Student Engagement Centre (SEC)
6 - 138 ED North
English Language School
Engage - Learn - Succeed
Embedded Files
Zuzana (zuzana@ualberta.ca), Shona (slwebste@ualberta.ca) or Vicky (chiachi@ualberta.ca)
Week 6: Share your experience
Week 6: Share your experience
Simon Says Oct 5, 2026
Simon Says Oct 5, 2026
October brings beautiful fall colours and growing academic demands! Join Student Engagement Centre (SEC) activities to build your skills, connect with others, and prepare for the challenges ahead. Listen to EAP instructor Luke Jang who shares some tips about presenting informationsmore effectively.
Watch this week’s Simon Says to hear students and SEC instructors reflect on their experiences.
Week 5: Learn from the Past
Week 5: Learn from the Past
Simon Says Sept 28, 2026
Simon Says Sept 28, 2026
Time flies! It’s already the end of September! This week, Simon Says looks ahead to September 30, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day.
What does reconciliation mean? Why do people wear orange shirts?
Shona joins us to explain the day's meaning, share a book recommendation, and remind us that learning and listening are important parts of reconciliation. We also look ahead to this week’s SEC activities, including a meaningful Friday Fun exploring Indigenous artwork on campus.
Watch, learn something new, and keep building your connection to the place where you are studying. 🍁
#UAlberta #OrangeShirtDay #truthandreconciliation #InternationalStudents
What Is Orange Shirt Day?
What Is Orange Shirt Day?
National Day of Truth and Reconciliation (NDTR) or Orange Shirt Day is observed on September 30. It grew from the story of Phyllis Webstad, whose new orange shirt was taken from her when she entered a residential school as a child. The orange shirt became a symbol for remembering the children who were taken from their families, honoring survivors, and recognizing the lasting harms of the residential school system. September 30 is also Canada's National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. It is a day to learn, listen, remember, and reflect.
Reflect:
Why should an international student in Canada learn about this day?
What is ONE question you have about Orange Shirt Day, residential schools, Indigenous history, or reconciliation
Week 4: Manage your week
Week 4: Manage your week
Check the Weekly Schedule
Check the Weekly Schedule
In this episode of Simon Says, learn about the ELS Life Magazine, discover an easy way to save money on coffee and tea, and find out what activities are happening this week.
We also hear from students about an important question: What motivates you to study?
Watch, take some notes, and think about what helps YOU stay motivated and connected while studying in Canada.
And remember — the SEC is not only a place to join activities. It’s a place to meet people, practise English, ask questions, and become more confident and independent at university.
Simon Says Sept 21, 2026
Simon Says Sept 21, 2026
ELS LIFE MAGAZINE: Practice English, meet people & get involved
ELS LIFE MAGAZINE: Practice English, meet people & get involved
Contribute to our magazine by clicking the button bellow or scanning the QR code. You can upload a picture and write about your expereince.
Last Week in Pictures
Last Week in Pictures
Week 3: Take action
Week 3: Take action
Simon Says Sept 14, 2026
Simon Says Sept 14, 2026
It’s our first full week of SEC activities! Join as many as you can to practice your English, meet people, and make the most of your time at U of A.
Watch this week’s Simon Says to find out what’s happening at the SEC and hear what other students have already learned, tried, and experienced in Canada.
Get involved. Try something new. Make this week count!
Week 2: Set Goals
Week 2: Set Goals
Simon Says Sept 8, 2026
Simon Says Sept 8, 2026
The semester at the U of A and ELS has started! We hope you are settling in and are ready to work toward your language-learning goals. The SEC is here to support you along the way!
It’s a short week, starting on Tuesday. Think about your goal, choose SEC activities that can help you achieve it, and watch this week’s Simon Says for some great tips for success from our instructors.
Weekly Schedule: Practice English, meet people & get involved!
Weekly Schedule: Practice English, meet people & get involved!
SEC THIS WEEK | SEPT. 8 – 11 SEC 6-138 |
SEC THIS WEEK | SEPT. 8 – 11 SEC 6-138 |
M: Labour Day — No School 🍁
T: Writing Workshop: 11:00 & 1:00
Free writing, sentence structure & improving your class writing.
W: U of A Student Speakers 11:30 12:15
Current U of A students share their tips for success.
TH: Conversation Club 11:00 & 1:00
Practice follow-up and clarification questions.
F: Campus Adventure 10:30 & 12:30
Join a group, explore campus & complete fun challenges!
Week 1: Off to a good start!
Week 1: Off to a good start!
Our initiatives:
Our initiatives:
ELS LIFE Magazine and James Dean Sauter Recognition
ELS LIFE Magazine and James Dean Sauter Recognition
Remembering James-Dean Video.mp4Last Term in Pictures
Last Term in Pictures
Introduction
Welcome to English Language School! Week 1 is about getting to know other students and feeling comfortable with the English Language School and U of A campus. Please join us for this week's activities and do your best to practice your English and meet new people! The ELS and SEC staff are here to support you as you take this exciting next step in your personal and academic development.
Simon, the ELS mascot
Simon, the ELS mascot
It's me, Simon! Maybe you've seen my famous vlog, Simon Says. I know, these videos are pretty sensational, aren't they? (Especially the ones with me in them!)
My favourite thing to do is posing for pictures with students! I also love playing hide and seek, taking long naps in the winter, and going on adventures around Edmonton. Please take me along with you!
In the SEC, I always enjoy listening to the students practice English during the break. You can always share your secrets with me (but don't worry: I never tell anyone else!).
Who will support you this term?
Who will support you this term?
Hello, I’m Vicky, and I am a former ELS student, so I understand how challenging it can be to study at a university in a second language!
I’ve been in your shoes, and I’m here to support you as you adjust to life and studies in Canada.
I’d love to connect with you, share tips and tricks for succeeding in your classes, making friends, getting involved on campus, and discovering fun things to do in Edmonton. Whether you want to practice English, ask questions, or just have someone to talk to, let’s connect and engage! I am here to help make your time in Canada a positive, successful, and memorable experience.
Come visit me in the SEC (ED 6-138) or email me. I’d be happy to support you and help you make the most of your journey here at the English Language School!
Hello, my name is Zuzana, and I will be your SEC instructor along with Shona this term.
I enjoy helping students practice English and become part of the university community.
This term, I hope to see you every day during:
Study Zone on Mondays
Writing Workshops on Tuesdays
Conversation Club on Thursdays
Friday Fun events each week
These are opportunities to practice English, build confidence, and make friends. Even if you feel shy, you will be supported and encouraged.
I look forward to a wonderful term together!
Whether I'm helping students in the Student Engagement Centre or teaching in the classroom, I have three learning philosophies:
Learning should be fun!
Everyone can be successful.
Just trying is the best way to start.
Come chat with me so I can get to know you! I want you to feel joy, get connected with people and services, and be supported in your personal and academic journey. I'm always available to listen and strategize with you. I also have some ideas about how you can improve your English and be an effective learner.
Fall term and Winter terms with our awesome students
Fall term and Winter terms with our awesome students
Student Stories
Student Stories
Reihaneh's Story
Reihaneh's Story
A little while ago we asked our former EAP student, Reihaneh, about her transition from the English Language School to university. How did it go, what do you think?
If you are curious about how to practice English outside the classroom, SEC activities offer the easiest option. Make a habit of attending the Conversation Club on Thursdays, and on Fridays, hang out with us as we explore the campus and the community. This way you can make new friends while working on your language skills.
Stay tuned and check out the SEC schedule!
Helpful Links & Resources
Throughout this term, you may have questions about learning English, understanding Canadian culture, or experiencing new things in Edmonton. Below, We will post links or resources that might help you make the most of your time in Canada!
International Student + Visitor Services (ISVS) Event:
English Conversation Club (ECC) - Every Friday from 3:00–5:00 in the Telus International Centre
This is a great chance to meet students at the U of A outside the ELS and to get some extra practice for your English communication skills! The Telus Centre is close to the Education building so you can walk there in just a few minutes.
University of Alberta:
The Gateway (U of A student newspaper)
Edmonton:
City of Edmonton – Attractions & Events
To Do Canada – "What's on this week in Edmonton?"
Edmonton Oilers – Game Schedule
Edmonton Oil Kings – Game Schedule
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