Happy New Year from everyone
in the English Language Program!
May 2009 turn all your dreams into reality and all
your efforts into great achievements.
|
Letter from the Director
Welcome to winter in Winnipeg! I hope everyone had a peaceful and joyous holiday season. 2008 was an exciting and busy year for the English Language Program. We welcomed many new faces and said goodbye to many old friends. For those students and staff who have moved on, we will miss you and good luck. For everyone else, I know that 2009 is going to be filled with new and amazing experiences. So keep warm and wait for February 2nd when Punxsutawney Phil, the most famous furry forecaster, will come out of hibernation to tell us how long we have to wait for spring (ELP students can ask their instructors if they do not know the legend of Groundhog Day).
Tammy Sigurdur
|
|
Your English Language Program Team
Tammy Sigurdur- Director
t.sigurdur@uwinnipeg.ca (204) 982-1160
Jessica Burleson- Academic Coordinator
j.burleson@uwinnipeg.ca (204) 982-1162
Karin Krueger- Academic Program Assistant
ke.krueger@uwinnipeg.ca (204) 982-1163
Wendy Abendschoen- Business and Marketing Coordinator
w.abendschoen@uwinnipeg.ca (204) 982-1171
Carey Roess- Business Program Assistant
c.roess@uwinnipeg.ca (204) 982-1703
Adriana Glikman- Student Life Coordinator
a.glikman@uwinnipeg.ca (204) 982-6631
Ingrid Willey- Assistant Host Family Coordinator
i.willey@uwinnipeg.ca (204) 982-1702
Julie Sakuta- Socio-Cultural & Language Partner Coordinator
j.sakuta@uwinnipeg.ca (204) 982-1151
Liz Choi- ESL TCP, International Languages & Part-Time EAL Coordinator
a.choi@uwinnipeg.ca (204) 982-1141
Paul Vieira- English for Specific Purposes Coordinator
p.vieira@uwinnipeg.ca (204) 982-6636
Please visit http://www.uwinnipeg.ca/index/elp-information for more information or
e-mail infoelp@uwinnipeg.ca |
|
Full-Time ELP
The Fall 2008 graduation was held on December 12th at Eckhardt-Gramatte Hall at The University of Winnipeg. The valedictorian this term was Xiaoyun Chen, a student from China, better known as Evan to many. Evan studied in the English Language Program for four terms and graduated from Academic 5 this past term. Congratulations Evan! We wish you all the best of luck in your future endeavors. Below is a part of the speech Evan made during graduation:
 |
|
“I would attribute the success of this program to four particular elements. First of all, the fact that all the students were divided in small and very diversified classes really allowed us to get to know each other very well. Since there was an important cultural diversity we have been able to improve our speaking skills more efficiently and learn more about other cultures. Secondly, the devotion and the dynamism of the instructors have been really crucial for the success of the program. Their consistent efforts through the program have been a fundamental help for our English. They have done an incredible job. Moreover, the socio-cultural activities helped us to cope with the stressful class atmosphere and in the meantime allowed us to discover more about Canadian culture. It was also a good time to improve our speaking and listening skills. Finally, and maybe most importantly the student’s devotion has been the key of this program’s success. Don’t be so surprised, your motivation for learning English has been very important and you can congratulate yourself for the improvements you’ve made.” |
For more information on the full-time ELP program please visit http://www.uwinnipeg.ca/index/elp-14week or email infoelp@uwinnipeg.ca |
|
ESL TCP
ESL TCP is a Teacher Certificate Program that is accredited by TESL Canada. This year, we have a couple of *new* things happening in the Teacher Certificate Program. Because our enrollment has been higher than ever, we are offering a winter session for the first time. We are also offering a part-time option in TCP.
If you are interested in joining this program and becoming an ESL/EAL teacher contact Liz Choi at a.choi@uwinnipeg.ca or visit http://www.uwinnipeg.ca/index/elp-esltcp for more information. |
|
Meet one of the English Language Program Instructors: Leslie Singer
| In the year 2000, Leslie Singer and her family became involved with new immigrants to Winnipeg. As she met and became friends with the new families she also started to become interested in language acquisition. Leslie was fascinated by the differences in how people from different countries learn and speak English. She then decided to go back to school and become an EAL (English as an Additional Language) instructor. She has been an instructor in the English Language Program since 2003. |
|
 |
When asked what an EAL instructor does, Leslie explains that they act as a guide for the language learner. She believes that each lesson should be unique and also to approach materials from many different angles. This is because students learn and remember in very unique ways. Leslie says that “an EAL instructor should be enthusiastic and excited about teaching the class.”
Next Leslie was asked “what sort of skills and qualities do you need?” She responded: ENTHUSIASM, CREATIVITY, PATIENCE AND ADAPTABILITY. Leslie believes that instructors should be excited and enthusiastic about what they are going to teach. It is very important that instructors are patient listeners and always encourage the students to do their best. She also believes that students should be encouraged to take risks in order to improve. Leslie writes “if a student wants to learn something topical, it’s best to find current materials and teach that (even if it means going off track) because the students will always remember what they’ve learned if it’s meaningful for them.”
|
|
Socio-Cultural News
 |
|
This term we have a variety of cultural activities planned for the students in our program. After the student life orientation we left the Massey building for a tour of Winnipeg that ended at The Forks. The Forks is one of Winnipeg’s most popular and beloved meeting spots. The Forks possesses a rich 6000-year old history. It is where the Assiniboine River meets the mighty Red River. http://www.theforks.com/forks We enjoyed lunch at the Ol’Spaghetti Factory, browsed through the shops, and visited “Explore Manitoba”. |
| Students will be able to participate in many exciting and interesting activities this term. After the first week of class we always enjoy a friendly bowling game. We then have a special presentation by an Ojibway elder to teach us about Aboriginal culture and to taste some traditional food called “bannock”. Later in January, we will travel to Fort Whyte Alive (www.fortwhyte.org) and partake in a “Survivor Day.” Manitoba’s legislative building is among one of Winnipeg’s most beautiful buildings. We will visit this Manitoba landmark and learn about the history of the building and then afterwards enjoy dessert from a local bakery. |
|
 |
Every term we host an international dinner at main campus. This term it will be held in February. Current host families and language partners are welcome to attend! More information to follow.
 |
|
In February one of Winnipeg’s favourite festivals take place in St.Boniface. At the “Festival du Voyageur” we will hear traditional French-Canadian music, taste real maple syrup, and see the beautiful snow sculptures. Visit http://festivalvoyageur.mb.ca/wp/ to look for other festival events from February 13-22nd. Other planned events include an outing to the Manitoba Museum to see the Dinosaurs exhibit and also an evening out at the Royal Winnipeg Ballet to watch “Romeo and Juliet.” |
|
|
Homestay Program
| Yay! Winter 2009 is here! We’ve being working very hard to place all our international students with Canadian families. Some of our students are worried about the weather. They say “Winnipeg is too cold.” Winnipeg is cold even for Canadians and that’s why people call it “Winterpeg.” It’s not easy to live abroad, especially in the winter, but it can be wonderful opportunity to make new friends and a great life experience! |
|
 |
 |
|
Below are some warm words from a host family:
“My name is Ada. I am a host parent. It was nothing I ever intended to do, but I just love it!
When my oldest daughter went to France at age 16 to study French on an exchange program, her experience was not good so it was always on my mind to do something to help students coming to Canada…. Then my children started leaving home I had a huge empty house. I decided to host students. Instead of 2 daughters, now I can say I have about 35!
I wanted the students to have a safe, comfortable, happy home to live in. We have had some students come back twice and some even three times. We had students that met at our home and have become best friends traveling back and forth to each others countries.
One of my funniest stories is about a tree house. One of my Chinese students asked what it was. I told her it was a tree house the people had built for their little girl or boy. She looked at me sadly and asked why the little girl HAD to live there. I could write forever because it is such a wonderful, rewarding experience. The only sad part is when they have to leave….” |
Now from student perspectives:
“Do you know why is called “Homestay”? Because to live in a homestay is likely to live in a “real home. When an International Student comes to Canada he/ she needs a place which is similar to their home. So they can feel safe.” Adrian (student from China)
“A homestay family is great because you can learn about Canadian culture and values, make new friends and practice and improve your English skills. And you can always get a piece of advice from your host parents to know what is worth to see in Winnipeg, where to go for fun or to go shopping... And the best...You don’t need to cook! ” Olia (student from Russia) |
|
 |
 |
|
Thank-you Ada, Adrian and Olia for sharing this with us! We also want to thank all the support we receive from our homestay families! We especially would like to WELCOME all the new host families and students that are ready for this new adventure...
For more information please contact Adriana or Ingrid.
Adriana Glikman: (204) 982-6631 or a.glikman@uwinnipeg.ca
Ingrid Willey: (204) 982-1702 or
i.willey@uwinnipeg.ca |
|
|
 Language Partner Program
Last term we had 75 students matched with language partners. It was a wonderful term full of new learning experiences for both partners and students. Many students said how caring and committed their partners were and that they really enjoyed seeing them once a week. Lindsay Beer is a volunteer who was matched with a Japanese student last term. Lindsay wrote an article to describe her experiences as a Language Partner and an evening she shared with Moeko and friends.
“I have been a Language Partner for four years now and I love it! Every week I look forward to seeing my partner and learning more about her. My language partners and I have always enjoyed going out for coffee, shopping, visiting different restaurants, and simply spending time getting to know each other. This year, however, I thought it would be nice to make dinner with my language partner and a few friends. We called it our “Cultural Dinner” because we each made food from our own countries. My partner, Moeko, made Japanese Miso soup and her friend, Jin, made a Korean dish with beef, vegetables and rice. My friend, Tim, and I made a chicken dish with corn and served fudge and ice-cream as dessert.
Our dinner was filled with lots of talking, eating and laughing. Jin’s dish involved placing the beef, vegetables and rice onto a piece of lettuce and putting it all in your mouth at once; I had a little trouble with that, and got laughed at while trying, but it tasted amazing. I have to say, my chicken did not even compare to Moeko and Jin’s dishes. Following dinner, we spent some time playing board games like Frustration, as well as some traditional card games like War, Old Maid and Go Fish. It was a great experience, and I want to encourage other language partners to do the same. Just remember, if you do decide to have a cultural dinner, take notes while they cook so that you can make their dishes whenever you want!”
If YOU would like to be a language partner or know someone who would
please contact Julie at j.sakuta@uwinnipeg.ca or 982-1151 or visit http://www.uwinnipeg.ca/index/elp-partner |
|
The English for Specific Purposes (ESP) Program
Are YOU an internationally educated professional hoping
to work in your field here in Canada?
What kind of English language training do YOU need?
Is there something more YOU can do?
It’s time for YOU to GET SPECIFIC!
English for Specific Purposes |
English for Specific Purposes (ESP) is a learner-centered approach to teaching English as an additional language, which focuses on developing communicative competence in a specific discipline, such as business, education, health care, science, technology, and academic learning.
ESP programs differ from general English language courses and contain these characteristics:
- Designed to meet the specific needs of the learners.
- Related in content (themes and topics) to particular disciplines or occupations, and the language tasks appropriate to these target settings. This includes using a lexical approach to building occupation specific vocabulary and incorporating current events and issues in the profession in the classroom.
- Uses authentic work-specific documents and professional development materials.
- Promotes cultural awareness and seeks to improve intercultural competency.
- Delivers advanced language training (CLB 7-10).
English for Professional Purposes:
Accountants
Agrologists
Engineers
Teachers
IT
Professionals
|
|
English for Academic Purposes:
Academic Writing
Academic Speaking
Academic Learning
|
The ESP program at the University of Winnipeg offers English communication training in two areas:
To learn more, please contact Paul Vieira (Program Coordinator) at p.vieira@uwinnipeg.ca or 204.982.6636. |
|
ESL Teacher Certificate Program (ESL TCP)
TCP just got more flexible! We now have part-time TCP classes in the evening and on Saturdays. You can take two terms or up to five years to finish the program. There is also an 8-week intensive program that starts on January 20th, 2009.
For more information contact Liz Choi at a.choi@uwinnipeg.ca or call 982-1141. |
|
Part-Time English Language Program (EAL)
If you are an EAL (ESL) student and are looking for extra help in English please check out part-time EAL courses. We now offer classes for EAL (ESL) University students as well. Our classes include grammar, writing, public speaking, and much more.
Visit http://www.uwinnipeg.ca/index/elp-pt-esl or contact Liz Choi at a.choi@uwinnipeg.ca for more information. |
|
 |
|
|
International Languages Program (ILP)
 |
|
Our classes begin this week. It is not too late to sign up though! We have recently added a new language to our program. Hindi Level 1 is running this term. We hope to offer levels 2 and 3 in the future. ILP classes are not counted towards academic credits and they are open to anyone. If you are interested in learning a different language and do not want to worry about your GPA, ILP is the right program for you to join! |
Visit http://www.uwinnipeg.ca/index/dce-languages to read more
or email Liz Choi at a.choi@uwinnipeg.ca. |
|
What's going on in Winnipeg?
Arctic Glacier Winter Park at The Forks
Join us on the site for the official celebration of winter. Skate on 1.2 kilometres of trails, shoosh down the toboggan chute, shimmy through the ice obstacle course or leap off the professionally designed snowboard hill. Skate rentals are available at The Mini Donuts Factory in The Forks Market everyday from 11am to 10pm. Rates are $2 for children and seniors and $4 for adults. Call 253-7600 for more information. |
|
 |
The Manitoba Museum
DINOSAUR DYNASTY NOW OPEN!
Get ready for a Jurassic experience when visiting the Dinosaur Dynasty: Discoveries from China! This immense, large-scale exhibit from China features over 20 full size dinosaur skeletons, fossil dinosaur eggs that are millions of years old, and a dino dig pit for kids. Dinosaur Dynasty is open during regular museum hours.
|
|
Winter Word Search
|
|
Korean Food Recipe
Beef Bulgogi
| Amount Measure |
|
Ingredient -- Preparation Method |
| 1 pound |
|
beef -- sliced crossways, thin |
| 2 tablespoons |
|
soy sauce |
| 1 tablespoon |
|
sugar |
| 1 tablespoon |
|
sesame oil |
| 1 tablespoon |
|
sesame salt -- see below |
| 1/8 teaspoon |
|
fresh ground black pepper |
| 4 |
|
scallion -- chopped 1" pieces |
| 3 |
|
garlic clove -- peeled/crushed |
| 1 teaspoon |
|
fresh ginger root -- grated |
| 1 tablespoon |
|
saki -- or dry sherry |
| 1 tablespoon |
|
red pepper flakes |
| 1 tablespoon |
|
peanut oil |
| |
|
sesame seeds, toasted |
Combine soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, sesame salt (toasted sesame seeds, ground with salt), pepper, scallions, garlic, ginger, saki and red pepper flakes in a medium-size bowl. Add meat and toss. Marinate 30 minutes or more. Cook the meat over medium-high heat on a stove top grill. Heat the grill first, making it very hot. Add the oil. Cook meat 1 to 2 minutes on each side,
browning it nicely. Garnish with sesame seeds.
| 1. |
|
Two hours before marinating the meat put the meat in with chopped onion, honey, and wine. |
| 2. |
|
Marinate for about an hour. If you don't do the pre-marinade, then add those items to the marinade. |
| 3. |
|
Heat up the frying pan until it's hot. |
| 4. |
|
Put meat and vegetables in and let them cook. |
| 5. |
|
Serve with rice and other side dishes. |
| 6. |
|
Add the meat juice to the rice for extra flavor. |
Enjoy!
|
|
We hope you have enjoyed reading our e-newsletter.
If you have an article or story you would like to share with us please email j.sakuta@uwinnipeg.ca
Thank-you!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| All Rights Reserved Copyright 2009 © |
|
