during a

“Kader is a natural leader. He is cooperative with class-

winter competition at the University of Alberta, played

mates, and tries hard to motivate and encourage others.”

with a team in the Edmonton Soccer League (and even won the league’s indoor division two), playing with Lister field, and even joined the Saudi Arabian soccer team at the international competition at UAlberta. Soccer is much more prevalent in the French Ivory Coast than it is in Canada, Kader points out. “You can see soccer being played in school fields, in the streets - almost anywhere where people gather socially you will find soccer being played,” Kader says.

While aiming to pursue an undergraduate degree in Petroleum Engineering at the University of Alberta, Kader hopes to take Physics/Chemistry preparation ACE courses organized by the English Language School prior to starting his first year. “Prioritizing my studies and playing soccer is very important to me. I try to review all my assignments or coursework for the evening to determine my schedule for studying. I always make studying my first priority, and ensure I leave myself enough time to com-

In Côte d'Ivoire , Kader played defense, then moved up to

plete my work, but I make it a priority to try to schedule

play mid-field in Canada, playing with the Lister team

in time for soccer when permitted.”

every weekend, a team suited for all skill levels. Kader encourages those students who want to just have fun and meet other students, to come to the drop in games organized every weekend at Lister field. “Some players who come are really good, and some people play just for fun.

It’s important to encourage everyone who comes, and we’re always happy to see others.”

Kader balances his studies with the sport, pointing out some of the reasons why he plays soccer. “Being physically healthy is very important to one’s overall well-being. If you do not take care of yourself physically, you cannot be prepared mentally to study and absorb and understand new ideas. Health is only one of many reasons for why I play. I would encourage all students’ to engage in some

Kader also pointed out the skills learned during the game

form of physical activity, because as a student you can

which extend beyond technical skills . Kader says that the

get stressed, or even depressed over performing well in your studies. Exercise allows one to relax, and you need to be relaxed to study.,” Kader says.

Kader predicts soccer will continue to play a role in his life, even after he completes his field of study. “I imagine myself continuing to play soccer even when I enter the work force, and I imagine sharing this passion with my children as well.”

Word TravELS | 6

APPEMI Meiji Pharmaceutical University at

CAUCE Award for Program

ELS

Excellence: APPEMI

T

T

he English Language School had the pleasure of hosting Meiji Pharmaceutical University this past

semester, from March 6 to March 26. Their three week

he Canadian Association of University Continuing Education (CAUCE) is a national professional associ-

ation designed to support the success of its members,

stay was packed full of activities, including a visit to West

whose careers are dedicated to serving adult learners in

Edmonton Mall, the Art Gallery of Alberta, and even to

diverse communities throughout Canada. One way in

Jasper and the Canadian Rockies. As pharmacy students

which the association accomplishes its mission is to rec-

in Japan, our guests also had the opportunity to partici-

ognize outstanding contributions to the field of university

pate in a blood pressure clinic at the University of Alberta.

continuing education.

ELS is pleased to announce that CAUCE has honored the Advanced Professional Program in English-medium Instruction (APPEMI) with a 2016 program award. A committee comprised of national continuing education experts evaluated APPEMI on the basis of its innovative approaches; its successful response to complexities; its value and service to stakeholders; and its enhancement of the profile of continuing education within the University of Alberta and the community.

“This award is shared by so many people who have contributed to APPEMI’s success: past and present administrators, instructors, and program staff,” says APPEMI Academic Team Lead Dr. Pamela Young. “It’s a thrill to have their work recognized by a national association.”

Faculty of Extension Dean Dr. Katy Campbell, ELS Executive Director Mimi Hui, and Dr. Young will travel to the CAUCE annual conference at the University of Waterloo to receive the award on June 1, 2016.

Word TravELS | 7

@ualber Instag

Word TravELS | 8

rtaels on gram

Word TravELS | 9

The English Language School at the University of Alberta invites you to join our first APPEMI Summer Symposium from July 25-29, 2016.

ELS invites you to join colleagues from around the world as you experience some of APPEMI's most popular modules. In this 5-day symposium, you will build the confidence and skills you need to teach your courses in English and to meet the expectations of today's learners. You can read more about the APPEMI Summer Symposium here.

2016 Schedule Monday, July 25 Welcome: Dean’s remarks, keynote address Session 1: Finding common grounds – networking with participants and faculty members Tuesday, July 26 Session 2: Is there a “best” teaching approach for EMI? Edmonton is the vibrant capital of the Province of Alberta with about 1.2 million residents. In 2015, National Geographic Magazine named Edmonton as one of the best summer destinations in the world. The city also hosts

Session 3: The intercultural dimension of EMI Welcome Banquet Wednesday, July 27

world-class sporting events, concerts, and cultural festi-

Session 4: Pronunciation workshop

vals throughout the year.

Session 5: Participant presentations

Register

Thursday, July 28 Session 6: Flipping your classroom Session 7: Using BOPPPS to plan your lesson in English

Accommodation APPEMI Summer Symposium participants are most welcome to stay at the University of Alberta's campus resi-

Friday, July 29 Session 8: Next steps in your EMI journey: Making changes in your teaching practice

dence. For information regarding campus accommoda-

Farewell: Closing celebration

tion, please visit: www.asinfo.ualberta.ca/en/

Symposium Fee - $1,680 CAD (includes 5% Goods & Ser-

ConferenceServices.

Additionally, there are many hotels near the University campus.

vices Tax) per participant.

The Symposium Fee does not cover airfare, ground transportation, housing, medical insurance, travel insurance, personal spending, etc. Symposium participants are responsible for arranging their own travel plans, housing, travel and medical insurance.

W o r d T r a v E L S | 10

Final Words ELS Staff Q & A

Upcoming Events

W

May 2: Placement Test

e interviewed one English Language School staff member. Based on their responses, who do you

think this is? *The answer is at the bottom of this page.

Q: What is your favourite place that you have visited?

A: Taiwan. I loved the night markets!

March 5: First day of EAP and IDP classes May 11, 12: First day of part-time classes May 23: Victoria Day

Q: What is your favourite food?

A: Three-way tie between Japanese, Korean, and Chinese cuisine.

Q: What is the last book that you read?

A: I don’t remember the title, but it was a book about photography.

Q: What was your favourite subject in school?

A: Design Studies

May 31-June 4: International Children’s Festival June 3– 12: Edmonton Pride Festival June 17-16: Edmonton International Jazz Festival June 21-July 17: Freewill Shakespeare Festival June 22: Last day of IDP classes

Q: What is your favourite pastime?

A: Going on hikes and taking photos

June 23-July 5: The Works Art & Design Festival

Q: If you could go back to any historical time, when would it be?

A: A time when dinosaurs roamed the Earth

June 23: Last day of EAP classes June 23, 27: Last day of part-time classes

Q: If you were a superhero, what power would you have?

A: The ability to manipulate time Q: Tea or coffee?

A: Tea while relaxing, coffee when I need to stay awake.

T

he University of Alberta recently published a first draft of a new Institu-

tional Strategic Plan (ISP). This is a very important document that defines the university's vision, mission, values, goals, and role in society: https://uofa.ualberta.ca/ strategic-plan

Top Ten...

10) Less filling; Tastes great!

9) Kill coke.

8) Two words: Da Bears!

7) More than 10 billion served.

6) Peace out, Rabbit.

H

ave something to share? Please contact Tracey Hilden at ESQ Room 1-004

or hilden@ualberta ca. We are always looking for contributions, whether you have a piece of writing, artwork, poetry, or photography. Contact us!

S

tay connected! Follow the English Language School on social media. You can

The development process was long and

5) Ice! Dead ahead!

arduous as thousands of UAlberta stake-

4) We are just like anyone else ... we put

find us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram

holders were invited to share ideas. Un-

our board shorts on one leg at a time.

using the handle ualbertaels. It’s a great way

fortunately, not all ideas were good ones.

3) Let them have their Tar-Tar Sauce.

We have collected here a list of the top 10 worst suggestions for a new institutional vision statement. Of course, all 10 were politely rejected:

2) LET'S go OIL-ers 1) Make America Great Again! *Answer: Clement Yau is this issue’s Q&A staff member.

to stay up-to-date with ELS. facebook.com/UAlbertaELS/ twitter.com/UAlbertaELS

W o r d T r a v E L S | 11

instagram.com/ualbertaels/