Student Engagement Centre
6- 138 ED North
English Language School
Engage - Learn - Succeed
The University of Alberta, its buildings, labs, and research stations are primarily located on the traditional territory of Cree, Blackfoot, Métis, Nakota Sioux, Iroquois, Dene, and Ojibway/Saulteaux/Anishinaabe nations; lands that are now known as part of Treaties 6, 7, and 8 and homeland of the Métis. The University of Alberta respects the sovereignty, lands, histories, languages, knowledge systems, and cultures of First Nations, Métis and Inuit nations.
Week 8: Midterm break
Week 7: A Picture of Health
Friday Fun in Pictures
WHere should I go?
Can I trust you?
Two way tag
What? Where? How?
37db92efe70145838d2d402db0553bb2.MP4Have seen our Friday Fun Reels on instagram? 🥳
June 17, 2024 Simon Says
Let's get ready for the midterm together at the SEC! Join us on Monday and Tuesday to play Go and Kahoot. On Tuesday in SEM, we'll apply the skills you learned in EAP to help you release stress and stay well. Don't forget to watch this week's "Simon Says" for other strategies to maintain your well-being.
If we see you at the gym this week, you'll get a prize! 🥳
Week 6: Pass with Flying Colors
Friday at Kinsmen was fantastic! This is my favourite way to make you speak with each other. I love to see you come out of your shell and chat together while tasting s'mores. Did you have a great time, too?
S'mores are great!
Are black s'mores edible?
Multitasking! What's my word?
UNO for all!
Simon Says: June 10, 2024
At the Student Engagement Centre, we have been enjoying your company. When you hang out in the SEC space, you can have more opportunities for a chat or a quick game of Go. Can you feel the sense of community there too?
This week I have asked former EAP students about their experiences in regular university courses.
Thank you, EAP 137 students: NAJIBA, HAMZA and MOHAMAD, for sharing your experience!
Watch Simon Says to find out what they think, and learn about this week's programming.
Wednesday Guest Speaker @ 11:30
Week 5: It is June already!
Last Week in Pictures
Walkth through the Old Strathcona gardens
Wee Book Inn on Whyte Avenue
Do you love to read, too?
All smiles!
Simon Says June 03, 2024
Thank you to all those students and former students who helped us record! It makes Simon more exciting to watch We love seeing you in the videos and it allows you to practice your public speaking!
This week we talked a lot about reading and schedule. Watch the video to learn more, and perhaps add this challenge below to your schedule for this week
Are you up for a challenge?
June is the National Indigenous Month, so we have a challenge for you:
Go for a walk to Whyte Avenue with a friend or on your own.
Find the Wee Book Inn bookstore.
Look for the book Secret Path. Spend a moment and read a page or two, to see if you like it. You do not have to buy the book. Just check it out. (You can borrow the book at the Strathcona library)
Why?
Gord Downie, the author of the story, was an iconic Canadian artist, singer, songwriter, and writer who may interest you. His book tells the touching story of a 12-year-old boy named Chanie Wenjack and the hardships faced by Indigenous people in Canada. This story may take you on a path to discover a sad story that many Indigenous children and families experienced.
Last Week in Pictures
Week 4: Crack your books open
Simon Says May 27, 2024
This week at the SEC we will have plenty of opportunities to practice English and to learn from real-life experiences. At the SEC we have set a goal to read every day for 30 min. Can you do that too? Watch this week's Simon Says to get inspired.
Campus Adventure in pictures
Week 3: Track It, See It, Achieve It
Simon Says May 21, 2024
Hope you had some time to rest and you are ready for this week. It is a short week, but we can squeeze in some activities outside the classroom. Watch this week Simon Says to find out how you can practice English outside the classroom, and get better. This week start thinking about what kind of learner you are, and how, when, where you learn best! Have you subscribed to ELS calendar yet?
Week 2: Get into the habit
Simon Says May 13, 2024
This week at the SEC will be eventful. Besides academic support for EAP students, we will have fun activities you can join! Go tournament will challenge your strategy skills, Kahoot Cup will test your knowledge, and Friday Fun will encourage you to be a team player. If you want to practice your communication skills in a relaxed atmosphere, join the Thursday Convo Club. If you want to practice listening skills, and learn some practical information for international students, join the Wednesday Guest Speaker activity with the ISVS advisor on Wednesday.
Watch this week's Simon Says to learn why joining SEC is a good idea!
Vocabulary challenge: Terry mentions the word CONTRIVED. Look up its meaning in the Longman dictionary. It might appear in the Tuesday Kahoot Cup
Friday Fun in photos
Last Friday we went on a walk to the River Valley. Along the way we learned some fun facts about the North Saskatchewan River, we saw the evidence of the beavers living there. We played games, did some art, and enjoyed each others company. Join us every Friday for more language exposure while having fun!
Week 1: Let's begin
Welcome to the the new term!
At the ELS we are ready to roll our sleeves and start the term with some positive energy. Once you settle in your new class, get to know your instructor and your new classmates, it will be time to start exploring what the SEC has to offer. Zuzana will be your SEC instructor in May and June, and Barbara be with you in July and August. Vicky will be with you the whole term, so you should get to know the team as soon as possible. Watch Simon Says video to learn more.
Simon Says May 6, 2024
Last term's photos
Student Stories
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!
Reihaneh's Story
Student Engagement Centre (SEC)
6- 138 ED North
Zuzana Buchanan - SEC/EAP instructor
I am passionate about helping students become more confident users of English. That's why I love working at the SEC. When you join in SEC activities, you become more immersed in the local culture and the community. This can help improve your language skills and adapt to your new surroundings.
Why don't you visit the Student Engagement Centre in 6-138 during Monday Drop-in times? We can chat about ways to put your English into practice. Bring a friend and explore some activities that the SEC offers.
Please email me if you have any questions about navigating your academic life. If you have any personal questions, I can help you find resources. Email zuzana@ualberta.ca
Vicky Chang - SEC Assistant
Hi, I am Vicky, a passionate individual who finds joy in exploring diverse conversations. Whether it's discussing the intricacies of different cuisines, sharing travel anecdotes, delving into the world of music and movies, or offering valuable study tips, I'm always up for a lively exchange of ideas.
Beyond the casual chatter, I extend a helping hand to those navigating the challenges of school or life stress. Feel free to drop by the SEC if you have any questions or concerns—I'm here to connect you with the right resources.
Looking forward to meeting you in the SEC and fostering meaningful conversations. For more personalized assistance, don't hesitate to visit me at the SEC (room 6-138) or email me @chiachi@ualberta.ca.
Simon, the ELS mascot
I love posing for pictures with students! I also love playing hide and seek with students and going on little trips and adventures around Edmonton. Take me along!
Sometimes I really enjoy listening to the students during the break. I think they have lots of secrets.
Fun fact: I have three cousins: Moose, the moose, and Ron, the polar bear!
