Word TravELS Issue 03 - April 2016

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

April 2016 ELS Newsletter, Issue 03

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English Language School

Executive Director’s Message

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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

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@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

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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!

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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

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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.”

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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

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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.

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@ualbertaels on

Instagram

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@ualbertaels on

Instagram

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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.

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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...