Word TravELS Issue 08 - February 2017

ELS Newsletter, Issue 08

February 2017

Word TravELS |

Contents

English Language School Executive Director’s Message

ELCS: Students from Mexico and Uruguay

February 2017 Dear readers: A number of years ago, I was given a very excellent piece of advice. At the time, I did not give it much thought or value because I had heard similar sentiments many times: “do your best”; “be the best you can”; “always try your hardest”. However, as the world and my work grew more complicated and uncertain, I realized how meaningful and profound this advice really is. All you need to remember are five simple words: Always take the high road.

Taking the “high road” usually involves travelling the more difficult path. It means choosing not to be “dragged down” or “pulled into” messy situations, and it means doing what is right, and just, and proper, even when others are not.

Taking the high road will always be more difficult. It takes more strength, more diplomacy, more skill, and more conviction.

At the English Language School (ELS), we value hard work, diversity, and openness, but we also value and encourage the fundamentals of “high road” practice and the underlying ideas of truth, honesty, and morality. I mention all of this now because together we enter a very confusing time in world history, and in this climate of ambiguity and uncertainty, knowing what is “right” and sticking to it is more important than ever before.

I am so very proud to share this latest edition of Word TravELS with you, our first of 2017: The Year of the Rooster.

In it, you will see that recent world events and political decisions have done little to dissuade the intrepid students and staff of ELS. We shall continue to push forward along the high road, stopping only long enough to celebrate those things and people which deserve recognition.

Mimi Hui Executive Director English Language School Word TravELS | 2

3 ELS Welcomes the Year of the Rooster

4

Iqaluit: the Great White North

5 Photo montage of ELS for the January Term

6-7 Student Corner: Meet 3 Syrian Students

8-9

APPEMI Shifting Online

10 “Bear with Me”

by Simon

11 The Last Word: Top Ten & Upcoming Events

12

ELCS (English Language and Cultural Seminar ELS was happy to host two new English Language and Cultural (ELCS) cohorts this winter.

December 5 – 24, 2016:

January 23 – February 3, 2017:

Universidades Tecnológicas y Politécnicas (UTPT)

La Universidad Tecnologica del Uruguay (UTEC) ELS was pleased to welcome this group of university students and professors all the way from Uruguay!

During their twoweek program, the professors spoke at UAlberta’s International Week.

This group of five Mexican students from UTPT came from three different campuses in Southern Mexico. Though they arrived to frigid Alberta temperatures, they did not let that slow them down. They participated in our Student Christmas party, enjoyed an evening choir at the Legislature, toured the CBC Radio studio and spent hours shopping at West Edmonton Mall. We look forward to hosting students for Christmas next year—Féliz Navidad!

Meanwhile, the students tried some classic Canadian winter activities: skiing and ice skating!

All were enchanted by the beautiful snowy weather as they explored the Ice on Whyte festival.

They also spent a weekend sightseeing and adventuring in Jasper. We hope to see the relationship between our institutions blossom into more projects in the future.

Both groups took part in our Homestay program.

The students were adored by their host families and teachers alike. Hasta la proxima, amigos!

Word TravELS | 3

ELS Events ELS Welcomes the Year of the Fire Rooster

H

onouring and celebrating the Chinese Lunar New Year in high style has become a fine tradition at ELS.

To celebrate the January 28 arrival of “The Year of the Rooster�, ELS students, staff, and friends gathered in the Enterprise Square Atrium on Thursday January 26 for a spirited round of events and activities, which included traditional arts, crafts and games.

Of course, the highlight of the festivities was provided by Hong Di Cultural & Athletic Association, who once again amazed and entertained us with their beautiful and entrancing Lion Dance!

Special thanks to the student volunteers and staff for organizing a great event.

Have a happy year!

Word TravELS | 4

ELS Student Centre Activities: Embracing Winter in Canada

Iqaluit, Nunavut

T

ELS Goes North

his January term, the ELS Student Centre has coordinated a range of activities to encourage

our students to get outside. Our adventurous students were undaunted by the cold weather and tried sports such as skating and skiing for the very first time!

Check out their full adventures at the links below:

I

n the middle of January, instructor Anne Merritt and Academic Director Dr. Martin Guardado packed their

warmest clothes and travelled to Iqaluit, representing the University of Alberta in Canada’s northernmost capital.

Though the Territory of Nunavut is only eight years old, the indigenous people of the land, the Inuit, have lived there for centuries. Nowadays, Nunavut is a growing and dynamic part of the country, whose residents include Inuit people, non-indigenous Canadians, and newcomers.

The English Language School is working with the Government of Nunavut to deliver a three-part English Language training program for government employees.

Participants from different backgrounds and languages are studying with the ELS to develop their English speaking and writing skills for the workplace. It is an exciting collaboration for the ELS as we continue to engage and build relationships with communities across Canada. It is also an exciting experience for Anne, a lifelong fan of Inuit art and culture.

There was one snowstorm, a few frozen iPhones, friendly sled dogs, clever ravens, and some beautiful landscapes.

Though Iqaluit is one of the coldest cities in Canada, the

https://youtu.be/9vrlcV7Zij4

people show wonderful warmth and friendliness. The pride that people take in the Inuit culture is visible everywhere, from the art and sculptures in public spaces to the traditional parkas worn on the street. Anne is looking forward to returning to Iqaluit in February to deliver the next phase of the course. She will bring extra socks.

https://youtu.be/zMgBDDSxC90

Word TravELS | 5

Word TravELS | 6

@ualbertaels on Instagram

Word TravELS | 7

Student Corner Heroes in Our Community

By James Dean Sauter

FATHER GLENN MCDONALD Chaplin - St. Joseph’s College, University of Alberta Sponsoring a Syrian family was something Fr. Glenn McDonald, the Chaplin at St. Joseph’s College, had never considered. It was the image of Alan Kurdi, the drowned 3 year-old Syrian boy laying face down in the sand, that prompted the worshipping community at St. Joseph's College to make a difference.

Fr. Glenn mentioned the idea of sponsoring a Syrian family to his congregation, and the willingness of people to help was overwhelming. He was flooded with emails and contributions, raising “$50,000.00 in just one weekend.”

Emboldened, Fr. Glenn and volunteers approached the local community, university, and congregation to request support. Fr. Glenn praises the University of Alberta’s contributions. Medical service, access to facilities through the Student’s Union, and the President’s Award for Refugees and Displaced Persons Fund—an educational scholarship enabling Syrian refugees to study English and begin afresh—were all happily provided by UAlberta.

Other local organizations joined the cause, including the High Level Diner, St. Thomas More Catholic Church, and Edmonton Catholic Social Services. Together they have sponsored 15 Syrian refugees.

Word TravELS caught up with 3 of these remarkable Syrians. Their stories are recounted below.

The volunteers of St. Joseph's College remain an inspiration to these UAlberta students, and they cannot thank them enough for the extraordinary generosity,

Word TravELS | 8

MAJED MARDINI Majed Mardini arrived in Canada on December 15, 2015.

Reflecting on life before the war, Majed describes a happy and peaceful existence: “My life in Syria before the war was wonderful. We were doing just fine. I was working with my family in a business and studying at the University of Aleppo.

I loved playing the piano and was a scout member of the Armenian Catholic Church.”

Majed chose Canada because it was the only country where he could legally apply and that allowed Syrians to be treated as newcomers through mandated immigration programs. He describes landing in Edmonton as a joyous experience: “Fr. Glenn from St. Joseph’s College and the big lovely community of Edmonton have been really supporting me with everything.”

Learning English was an important goal upon his arrival, so Majed took courses at the UAlberta English Language School in both the Intensive Day and English for Academic Purposes Programs. Instructor Sofia Elgueta Duplancic remembers Majed fondly: “Majed has been one of my favourite students ever. He always showed interest in learning not only about language but also about Canadian culture and the cultures of his classmates. He was a natural but quiet leader, and his classmates turned to him for help or guidance.”

For his part, Majed is grateful for his good fortune. “The University of Alberta is known worldwide, and I feel honored to be part of this prestigious institution. I would encourage any newcomer to come to study in Canada at the English Language School if it is possible.”

Majed has now turned to giving back to the community.

Aside from assisting with translation services at St. Joseph’s College, he has volunteered with the Edmonton Mennonite Centre for Newcomers and other organizations to help resettle newly arrived Syrian families.

When asked what he wanted people to know about Syria, Majed replies: ”Syria was a diverse, beautiful and promising country before the war. Syrian people are hard working, generous, and appreciative. I’m sure new refugees are going to do something great for the countries where they are accepted. It is only a matter of time and how much support they receive upon arrival.”

Majed was reunited with his sister in January 2017 in Montreal. “It was just nice to see and hug her again.”

BASSEL SAEYGH Bassel Saeygh arrived on December 23, 2015 from Aleppo, Syria. Bassel began his English studies in the English For Academic Purposes (EAP) Program shortly after his arrival.

Today, he is smiling, confident, and enrolled in the UAlberta School of Business, where the President’s Award for Refugees and Displaced Persons Fund is allowing him to pursue a Master’s degree in Human Resource Management.

who has been living in Edmonton for the past 10 years.

He described the moment he arrived in Toronto and how touched he was to be greeted by the Canadian Border Security and community volunteers: “after four years living in the middle of the war and witnessing all the loss and suffering, I experienced the compassion of Canadians. I was so touched to see Canadians showcase this empathy to Syrians like me, who lost their homes and loved ones as a result of this war.”

Sofia Eglueta Duplancic, his former instructor, recalls their time together “I was lucky enough to have Bassel in my classroom for two terms. His sense of humour and witty jokes lightened the class; he was very well liked by everyone ... I was quite surprised when I found out about some of the shocking experiences he had lived. His positive and cheerful attitude had led me to assume he had been somehow sheltered from the horrors of the war. I admire his resilience and his incredible capacity to make other people laugh.”

Bassel is now busy giving back to the local community.

“I just did a volunteering job in a public school (Dunluce) teaching English to Syrian students in grades 1,2, and 4 and helping the school board communicate with Syrian parents by translating school letters.”

After being separated since 2014, St. Joseph’s College helped reunite Bassel with his remaining family members on December 28, 2016.

”I’m so lucky to have been given this amazing opportunity to further my education. Not everyone has been as fortunate as I have been.”

Before the war started in 2011, Bassel had lived a happy and comfortable life. However, after the war started, everything changed. As a Christian, he described how he lived in perpetual fear, poverty, and spoke of a terrifying attempt to kidnap his father!

“I lived in Aleppo for 3 years without electricity, water, and heating in the winter nights before traveling to Lebanon in November 2014”.

It was there that he was connected with St. Thomas More Church and then St. Joseph’s College by a Syrian friend

Word TravELS | 9

ELS News APPEMI Goes Online

EHAB ZEIDAN Ehab was born in Ezraa, Syria and arrived in Canada on July 27, 2016 at the age of 33. With the help of St. Joseph’s College, he intends to complete a doctorate in Economics.

Ehab completed an impressive education in Damascus, including a Bachelor's, Master’s, and PhD in Banking & Financial Sciences. By 2008 he was working in the Arab Bank Syria as a Relations Manager.

Ehab fled from Syria in 2011 amidst horrific conditions; his home and the bank where he worked were destroyed in the conflict. He travelled alone to the United Emirates & Dubai seeking a safer location for his young family and began applying to come to Canada. He was eventually connected with St. Joseph’s College, and he and his family successfully arrived in Canada this past July.

He is now enrolled in the English for Graduate Studies course, EAP 550, to meet the language requirement for his graduate program. He is also a member of the Rotary Club of Edmonton.

After five long years waiting to come to Canada, Ehab remembers how he was overwhelmed with emotion upon his arrival. “From the moment I landed in Canada I knew that it is my home country now.” He also shared his gratitude for the sponsorship he received through St. Joseph’s College and the openness of the Canadian culture.

“Canadian communities are doing a great job, and they always are seeking ways to help newcomers integrate as fast as possible”

A

s professional development budgets around the world are experiencing a downward trend, the

APPEMI office has received more and more inquiries from international institutions about online learning.

Many professors want to improve their teaching skills but without the expense and time required for face-to-face instruction half way around the world.

Academic Team Lead, Dr. Pamela Young, is responding to this call for increased access to APPEMI courses.

Dr. Young is developing a three-module, online pilot of the recently launched face-to-face course: Intercultural Dimensions of Teaching and Learning.

Participants from previous APPEMI cohorts will be invited to take this course—free of charge—in exchange

When asked if he would recommend others to come to Canada, or the English Language School at the University of Alberta, he did not hesitate:

for providing feedback about their online experience.

“Absolutely. I strongly recommend and encourage Syrians and others who want really to be part of this great society … to come, study, and immigrate to Canada.

by this summer.

I really want to show people here that, as a Syrian and a newcomer to Canada, I will be an effective member of my community and will contribute to building this wonderful country.”

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

APPEMI will use this feedback to develop the remainder of the modules, aiming to have the course fully online This is an exciting new chapter in APPEMI's development, one that will give many more participants the opportunity to experience cutting-edge teaching and learning in English-medium instruction.

WWoor rdd TTrraavv EE LL SS || 11 11

Final Words

Top Ten...

Upcoming Events

Few people know that the 12 “lucky” animals

February 28: Placement Test

represented on the Chinese Zodiac were

March 6:

First Day of Classes

March 11:

Paint Nite 500

March 17:

St. Patrick’s Day

April 14:

Good Friday—No Classes

April 17:

Easter Monday—No Classes

April 24:

Last Day of Classes

April 27:

Returning Registration

carefully selected many generations ago by the Jade Emperor. Of course, hundreds of other animals hoped to be included but were rejected.

Here are the Top 10 animals not selected for the Chinese Zodiac calendar:

10) Sloth (fell asleep during the interview) 9) Wildebeest 8) Squirrel 7) Emu 6) Seagull 5) Wombat 4) Skunk 3) Water Buffalo (!?)

2) Warthog 1) Yak (Come on … Year of the Yak?? ‘Nuff said.)

H

ave a photo or story to share? Want to subscribe to our mailing list?

Please contact Karen: kblum@ualberta.ca and see our past newsletters at: https://issuu.com/ualbertaels Stay connected! Find us here: facebook.com/UAlbertaELS/ twitter.com/UAlbertaELS instagram.com/ualbertaELS/

L S | 12 W o rW d oTrrda vTE rLaSv |E12

Remember: UAlbertaELS!