Student Engagement Centre (SEC)
6 - 138 ED North
English Language School
Engage - Learn - Succeed
Embedded Files
Contact: Zuzana (zuzana@ualberta.ca) or Vicky (chiachi@ualberta.ca)
How much do you use social media? Are you good at managing your time on it? Do you follow ualberta els to get inspired?
Week 6:
Week 6:
Do you enjoy rainy days?
This week, Simon Says talks about why rain is important in Alberta, the Sweetgrass Bear on campus, and how to become a more confident presenter. You will also learn how SEC activities can help you practice speaking, listening, leadership, and teamwork.
👉 What is one thing you learned about the Sweetgrass Bear?
👉 What presentation tip would you give to another student?
Don't forget to check out the SEC activities and submit your work to the ELS Magazine.
Join us this Wednesday at 11:30 a.m. for some tips and tricks to make your presentation skills better. You will use this in your future personal and academic life!
Week 5: History
Week 5: History
Simon Says: June 01, 2026
Did you know that stories can help us remember historical facts better? Why do you think that is?
This week, Simon Says explores a few interesting facts about Alberta's history and why storytelling is important. You will also meet Lisa, our assistant director, who shares some special objects that remind her of important people, places, and memories.
What is one interesting fact you learned from the video?
Do you have a special object from home (or somewhere else) that is important to you and you would like to share a story about it?
If you do, click on the button below and submit your photo and a short story about it.
Join us this Wednesday at 11:30 a.m. for a special guest speaker session with our instructor Barbara.
She will share her knowledge about the Indigenous people and Alberta history.
Week 4: Independent learners
Week 4: Independent learners
Simon Says: May 25, 2026
In this week’s Simon Says, teachers share simple advice for success in Canada — from asking questions to building good daily habits. You’ll also learn about workshops, Conversation Club, Friday trips, and a new ELS magazine project! Please check out the poster, choose a topic that interests you and submit a photo with a short description to us! We will feature you in the magazine. Build your ELS memory 😍 with us.
Watch, learn, and join us at the SEC!
#ELSLife #StudyHabits #InternationalStudents
Join us this Wednesday at 11:30 a.m. for a special guest speaker session featuring Gavin Palmer, who is a Global Education Specialist. He will share his knowledge about how international students succeed when they study abroad.
Kinsmen Park S'mores! Did you love it? Yes we did😍
Campus Adventure
Campus Adventure
Week 3: Connections
Week 3: Connections
Check out our SEC schedule for this week here!
Simon Says: May 19, 2026
In this week’s Simon Says video, Zuzana and Vicky talk about:
Trying ketchup chips
Renting bikes on campus
Making s’mores at Friday Fun
Joining Conversation Club
Improving writing skills at the SEC
You’ll also learn useful English phrases like “Have you ever…?” and discover fun ways to practice English, meet people, and enjoy summer in Edmonton!
Watch, listen, and challenge yourself to try something new this week
Have you ever tried ketchup chips?
This iconic Canadian snack is sweet, tangy, and full of flavour! It is definitely something you should try while in Canada!
Join us on Tuesday at noon for a fun Kahoot game and good energy!
Join us this Wednesday at 11:30 a.m. for a special guest speaker session with Vicky and Glab, our former EAP students! They will share their experiences in Canada, tips on making connections with people, and how to balance studying while still having fun. Don’t miss this great opportunity to learn and ask questions!
Week 2: Habits
Week 2: Habits
Check out our SEC schedule for this week here!
Simon Says: May 11, 2026
This week’s Simon Says shares helpful study habits and introduces SEC activities for the week. Former students talk about what helped them succeed in EAP 136, such as meeting instructors, using office hours, reading regularly, and building healthy routines. The video also highlights opportunities to practice English, meet new people, and stay connected through SEC programs like Study Zone, Writing Workshop, Conversation Club, and Friday Fun.
Have you ever tried a Nanaimo bar?
This famous Canadian dessert from Nanaimo has layers of chocolatey goodness you don’t want to miss!
Join us on Tuesday at noon for a fun Kahoot game, sweet facts, and good energy!
Join us this Wednesday at 11:30 a.m. for a special guest speaker session with former ESL students! They will share their experiences, what to expect before starting academic courses in the fall, and how to prepare for success.
You’ll also get some helpful tips, advice on balancing school and life, and ideas for enjoying your time in Canada while making the most of your experience!
Week 1: Off to a good start!
Week 1: Off to a good start!
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?
Zuzana Buchanan (she/her)
SEC/EAP Instructor
zuzana@ualberta.ca
Hello, my name is Zuzana, and I will be your SEC instructor along with Barbara 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!
Vicky Chang (she/her)
SEC Assistant
chiachi@ualberta.ca
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!
Silvia Sgaramella(she/her)
SEC/EAP Instructor
silvia.sgaramella@ualberta.ca
Hello everyone!
My name is Silvia, and I’ll be your SEC instructor this term. I came to Canada as an ESL student too, just like you! I’ve lived in Edmonton for many years, so if you ever need advice on fun things to do or great places to eat, I’m happy to help.
You’ll see me in your EAP 136 Seminar and at all the SEC weekly activities. Feel free to visit me in the SEC office (ED 6-138) or send me an email anytime.
I’m looking forward to a fun and exciting term with all of you!
Barbara Edmondson ( she/her)
SEC/EAP Instructor
bedmonds@ualberta.ca
Hello students!
My name is Barbara and I will be one of the 136 Seminar instructors. Fun fact: Zuzana and I started teaching here at the University of Alberta together 13 years ago! Like Zuzana, I am passionate about teaching English and encouraging students to learn as much as they can about their new home in Canada. You are incredibly brave to choose to study abroad, and we want to help you make the most of it.
I look forward to welcoming you in the seminar and seeing you at the various workshops the SEC offers! Together, let's have a great term.
Winter term with our awesome students
Winter term with our awesome students
Fall term with our awesome students
Fall term 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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