Word TravELS Issue 04 - June 2016

June 2016

ELS Newsletter, Issue 04

ELS student Mwinja Habamungu Josue from Congo enjoying Alberta’s Badlands

Professors from Shanghai completed their APPEMI studies at the English Language School, Faculty of Extension.

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Contents

English Language School Executive Director’s Message

Language and Cultural Seminar: Welcoming our international cohorts

June 2016

Dear readers: When I look out my kitchen window and notice beautiful flowers blooming in my garden, I know that summer has

3 ELS Student Corner: EAP 550 student Hamed Khojh

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finally arrived. Other sure signs of summer in Edmonton

ELS Student Success: Celebrating Mother’s Day with Rehab Alhaj Suliman

include long, bright days, short pants, and the start up of many wonderful summer festivals and activities.

I am happy to see that many of you are already enjoying

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the pleasant weather and exciting opportunities summer brings. For example, along with out regular features on ELS student achievements and profiles, in this issue we are pleased to provide words and images that recount last month’s trip to Drumheller.

At the English Language School, summer is also a time

ELS Student Success: Celebrating Father’s Day with Jorge Daniel Grock

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when we welcome Language and Culture groups from all

ELS Events: Fort McMurray Fundraiser and CSA Workshop

over Japan, Mexico, Colombia, and many other countries.

As you will see in this issue of Word TravELS, these students have already begun to join us, and we are so very excited to include them in our classes and introduce them to life in

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Canada during the summer months.

Finally, for many of our students at the English Language School, summer is also a time to relax, visit friends and family, and prepare for the coming academic year. For those who are planning to travel home, we wish you safe travels and will see you soon.

@ualbertaels on Instagram: a photo montage of ELS

8-9 Drumheller: Reflections on ELS’ trip to Drumheller

Sincerely,

10 Mimi Hui Executive Director,

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

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ELS By The Numbers Language and Cultural Seminar

D

uring the summer months, the English Language School welcomes student groups from around the

world. While we prepare for over twenty more groups to arrive in Edmonton, we are pleased to welcome a cohort from Universidad Central in Bogota, Colombia. The group arrived on June 6 and will stay for 7 weeks.

English Language and Cultural Seminar (ELCS) students participate in English classes as well as lectures or faculty activities in their own subject area. In addition to studying English in a university setting, students participate in various cultural activities, such as visiting the Canadian Rockies, Fort Edmonton Park (as seen below), and the Alberta Legislature.

Welcome to our Colombian cohort, and we’re looking forward to seeing the rest of the cohorts from Japan, El Salvador, and Mexico here in Edmonton soon.

ELS’ cohort from Colombia goes back in time at Fort Edmonton Park, visiting a classroom from 1905.

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ELS Student Corner English for Community Engagement

studies in my field through the UAlberta libraries. Also,

By Hamed Khojh

also gives me the chance to learn about the customs and

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while learning English increases my career potential, it traditions of the nations which speak English, and in particular, the North American society.

ne of the most important languages around the world is the English language. For me, learning

English at the University of Alberta was a life-changing decision, and it has opened my eyes to a new world.

Increasing my knowledge is my priority, and I started this journey by learning English. Though I am only beginning to better my English language skills, I have already noticed improvements: I used to have difficulty with presenting in English, and now when I look back, I can see that I learned a lot of new skills and developed my ability to present any subject in an academic way, which is not something you can learn from a book. When you are thinking about getting a job in your field, you need the skills for that position, and one of these skills is the ability to communicate. This is what learning English does: it puts you on the correct path by increasing the number of people you can communicate with.

Personally, the English language introduced me to one of the most significant experiences in my life. Many Syrian refugees recently arrived in Canada, and I had the chance to be part of this great community helping these people.

I volunteered to teach some refugees basic computer skills, and I know that helping them to learn English is necessary because their future in Canada depends on how quickly they learn the language. I had the chance to tell them about my experience here and how, though it can be hard at first, it will get easier. There will be moments in the person’s life when they look back and think about the most exciting and useful experiences in their life. For me, my first day at the University of Alberta is one of these moments I will never forget – how much I learned here not only about different sciences, but also about life, friendship, and humanity.

I took the first step in my career by developing my English, as I already had a part-time job in writing for an online newspaper, translating global news from English to Arabic. This job taught me a lot about different kinds of writing styles and how it changes according to the reader.

By learning English, I have the chance to learn what is important for both the Western and Middle Eastern reader. This skill helped me when I wrote about the recent fire in Fort McMurray. I was asked to translate the news into the Arabic language, and therefore I had to choose the most interesting and important information for the Arabic reader from the large volume of news about the fire.

Moreover, I am now preparing myself to pursue a Master’s degree in management by taking the EAP 550 (Preparation for Graduate Studies) course. I am truly surprised by the amount of data I can access through the university library – there are literally thousands of books, online articles, and more. I can search and find any article about new technologies and keep track of the latest

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Hamed Khojh is an EAP 550 student from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. He is aiming to further his education in a Master’s program at the University of Alberta.

ELS Student Achievements Mother’s Day as an ELS Student

finish around 2 or 3 am. EAP 550 is very challenging,” Re-

By Tracey Hilden, Social Media Coordinator, ELS

couragement. He always encouraged me to continue with

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hab says. “But my husband was my biggest source of enwhat I had started.” Rehab emphasizes how she wouldn’t have been able to balance her tasks had it not been for

or the past 8 years, Rehab Alhaj-Suliman had her hopes set on studying in Canada. Originally from

Miscurata, Libya, Rehab completed her undergraduate degree in Libya in Medicine and Surgery, and received a scholarship in 2008 to study abroad as one of the top ten students in her field of study. While many Libyan students who receive this scholarship often choose to study in the UK or Germany, Rehab put her scholarship on hold until she was able to study in Canada. “It was a dream to come to Canada,” Rehab says. “Here there is freedom, a good quality of life, and of course, Niagara Falls!”

Mother’s Day is celebrated in Libya on March 21 with similar traditions to Mother’s Day here in Canada, which we celebrated on May 8. “There are children’s parties where they dress up in costumes in Libya,” Rehab explains. “This year Sanaz celebrated Mother’s Day at school here and made crafts and small gifts.”

her husband’s support.

When Rehab initially came to Canada, she had to delay her English studies due to her son’s health. Faced with the challenge of not having family support, Rehab undertook her studies again when her son was well enough to go to daycare. Rehab’s instructor Yvonne Breckenridge commented, “Rehab is a hardworking student that manages to keep on top of her studies as well as care for her family. As a working mother, I appreciate how difficult it is to find a work life balance. Even when her son was ill she came to class, with her assignments completed so she could quickly get feedback and return to her family.”

Rehab’s children play a significant role in her decision to pursue her academic studies. Her son fell ill often, and this presented a challenge as he has to be in daycare where infections are common. As a re-

Rehab just completed Preparation for Graduate Studies

sult, they have

(EAP 550) and plans to pursue a graduate degree in Med-

worked with various

ical Science at the University of Alberta. Rehab’s husband

physicians, allergy

Mustafa works in Edmonton as a physician, and they have

specialists, and res-

two children: Sanad, 5, and Jad, 2. Rehab faced many dif-

piratory specialists,

ficulties in balancing her duties as both a mother and a

to try to try to alle-

student. “I could only study at night, after the kids were

viate his condi-

asleep. I would usually start studying around 10 pm, and

tion. She is optimistic about advancements in this area. During her EAP 550 final project, Rehab researched and presented on how Vitamin D has a substantial impact on the immune system and can yield positive results. This project and research remains very close to her heart. “Rehab's passion and work ethic shone through during class,” Yvonne says.

“It was rewarding to see her improvement throughout the term. She ended the term with a memorable poster presentation that highlighted her confidence and communication skills.” Rehab says with a smile, “It is difficult being a mother while studying, but it is definitely possible!”

Rehab with her husband, Mustafa, and children, Sanad (5) and Jad (2)

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Father’s Day as an ELS Student

Jorge’s decision to pursue his academic studies came

By Tracey Hilden, Social Media Coordinator, ELS

ly. “Being a parent motivates you to try harder, coupled

partly from the desire to provide the best life for his famiwith a natural instinct as a parent to want to be the best

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provider for your family.” Jorge mentions how, as a gradather’s Day in Bolivia is celebrated on March 19 an-

uate student, he has a limited amount of free time. “If

nually. Similar to Canada, this day recognizes the

you take away from family time in one respect, you have

contribution of fathers and is celebrated by giving small

to make it up in another respect. Being a student and

gifts and cake. Jorge Daniel Grock Pereira, from Sucre,

father are both priorities for me, and therefore I cannot

Bolivia, is accustomed to these traditions, and celebrated

sacrifice one entirely for the other. To achieve my goals, it

his first Father’s Day in Canada this year. Jorge’s first lan-

requires that my wife and I are flexible and supportive of

guage is Spanish, but he also studied German and French

one another.”

in Bolivia before coming to the University of Alberta.

Now pursuing his Master’s degree in Land Reclamation and Remediation in the Faculty of ALES, Jorge moved to Edmonton with his wife, Paola, and son, German, in September 2015.

Studying under a scholarship from the Ministry of Education, Jorge took part in a new initiative through the Bolivian government to send 100 graduate students worldwide to the top 100 universities. Jorge came to the University of Alberta as part of the first 100 students. The goal of this program is to send graduate students abroad to receive further education, and then later return back to Bolivia with newly acquired skills for advancement in natural resources.

Jorge and his son, German (6)

Raising children in Canada is different from what Jorge is

Jorge completed his English training with ELS in Decem-

used to in Bolivia. Parents face different challenges, but

ber 2015, taking both Writing for Academic Purposes and

Jorge and his wife have found ways to overcome these

Preparing for Graduate Studies (EAP 550). “Jorge is a con-

obstacles. “It can be difficult being both an international

scientious, hard-working student. He puts his best in the

student and parent, studying away from family, friends

completion of class work and home assignments. His

and our support system. Having family in close proximity

submitted work is always of good quality, which is cer-

adds wealth to the child’s experience and relationships.

tainly proof of the serious commitment he has to his own

We do our best to form support groups with those

learning,” EAP 550 instructor Laura Oliveras says about

around us in Edmonton, as well as remain in contact with

Jorge. “Jorge is a very dedicated student. He was very

family back home. “

involved in my class - asking questions, voicing his opinion and leading discussion groups. His pleasant personality made it easy for everyone to get along well with him,” Writing for Academic Purposes instructor Reggie Stefaniszyn adds.

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Jorge’s English language training extends to his son as well. “Prior to arriving, we felt it was important to expose our son to the English language. We were planning on moving here, so we felt we should help prepare him. At 6

ELS Events years old, he is absorbing English incredibly fast as he is exposed to English television, movies, and books at home.” The Grock family speaks Spanish at home so German retains his native language, but Jorge jokes that, “there is a competition at home between German and Daddy to see who speaks better English.”

Reflecting on raising children while studying, Jorge says,

Karaoke for Fort Mac, May 19, 2016

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hank you to the students and staff who came out to support our Fundraising Karaoke for Fort McMurray event

last month. From this event, we were able to raise $317.95 for the Red Cross fire relief efforts.

“You can’t use your child as an excuse to not do anything:

Aside from our previously selected songs we chose in English,

it’s a motivation, and requires energy and time. You al-

students sang songs in Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, and Spanish.

ways want the best for your child, so you have to find a

It was a festive and merry event, and something we hope to

balance. It’s really a blessing and a beautiful thing. If

duplicate again in the future.

you’re considering pursuing further education, do it now!

Postponing such a decision means you will only be older.

Yes, you will face obstacles, but through perseverance and dedication, you will master these.”

Workshop for CSA

U

Alberta’s Chinese Students' Association (CSA) invited Assistant Professor Dr. Jennifer Foote to give a

workshop. Dr. Foote addressed ways for students to improve their pronunciation, and especially pronunciation practice techniques. The workshop was held in Tory on Main Campus, and 42 people attended.

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@ualber Instag

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rtaels on gram

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Drumheller Trip Horsethief Canyon

By James-Dean Sauter, Program Coordinator Sponsored Students

Canyon bearing a different rancher’s branding mark, and thus the name Horsethief Canyon came about.

Hiking and climbing through the badlands is physically challenging and demanding, but the sense of accom-

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plishment seen on the students’ faces makes it all the n Friday, April 29 2016, approximately 50 students and staff from the English Language School arrived

bright and early at Enterprise Square and set out for the Royal Tyrrell Museum.

Upon arriving at the Museum, we embarked on our tour of the historic and highly interactive world famous dinosaur museum. Students were fascinated and amazed with the all the museum had to offer; it was like no other museum experience they had before. We learned about various dinosaurs and the time periods in which they roamed the earth. We saw plenty of dinosaurs of both mammoth and minuscule portions—those who lived in sea, those who took flight, and even those dinosaurs that lived not far from where we are today!

After this adventure, we took a short lunch break and set out for Horsethief Canyon. Horsethief Canyon is a sightseeing and hiking landmark located just west of Drumheller, and is well-known as the site of over 35 dinosaur fossil discoveries—some dating back to nearly 70 million years ago!

The Canadian badlands boast a unique landscape formed from sea deposits. It was sculpted through centuries of glaciation and erosion, creating a landscape of coulees, hoodoos and river valleys. Horsethief Canyon offers a panoramic view of the badlands, with plenty of hiking, climbing, and sightseeing for the adventurist.

Students were amused to learn the legend of how Horsethief Canyon got its name: Horsethief Canyon used to house thousands of free roaming horses who were owned by individual ranchers. It was reported during this time that many of the roaming horses would leave the

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worthwhile.

Final Words ELS Staff Q & A

Upcoming Events

W

June 21 - July 17: Freewill Shakespeare Festival

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

think this is? *The answer is on the right of this page.

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

June 23 - July 5: The Works Art & Design Festival June 24 - July 3: Edmonton International Jazz Festival

A: The Great Wall of China

July 5: First day of IDP classes

Q: What is your favourite food?

July 7: First day of EAP classes

A: Chicken wings

July 8 - 17: International Street Performers Festival

Q: What is the last book that you read?

July 21 - 30: Taste of Edmonton

A: Create Your Best Work and Live the Life You Imagine Q: What was your favourite subject in school?

A: Drawing, Management Science and Management In-

July 22 - 31: K-Days July 30 - August 1: Heritage Festival

formation System

August 4 - 7: Edmonton Folk Fest

Q: What is your favourite pastime?

August 11 - 21: Edmonton Fringe Festival

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

August 17: ELCS Faculty Social August 19 - 21: Dragon Boat Festival

A: Around 220 CE. It's the very end of Han Dynasty of

August 24: Last day of IDP classes

China where the famous Three kingdoms period started.

August 25: Last day of EAP classes

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

A: The power of Monkey King Q: Tea or coffee?

A: Fusion

Top Ten... ...signs of summer in YEG:

*Answer: Dapeng Li is this issue’s Q&A staff member.

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

10.

Festivals every week

us!

9.

The smell of BBQs and cut grass on every block

8.

Flip-flops thwacking en masse

S

7.

Cold climates are now found indoors

6.

Bug spray is the new Chanel No 5

5.

Brain Freeze epidemic reaches seasonal high

4.

Moisturizer is traded for sunscreen

3.

Every field has a sports event every night

2.

Children braving outdoor pools at all hours

1.

Evening thunderstorms

tay connected! Follow the English Language School on social media. You can find us on Facebook, Twit-

ter, and Instagram using the handle ualbertaels. It’s a great way to stay up-to-date with events and announcements from the English Language School. facebook.com/UAlbertaELS/ twitter.com/UAlbertaELS instagram.com/ualbertaels/

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