Spring Greetings from the English Language Program!
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Letter from the Director
Greetings! We are, much to my surprise, already in spring after a busy winter. Time goes by fast when you are having fun! Time has also gone by fast for our full-time English Language Program students. We enjoyed a wonderful winter graduation ceremony last month in which we celebrated with one of our largest A5 classes in recent years. Many of our students are going on to undergraduate and graduate programs at The University of Winnipeg and we wish them success.
The English Language Program continues to grow. This spring, we welcomed two staff members to our area. Kathleen Clarke will be working with our English for Specific Purposes Program as an in-house trainer and Eriko Isobe-Smith will coordinate our Short-Term Programs including July Intensive and Explore. We are very excited about the new initiatives and growth in our programs that will be generated by these two new positions.
We have a busy spring ahead with lots new faces to welcome. Enjoy the newsletter and don’t forget to check out our webpage for updates on our programs.
Tammy Sigurdur
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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 Manager
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
Carolynn Smallwood- Program Assistant for EAL, TCP, ILP, ESP & Part-time EAL programs
c.smallwood@uwinnipeg.ca 204.982.1816
The ELP department offers a variety of programs:
- Full-time English Language Program
- Part-time English Language classes
- International Languages
- English for Specific Purposes Program
- ESL Teacher Certificate Program
- Customized ESL programs for groups
Please visit http://www.uwinnipeg.ca/index/elp-information for more information or e-mail infoelp@uwinnipeg.ca |
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ESL Teacher Certificate Program (ESL TCP)
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Full-time TCP starts on May 19th, 2009. The full-time program fills up quickly, so please call or e-mail for more information if you are interested in the spring session of TCP.
Part-time TCP is scheduled to start at the same time as the full-time program. There is five year limit for you to complete this program: you can take two terms or five years to complete the program. This is a flexible program designed to meet your needs. |
For general enquiries contact Carolyn Smallwood at 204.982.1816 or
c.smallwood@uwinnipeg.ca or Liz Choi, Program Coordinator, at a.choi@uwinnipeg.ca
Visit http://www.uwinnipeg.ca/index/elp-esltcp for more information. |
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Full-time English Language Program (ELP)
The General English Stream
The General English Stream is suitable if you wish to develop your English language skills for personal or professional reasons. Morning classes focus on developing oral fluency as well as grammar, reading, and writing.
In the afternoon, students participate in a variety of seminars such as Business English, TOEFL Preparation, Conversation, Writing, and Listening and Pronunciation. Seminars vary from term to term. Seminars also vary, depending on the student's level of proficiency in English. Classes range from mid-beginner to advanced levels. |
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The Academic English Stream
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The Academic English Program is suitable if you wish to study at a Canadian or American university or college.
Morning classes emphasize the reading, writing, and discussion skills needed for academic success. Students also practice listening and conversation skills. In the afternoon, students participate in seminars such as TOEFL Preparation and Everyday Conversational English.
Study and basic research skills are also presented and practiced in the academic stream. Students who choose this stream and are in the upper levels of the program will use The University of Winnipeg library for research purposes. Classes range from low-intermediate to advanced levels. |
For more information on the full-time ELP program please visit http://www.uwinnipeg.ca/index/elp-14week or email infoelp@uwinnipeg.ca |
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ELP on Facebook
The slideshow from the winter 2009 ELP graduation has been posted on the ELP (University of Winnipeg) page. If you have a Facebook account you can view photos, slideshows, and write to other ELP students or members who are also part of the ELP group.
Check it out! |
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Homestay Program
“First times” can be life-changing experiences. |
First times mean a lot... first time living in another country, first time without your parents, first time dealing with so many things. We want to share this testimonial describing some “Experiences as a First Time Host Family.”
“In life, one often experiences firsts: first step, first day of school, first tooth lost, first time driver, first graduation, first job, first life partner, first baby...
On January 3rd, we welcomed our first international home stay student. Not knowing what to expect we eagerly waited for Young Hwa at the airport. Midnight approached but our spirits remained undaunted. Finally, the group of Korean students arrived; albeit quite exhausted after a 19 hour trip. After arriving at our home, a brief chat and snack, we let Young Hwa sleep. And sleep she did! It took her a few days to get over the jet lag. Soon, however, we began to enjoy Young Hwa’s vivacious, kind-hearted personality. Then, our family got acquainted with her. It was fun to discover similarities and differences between us.
We found out that our student was 2 years older in Korea since the entire nation celebrates their birthdays on Chinese New Year. We introduced Young Hwa to a cold winter. She saw her first snow blower and mountains of snow. Buying slippers and wearing layers of clothing became the new norm for her. Young Hwa was amazed the moon could be seen during the day. She was impressed with the frequency of our bus transit and ease of use. Our city was large compared to her home town in Korea.
Other firsts for Young Hwa included glow-in-the-dark mini-golfing, cooking, seeing a natural gas fireplace with perpetually burning logs and embers, going on board a replica of an old ship, and living with a house full of cats. She now wants to have a kitten of her own.
Korean food is definitely spicier too. Young Hwa’s normal diet consists of 3 rice-based meals each day. During her stay with us, she enjoyed many Canadian dishes and tasted some Dutch treats for the first time.
Our student found life in Winnipeg to be friendlier and easier with more opportunities to gain employment. In fact, in Korea, jobs are much more difficult to find. When asked what Young Hwa thought about Winnipeg, she said that it was so cold, but that she enjoyed it here and wanted to stay longer.
Being a first-time host family was a rewarding and enjoyable experience. It was great making a new friend and we felt she became a real part of our lives and family. She is someone we cherish now and plan to stay in touch with. She has exposed us to a uniquely different culture. We miss her greatly. Perhaps, one day, we will see her again!”
Thanks Marilyn, Crystal and John!!!!
For more information or if you have any questions please contact Adriana or Ingrid.
Visit www.uwinnipeg.ca/index/elp-homestay to read more! |
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ELP Student Article
Written by Jane Huang
| “I used to study in a blended program in China which is cooperative between the Manitoba Government and my high school. This program provided me with a Manitoba High School Certificate and a Chinese High School Certificate. I have three Canadian instructors, they are very nice, that probably give me the first impression of Canadians. When I decided to study abroad in University of Winnipeg, I did a lot of research about Canada. The University of Winnipeg is a top ten university in Canada. It is a strong university and it has small classes size so that I will have more time to communicate with the professors. I think this is good for international students. |
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I arrived in Winnipeg on July, 25, 2008. At that time, I felt nervous because of the huge differences between my city and the city of Winnipeg. At first, I asked my homestay mother “where are the people?” Everyone knows China has a large population, and in my city, most people are living in high buildings instead of small houses. Actually, some of the houses in Winnipeg are really pretty and the air is very clean. Last summer, I had new experiences such as camping around the lakes here. It was awesome! I love the summer time in Winnipeg. Also, the Winnipeg winter is another experience. The location of my Chinese city is in southern part of China, and it never snows there. In fact, it is my first time I experienced such cold weather, and I still survived. I have lots of fun here, people here are very friendly. It is a nice place that people can come and visit.”
Jane Huang graduated from Academic 5 this past term. Congratulations Jane!
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Full-Time ELP Socio-Cultural News
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This past March, students were given the opportunity to attend the ballet. The Royal Winnipeg Ballet performed “Romeo and Juliet” at the Centennial Concert Hall. This was a very special activity and was enjoyed by students. In October (2009), The Royal Winnipeg Ballet will be performing a version of “Moulin Rouge” that students will have the opportunity to attend. We are very fortunate to have such a wonderful ballet company in Winnipeg and encourage all students to attend these performances. http://www.rwb.org/whats_on/moulin.html |
Students also enjoyed a Manitoba Moose hockey game on March 27th. It was multi-cultural night at the MTS Centre and students were pleasantly surprised to see ambassadors from different countries holding flags from around the world during the singing of “Oh Canada.” With the Manitoba Moose winning 2-1 over the Hamilton Bulldogs it was a game that was full of twists and turns. We all cheered loudly when the Moose scored in overtime. http://www.moosehockey.com
| The winter term graduation was held on Friday, April 17th in Echkardt-Gramatte Hall at The University of Winnipeg. The valedictorian was Fatimah Alsaffar. She prepared a wonderful speech. Fatimah has now graduated from A5 and we wish her all the best. Other speakers were Jane Huang (who prepared a language partner tribute), Ehsan Nemati (who spoke about his host family), and Ayaka Joko and Nayef Amr who were the Masters of Ceremony. All the speakers did a wonderful job! There were also students who performed. A group of students from Doshisha Women’s College performed a dance they choreographed, Sung Jin Kim sang “O Sole Mio”, and Sohei Kobayashi performed a duet with Nayef Amr. |
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Congratulations to all the graduates of the winter 2009 term!
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This coming term we have many fun and exciting outings planned. Check out to view the entire list of activities planned from May to August, 2009.
Over the spring mid-term break students are invited to join in for 3 days of rock climbing, mountain biking, canoeing, and zip lining at Minaki Yurt Adventures. http://www.minaki.ca
Please click here to view the poster and registration form. Register before May 29th, 2009 if you would like to go! |
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Language Partner Program
Article written by Reena Shah
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“It’s easy to forget what a small town-like city, such as Winnipeg, has to offer in terms of entertainment, especially in the midst of a particularly cold and frigid winter. Yet a month and a half ago, there I was, sitting across from an excited and eager visitor from Korea, who was anxious to see what our little city was all about! That day I met Young Hwa and my rewarding experience as an English Placement Partner began. |
Young Hwa happily greeted me that day, and although we were both a bit nervous at first, we became fast friends in no time at all. All of a sudden I became very excited to show her around Winnipeg. I remembered places that I had not even visited myself since childhood! Ideas about visiting The Museum of Man and Nature, The Winnipeg Art Gallery, Globe Theatre, Osborne Village, The Forks, and all the neat stores and multi-ethnic eateries around Corydon Avenue flooded my mind. Although Young Hwa and I did not have enough time to visit all these Winnipeg hot spots, it was still great to be reminded of how special our quaint but fun little city really is.
The next four weeks just flew by! Young Hwa and I visited Café’s down on Corydon, Hu’s on first at the Goldeye Stadium, the Fyxx downtown, The Lineup restaurant, and also checked out a local acting studio. I also had an opportunity to meet Young Hwa’s two friends also from Korea. During our time spent together, I learned some very interesting facts about Korean culture. One neat thing I learned was that in Korea you are in fact older than you are in Canada! You have both a Korean and a Canadian age!
For our last visit, Young Hwa and I exchanged email addresses and also some presents from our countries. I hung the beautiful Korean handmade bookmark she gave me in my bedroom, and now whenever I glance over at it, I am reminded of my new friend and the memories we made!”
If YOU would like to be a language partner or know someone who would please contact j.sakuta@uwinnipeg.ca or 204.982.1151 or visit http://www.uwinnipeg.ca/index/elp-partner |
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Eriko Isobe-Smith, an instructor in the full-time ELP, asked her afternoon students what their most memorable day in Canada was. Below is an article written by a Japanese student.
When I Met My Mexican Friends
Written by Eri Wakaiki
| “I was glad to meet my Mexican roommates. Before, I have stayed with two Mexican girls for one month. They were very kind. I sometimes went shopping with them or for a walk. On Fridays, we often watched movies and ate popcorn and drank juice until midnight (or sometimes even after midnight). We taught each other our own languages, and then one day they invited me to a Mexican party. They taught me how to cook Mexican food. Moreover they cooked the Mexican food for me. The other day, friends of my old roommates invited me to their host mother’s birthday party. They picked me up at my house. They were so kind and this is an unforgettable memory. If I had not come to Canada, I wouldn’t have met them.” |
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For more information on the full-time ELP program please visit http://www.uwinnipeg.ca/index/elp-14week or email infoelp@uwinnipeg.ca |
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Part-Time English Language Program (EAL)
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The next session starts the week of May 4th! If you are an EAL (ESL) student and are looking for extra help in English, please check our part-time EAL (ESL) courses. We now offer classes for EAL (ESL) University students as well. Our PT EAL program includes classes on grammar, writing, public speaking, and many other course offerings. |
Visit http://www.uwinnipeg.ca/index/elp-pt-esl for more information. Contact information: Carolynn Smallwood, Program Assistant, at 204.982.1816 or c.smallwood@uwinnipeg.ca or Liz Choi, Program Coordinator, at 204.982.1141 or a.choi@uwinnipeg.ca |
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The English for Specific Purposes (ESP) Program
The landscape of immigration to Canada is changing. Every year the number of skilled professionals immigrating to this country increases. Manitoba has identified immigration as a cornerstone of our economic and social development. Internationally trained workers are an important source of talent to fill our province's shortage of skilled labour.
To help facilitate the integration of internationally educated professionals (IEP’s) into Manitoba’s professional workforce, The University of Winnipeg, in partnership with Manitoba Labour and Immigration, has established The English for Specific Purposes (ESP) Program.
The ESP Program is an enhanced English language program designed to provide IEP’s with exposure to the Canadian professional context and field specific language communication training in order to best use their technical expertise in their new country. Currently, we offer programs for those with a background in:
- Accounting
- Agrology
- Education
- Engineering
- Information and Communication Technology
- Teaching
In addition to these professional language programs, we also offer English for Academic Purposes for newcomers who wish to attend The University of Winnipeg. The University of Winnipeg is committed to excellence in post-secondary education through undergraduate and selected graduate programs, rooted in the liberal arts and culminating in degrees such as those in Arts, Science, Education, and Theology.
The University views both accessibility and excellence as important goals, and will endeavour to make the University as accessible as possible while maintaining high standards of quality in its academic programs.
For general enquiries contact Carolynn Smallwood, Program Assistant, at 204.982.1816 or c.smallwood@uwinnipeg.ca or contact Paul Vieira, Program Coordinator, at p.vieira@uwinnipeg.ca or 204.982.6636. |
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International Languages Program (ILP)
| The next session starts in September 2009! ILP classes are not counted towards credit, 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! In the summer, contact the Division of Continuing Education Registration Office at 982-6633 for details on the Fall ILP courses. |
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Visit http://www.uwinnipeg.ca/index/dce-languages to read more. Contact information: For general enquiries please contact Carolynn Smallwood, Program Assistant, at 204.982.1816 or c.smallwood@uwinnipeg.ca or Liz Choi, Program Coordinator, at 204.982.1141 or a.choi@uwinnipeg.ca |
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Did you know?
We offer 2 short term EAL programs during the summer months!
July Intensive
July 6 - July 31, 2009
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For more than thirty years, The University of Winnipeg has offered international students a variety of English as an Additional Language (EAL) programs. These programs promote high academic standards as students work to increase their proficiency in English and to further their careers or education. Besides stressing the four main language skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing, these programs also encourage learning through participation in cultural and social events. Instructors are experienced in second language instruction and organize classes that are interesting, practical, and fun. |
This month-long program is for students who want a short, intensive English language program. Students participate in morning classes from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Monday to Friday. The level of English in the classes generally ranges from high beginner to advanced intermediate. Classes focus on developing oral communication skills, as well as grammar and vocabulary. In the afternoon from Monday to Thursday, students participate in workshops (1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.) and in conversational classes (3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.).
The classroom component of the program is complemented with visits to popular Winnipeg events and attractions on Friday afternoons. Students will also be treated to a minimum of one evening of entertainment each week. Outings contribute greatly to improved English proficiency and add to the entire summer experience.
Please visit http://www.uwinnipeg.ca/index/elp-registration-intensive for course fees and registration information about the July Intensive program.
Explore Program
May 25- June 26, 2009
For more than 25 years, French speaking students from Canada have been choosing The University of Winnipeg's five-week Explore Program to increase their knowledge and skills in the English language.
The University of Winnipeg offers:
- Classes that are interesting, practical, and fun
- High academic standards that stress essential skills
- Opportunities to experience the culture and lifestyle of a uniquely Canadian prairie city
- Opportunities to form lasting friendships with fellow students
- Skilled and supportive instructors who are trained in second language instruction methods
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Our Explore Program offers a learning and cultural experience that will leave you with a new appreciation for the English language and a suitcase full of memories that will last a lifetime.
Explore http://www.uwinnipeg.ca/index/elp-explore for more information. Browse the 2009 Explore student handbook at http://www.uwinnipeg.ca/index/cms-filesystem-action/pdfs/elp/explore-student-handbook.pdf or visit http://www.jexplore.ca to read more.
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International Recipe
Kung Pao Chicken
Named after a court official or "Kung Pao," Kung Pao Chicken is a spicy Szechuan dish made with diced chicken, peanuts and chili peppers. This recipe calls for deep-frying; for a lighter version, try Kung Pao Chicken Stir-fry.
Serves 4 to 6
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless chicken breasts, about 6 ounces each
Marinade:
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon Chinese rice wine or dry sherry
- 2 teaspoons cold water
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons light soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon black or red rice vinegar, or red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon chicken broth or water
- 3 teaspoons granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- a few drops sesame oil
- 1 tsp cornstarch
Other:
- 6 to 8 small dried red chili peppers, or as desired
- 2 garlic cloves,
- 1/2 cup skinless, unsalted peanuts
- 3 - 4 cups oil for deep-frying and stir-frying
Preparation:
Cut the chicken into 1-inch cubes. Mix in the soy sauce, rice wine or sherry, water and cornstarch. Marinate the chicken for 30 minutes.
In a small bowl, mix together the sauce ingredients, whisking in the cornstarch last.
Remove the seeds from the chili peppers and chop. Peel and finely chop the garlic.
Heat the oil for deep-frying. Carefully slide the chicken into the wok, and deep-fry for about 1 minute, until the cubes separate and turn white. Remove and drain on paper towels. Drain all but 2 tablespoons oil from the wok.
Add the chili peppers and stir-fry until the skin starts to darken and blister. Add the garlic. Stir-fry until aromatic (about 30 seconds). Add the deep-fried chicken back into the pan. Stir-fry briefly, then push up to the sides of the wok and add the sauce in the middle, stirring quickly to thicken. Stir in the peanuts. Mix everything together and serve hot.
To see more Chinese food recipes visit http://chinesefood.about.com |
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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!
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