word travels issue 03 - april 2016
DESCRIPTION
The official newsletter of the English Language School, University of AlbertaTRANSCRIPT
W o r d T r a v E L S |
April 2016 ELS Newsletter, Issue 03
W o r d T r a v E L S | 2
English Language School
Executive Director’s Message
April 2016 3
4-5
6
7
7
10
11
Contents
ELS Photo Contest:
The winner and
honourable mentions
Student Achievements:
Wildemar Pereira
Caravalo
APPEMI:
An award-winning
program
Meiji Pharmaceutical
University: Looking
back at MPU’s visit
ELS Student Corner:
Physical fitness with
Kader Lougue
APPEMI:
Registration for the
Summer Symposium
Final Words:
Upcoming events,
Top Ten column, and
more
8-9
@ualbertaels on
Instagram: a photo
montage of ELS
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
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.
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
their successes and excellence in academics, sports, and
community involvement. I hope you will recognize their
ambition and share in their joy.
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,
Mimi Hui
Executive Director
English Language School
W o r d T r a v E L S | 3
ELS Photo Contest
Thank you to all the students who entered the ELS Photo
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.
We are always looking for student submissions, so
please feel free to send any photography, artwork, writ-
ing, or other creative entry for upcoming issues of Word
TravELS!
W o r d T r a v E L S | 4
ELS Student Achievements
Beyond Borders
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
everyday life, Wildemar had no previous English language
training and therefore accompanied his IDP classes with
supplemental Writing Basics for Science Without Borders
and English for Science courses. “I needed writing classes
a lot, especially in the science field. Though science can
be a universal language, there are many different ways to
say the same phenomenon in science,” Wildemar says.
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
says, “because then you have to push yourself and
improve your English.”
Wildemar’s language skills developed very quickly. He
was greeted with a cold Edmontonian winter. “I still
remember the winter,” Wildemar laughs. “It really said,
‘Welcome to Canada!’ But it was really nice.” Wildemar
travelled back to Brazil before returning to Edmonton. “I
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.
A major factor in helping Wildemar succeed were the
teachers, he says, “They were amazing, and really patient.
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.
By Tracey Hilden, Social Media Coordinator, ELS
W o r d T r a v E L S | 5
They were very helpful and tried to push us to speak
English even outside of the class.” Wildemar wants to
return the favour, and aims to become a professor after
possibly pursuing a post-doctorate degree after he
finishes his PhD studies.
Now a student under the Chemistry Department’s Dr.
Michael Serpe, Wildemar continues to study, research,
and teach. “Wildemar is exactly what you would like in a
student: he is extremely engaging and just a nice person
to be around. He is excellent at communication, which is
important in my group as I have people from all over the
world and it is hard to connect with everyone. Wildemar
has found a way to connect with everyone in a
meaningful way,” Dr. Serpe says. “Wildemar's research
skill is also excellent. He started in my lab developing
polymer-based materials for water remediation and is
Wildemar Pereira Caravalo is currently taking his PhD in Chemistry at the University of Alberta.
now developing new polymer-based devices for
detecting various harmful species in water (to detect
water contamination) and in biological fluids (for disease
diagnostics). He is extremely hard working, and has
accomplished a lot in the lab over the past two years.”
Wildemar remembers his initial feeling when starting his
studies. “At the beginning, you’re scared to speak English
– you get shy and worry the other person won’t
understand you.” To prospective ELS students, though, he
says, “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.
Don’t let your fears ruin your future; just face it and if any
problems appear, there is always another pathway.”
W o r d T r a v E L S | 6
K ader Lougue, from Agboville, Côte d'Ivoire , hasn’t
stopped since he came to Edmonton. Kader has
played soccer with the French Ivory Coast soccer team in
a competition at Faculté Saint-Jean, participated during a
winter competition at the University of Alberta, played
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 Can-
ada, 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.
In Côte d'Ivoire , Kader played defense, then moved up to
play mid-field in Canada, playing with the Lister team
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 or-
ganized 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 also pointed out the skills learned during the game
which extend beyond technical skills . Kader says that the
games help players to “work with others and trust oth-
ers,” which is the same as the academic setting at the
University of Alberta. Kader’s ELS teacher notes that,
“Kader is a natural leader. He is cooperative with class-
mates, and tries hard to motivate and encourage others.”
While aiming to pursue an undergraduate degree in Pe-
troleum Engineering at the University of Alberta, Kader
hopes to take Physics/Chemistry preparation ACE courses
organized by the English Language School prior to start-
ing his first year. “Prioritizing my studies and playing soc-
cer is very important to me. I try to review all my assign-
ments 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-
plete my work, but I make it a priority to try to schedule
in time for soccer when permitted.”
Kader balances his studies with the sport, pointing out
some of the reasons why he plays soccer. “Being physical-
ly 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
form of physical activity, because as a student you can
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.”
ELS Student Corner
Soccer and Studies
By James-Dean Sauter, Program Coordinator Sponsored
Students, ELS, and Tracey Hilden, Social Media
Coordinator, ELS
W o r d T r a v E L S | 7
Meiji Pharmaceutical University at
ELS
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
stay was packed full of activities, including a visit to West
Edmonton Mall, the Art Gallery of Alberta, and even to
Jasper and the Canadian Rockies. As pharmacy students
in Japan, our guests also had the opportunity to partici-
pate in a blood pressure clinic at the University of Alberta.
APPEMI
CAUCE Award for Program
Excellence: APPEMI
T he Canadian Association of University Continuing
Education (CAUCE) is a national professional associ-
ation designed to support the success of its members,
whose careers are dedicated to serving adult learners in
diverse communities throughout Canada. One way in
which the association accomplishes its mission is to rec-
ognize outstanding contributions to the field of university
continuing education.
ELS is pleased to announce that CAUCE has honored the
Advanced Professional Program in English-medium In-
struction (APPEMI) with a 2016 program award. A com-
mittee comprised of national continuing education ex-
perts evaluated APPEMI on the basis of its innovative ap-
proaches; 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 con-
tributed to APPEMI’s success: past and present adminis-
trators, instructors, and program staff,” says APPEMI Aca-
demic 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 Execu-
tive 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.
W o r d T r a v E L S | 8
@ualbertaels on
W o r d T r a v E L S | 9
@ualbertaels on
W o r d T r a v E L S | 10
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?
Session 3: The intercultural dimension of EMI
Welcome Banquet
Wednesday, July 27
Session 4: Pronunciation workshop
Session 5: Participant presentations
Thursday, July 28
Session 6: Flipping your classroom
Session 7: Using BOPPPS to plan your lesson in English
Friday, July 29
Session 8: Next steps in your EMI journey: Making chang-
es in your teaching practice
Farewell: Closing celebration
Edmonton is the vibrant capital of the Province of Alberta
with about 1.2 million residents. In 2015, National Geo-
graphic Magazine named Edmonton as one of the best
summer destinations in the world. The city also hosts
world-class sporting events, concerts, and cultural festi-
vals throughout the year.
Register
Accommodation
APPEMI Summer Symposium participants are most wel-
come to stay at the University of Alberta's campus resi-
dence. For information regarding campus accommoda-
tion, please visit: www.asinfo.ualberta.ca/en/
ConferenceServices.
Additionally, there are many hotels near the University
campus.
Symposium Fee - $1,680 CAD (includes 5% Goods & Ser-
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 | 11
ELS Staff Q & A
W 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.
Upcoming Events
Final Words
facebook.com/UAlbertaELS/
H ave something to share? Please con-
tact Tracey Hilden at ESQ Room 1-004
or hilden@ualberta ca. We are always look-
ing for contributions, whether you have a
piece of writing, artwork, poetry, or photog-
raphy. Contact us!
S tay connected! Follow the English Lan-
guage School on social media. You can
find us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram
using the handle ualbertaels. It’s a great way
to stay up-to-date with ELS.
May 2: Placement Test
March 5: First day of EAP and IDP classes
May 11, 12: First day of part-time classes
May 23: Victoria Day
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
June 23-July 5: The Works Art & Design Festival
June 23: Last day of EAP classes
June 23, 27: Last day of part-time classes
twitter.com/UAlbertaELS
instagram.com/ualbertaels/
Q: What is your favourite place that you have visited?
A: Taiwan. I loved the night markets!
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 pho-
tography.
Q: What was your favourite subject in school?
A: Design Studies
Q: What is your favourite pastime?
A: Going on hikes and taking photos
Q: If you could go back to any historical time, when would
it be?
A: A time when dinosaurs roamed the Earth
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 pub-
lished a first draft of a new Institu-
tional Strategic Plan (ISP). This is a very
important document that defines the uni-
versity's vision, mission, values, goals, and
role in society: https://uofa.ualberta.ca/
strategic-plan
The development process was long and
arduous as thousands of UAlberta stake-
holders were invited to share ideas. Un-
fortunately, not all ideas were good ones.
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:
10) Less filling; Tastes great!
9) Kill coke.
8) Two words: Da Bears!
7) More than 10 billion served.
6) Peace out, Rabbit.
5) Ice! Dead ahead!
4) We are just like anyone else ... we put
our board shorts on one leg at a time.
3) Let them have their Tar-Tar Sauce.
2) LET'S go OIL-ers
1) Make America Great Again!
*Answer: Clement Yau is this issue’s Q&A
staff member.
Top Ten...