The IAEP has 6 levels: the Foundations level emphasizes English for daily life, levels 1–4 focus on academic preparation for intermediate, and advanced level students and the 5^th level prepares students for admission to the UM. Direct admission into level 5 requires minimum test scores on one or several eligible tests, while levels 1–4 have a placement test to place students in the level best suited for their learning. More information about this process can be found on the ELC’s website. AL-Zuhairi was placed in level 5 and completed her program in December 2023, allowing her to begin her program in U1.

AL-Zuhairi shared how valuable and positive the experience was from a variety of angles. From the academic side, she noted: “There were many things which I learned. Reading classes we analyzed texts. Speaking classes, we practiced presentations and speeches. Listening classes, we learned how to effectively take notes and follow up with the main idea. In writing classes, we learned how to write about anything in every style whether it was a small paragraph or a research paper.” She also explained that “the ELC emphasizes not only academic language skills but also personal growth, creating a holistic learning journey. The sense of community at the ELC coupled with connections formed, contributes to a supportive and enriching second home for students. Overall, the English Language Centre stands out for its comprehensive approach, ensuring both linguistic mastery and a transformative educational experience.”

AL-Zuhairi found new friendships, a sense of community, and new experiences through the program. She explained that her favourite part of the program was “the fact that there were many people from all over the world to learn with and from.” She added that “Our shared friendships fostered a thriving classroom that improved our learning environment. I was able to learn from others about their culture and try some of their very good food with the happy environment we were in, we felt like a family.”

For students who are unsure if the program is right for them, AL-Zuhairi’s words of encouragement may shine some light on the benefits of the program: “The ELC went beyond language acquisition; it encouraged personal development, forging connections, and establishing a second home establishing a second home. Choosing the ELC program promises not only enhanced academic language proficiency but also a heightened sense of confidence in using the language. Experiencing a gradual improvement in your language skills can be described as an unparalleled joy.”

If AL-Zuhairi’s resounding praise is not persuasive enough, the IAEP’s benefits are also visible in student achievement statistics. More than 80% of students who begin the IAEP go on to pursue a degree at UM. These students achieve higher marks than international students who did not complete the program and higher first year GPAs than Canadian students. They also have higher degree completion rates than other international or Canadian students. These statistics come as little surprise when hearing how Riyam summed up her experience: “I would like to say that joining the ELC is such a blessing that not a lot of people are aware of it until they try it. It is fun to sit in a small classroom where you can get to know your teachers, peers and staff. You get a lot of attention that you will not get in a larger classroom. The staff put in so much effort to make fun activates and make the time much easier. I said it once and I will say it again, I am grateful for the ELC program.” 

If you are interested in learning more, you can visit the ELC’s website and/or contact the ELC directly at elc@umanitoba.ca.

Are you interested in meeting people from other cultures and sharing about your culture and Winnipeg? The Language Partner Volunteer Program, at UM’s English Language Centre (ELC), is an excellent opportunity to participate in a rewarding experience with an international student! Our students are eager to practice their spoken English with fluent English speakers in Winnipeg.   

The English Language Centre’s Intensive Academic English Program (IAEP) prepares international students who meet the academic admission criteria, but not the English language proficiency requirements, for degree study.  The Language Partner Volunteer Program supports IAEP students in practicing their informal listening and speaking skills outside of the classroom and in making personal connections in Winnipeg. Participating in this program is an excellent opportunity to share and learn about diverse cultures and to practice cross-cultural communication! Volunteers also help students build their confidence by providing information about living and communicating in a new cultural environment.

Volunteering is open to UM students, alumni, staff and members of the community.  All UM students are eligible for recognition on their Experience Record (Co-Curricular Record) if they meet the 10-hour minimum requirement in a year (Volunteerism & Participation category).

To participate, volunteers must:

• be 18 years or older
• be fluent in both written and spoken English
• commit to volunteer for a minimum of 7 hours in a term (approx. 1 hour per week)
• manage scheduling to find a time and place to meet on or near the Fort Garry campus
• be able to travel to meet in public (at least to Fort Garry Campus)
• have lived in Winnipeg for at least two years, and/or Canada for five years to have knowledge of the city and its resources and cultural diversity

Participating in the Language Partner Volunteer Program is a rewarding experience for everyone! Be a difference-maker today!

If interested in becoming a language partner volunteer, please contact elclanguagepartners@umanitoba.ca or 204-474-9251

The English Language Centre offers Part-Time Academic English Courses (PTAEC) to students whose first language is not English. The PTAEC are affordable, non-credit language courses which support students by providing them with the tools and strategies they need to master academic English language skills.

Five reasons to enroll in Part-Time Academic English Courses:

• Convenient: Courses are delivered remotely and in-person at Fort Garry and Bannatyne campuses.
• Class size: 10-15 students per class provides lots of one-on-one interaction with your instructor and classmates.
• Interactive: All courses are live and facilitated by highly experienced English language experts.
• Affordable: Only $150 per 30-hour course, and $50 for a 10-hour course. This equals $5 an hour!
  • 3 hours once per week for 10 weeks, with the exception of the NEW *Paraphrasing & Summarizing Skills course (2 hours once per week for 5 weeks).
• Fun: Meet other students and practice your English in a supportive environment!

Winter PTAEC courses begin the week of January 23^rd. Enroll now to guarantee your spot in the course(s) you want. For more information, course descriptions and course schedule, visit us at: umanitoba.ca/elc/parttime

The English Language Centre offers Part-Time Academic English Courses (PTAEC) to students whose first language is not English. The PTAEC are affordable, non-credit language courses which support students by providing them with the tools and strategies they need to master academic English language skills.]

Five reasons to enroll in Part-Time Academic English Courses:

• Convenient: Fall PTAEC courses are delivered in-person and remotely.
• Class size: 10-15 students per class provides lots of one-on-one interaction with your instructor and classmates.
• Interactive: All courses are live and facilitated by highly experienced English language experts.
• Affordable: only $150 per 30-hour course. This equals $5 an hour!
• Fun: Meet other students and practice your English in a supportive environment!

Fall PTAEC courses begin the week of September 19th. Enroll now to guarantee your spot in the course(s) you want. For more information, course descriptions and course schedule, visit us at: umanitoba.ca/elc/parttime

The good news is that English language courses are available through the English Language Centre’s Part-Time Academic English Courses (PTAEC).

The English Language Centre offers affordable, non-credit language courses to support students whose first language isn’t English. PTAEC supports students by providing them with the tools and strategies they need to master academic English language skills.

Five reasons to enroll in Part-Time Academic English Courses:

• Class size: 10-15 students per class means lots of one-on-one interaction with your instructor and classmates
• Convenient: Spring/Summer PTAEC courses are delivered in-person and remotely
• Interactive: all courses are live and facilitated by highly experienced English language experts
• Affordable: only $150 per 30-hour course (one 3-hour class each week for 10 weeks); this equals $5 an hour
• Fun: meet other students and practice your English in a supportive environment

Spring PTAEC courses begin the week of May 16th. Enroll now to guarantee your spot in the course(s) you want. For more information, course descriptions and course schedule, visit us at: umanitoba.ca/elc/parttime

The good news is that the English Language Centre offers Part-Time Academic English Courses (PTAEC). 

The English Language Centre offers affordable, non-credit language courses to support students whose first language is not English. PTAEC supports students by providing them with the tools and strategies they need to master academic English language skills.

Five reasons to enroll in Part-Time Academic English Courses:

• Class size: 10-15 students per class means lots of one-on-one interaction with your instructor and classmates
• Convenient: Fall PTAEC courses are delivered remotely
• Interactive: all courses are live and facilitated by highly experienced English language experts
• Affordable: only $150 per 30-hour course (one 3-hour class each week for 10 weeks); This equals $5 an hour
• Fun: meet other students and practice your English in a supportive environment

Fall  PTAEC courses begin the week of January 24th. Enroll now to guarantee your spot in the course(s) you want. For more information, course descriptions and course schedule, visit us at: umanitoba.ca/elc/parttime

“Students need to feel comfortable with not only general English, but also academic English,” says Alicia Franco-Espinosa, the Director of the ELC. “It is normal to struggle when English is not our first language. Even if students are fluent in English, they may still experience some language barriers. We want to help break down these barriers.”

One of the ELC’s main offerings is the Intensive Academic English Program (IAEP), a full-time program students take before starting their degree that helps them meet UM’s English language proficiency requirement. Anyone over 17 whose first language is not English can apply. In addition to learning in the classroom, IAEP provides opportunities to engage with the community. The Language Partner Volunteer Program matches IAEP Students with volunteers at the beginning of every term and they meet on a weekly basis to practice spoken English.

The ELC also offers Part-Time Academic English Courses (PTAEC) to current UM students who meet the university’s English proficiency requirements, but want to continue improving their academic English skills. Available courses include Oral Presentations, Grammar Review, Research Writing for Graduate Students, and more. The ELC recently launched a new course, Intercultural Communication, to assist students in better communicating and socializing with people from different cultural backgrounds.

Because participating in discussions in larger lecture halls can be intimidating, IAEP and PTAEC sessions have smaller class sizes of about 12 students. This creates an atmosphere where students can feel more comfortable practicing at any stage of their progress. All classes are synchronous and interactive, allowing students to actively engage with their peers, instructors and facilitators.

“Making mistakes, especially when speaking or writing in a different language, is expected, and it is an important part of the learning process,” Franco-Espinosa adds. “Seeking support in academic English language skills is no different from any student seeking help with any other skills or topics. It is simply another component for students that supports their academic success.”

The ELC’s mission to support academic success and participation in the university community remains the same whether people are located in Canada or in their home country. Over the past year, the ELC has successfully delivered all courses remotely and feedback from students shows that the experience has been valuable to them.

More information on the English Language Centre and additional details about their programs such as fees and eligibility requirements can be found at umanitoba.ca/elc.

The good news is that the English Language Centre offers Part-Time Academic English Courses (PTAEC).  A new course, Intercultural Communication, is also now available to help students communicate more confidently with people from cultures that may be quite different from their own.

The English Language Centre offers affordable, non-credit language courses to support students whose first language is not English. PTAEC supports students by providing them with the tools and strategies they need to master academic English language skills.

Five reasons to enroll in Part-Time Academic English Courses:

• Class size: 10-15 students per class means lots of one-on-one interaction with your instructor and classmates
• Convenience: Spring/Summer PTAEC courses are delivered remotely
• Interaction: all courses are live and facilitated by highly-experienced English language experts
• Affordability: only $150 per 30-hour course (two 3-hour classes each week for 5 weeks); This equals $5 an hour
• Fun: meet other students and practice your English in a supportive environment

Spring/Summer PTAEC courses begin the week of May 17^th. Enroll now to guarantee your spot in the course(s) you want. For more information, course descriptions and course schedule, visit the English Language Centre.

If you’re interested in developing your academic English and communication skills, these courses offer a great way to do that with support from instructors and peers. The English Language Centre will be offering a total of eight 30-hour courses this winter: four that build skills in academic writing and four that focus on speaking and academic presentations.

“Graduates who have developed their communications skills have been more successful in advancing their careers quickly after graduation,” said Garry Dyck, director of the English Language Centre. “The feedback in these courses will give students an awareness of their current communicative abilities and encourage ongoing improvement through to the time that they are seeking employment.”

Keshab Thapa, a graduate student in the Clayton H. Riddell Faculty of Environment, Earth & Resources, says the courses have helped him in many ways.

“These courses have taught me how to organize my ideas and ensure the proper flow in my writing and have provided a general understanding of the standards and expectations required for the Canadian style of writing essays and research papers,” said Thapa. “To me, these courses are helpful for improving sentence structure, citing articles and editing drafts. They also provided tips on organizing the different components of a research paper.”

Peer editing and class discussion also offers students the chance to get feedback and perspectives from other colleagues.

“The questions raised in the class by other participants and the interactive discussions allowed me to expand my way of learning,” said Thapa. “Facilitators were very helpful and open to discuss any questions raised by the students.”

Current U of M students whose first language is not English can register for the part time academic English courses at a cost of $30 per course. The cost for non-U of M students is $150.

Registrations are processed on a first-come, first-served basis and the number of spots is limited. Early registration is recommended.

The English Language Centre is also offering a series of free 90-minute workshops on both Fort Garry and Banntyne campuses this winter.

For information on courses and workshops and to register, visit the English Language Centre’s website.

“I was new here and wanted to know more about Canada and its culture,” said Mirian, who hails from Brazil and speaks Portuguese.

She and Heather met in April 2015 through the Language Partners Volunteer Program (LPVP), run by the University of Manitoba’s English Language Centre.

Mirian had recently moved to Winnipeg and Heather was volunteering with the LPVP. Along with seeking to learn about Canadian culture, Mirian wanted to practise her English and pronunciation, augmenting skills she was gaining through courses at the English Language Centre.

As part of the LPVP, they met for about an hour each week in a casual setting.

“You can talk about everything. It’s very helpful,” said Mirian. “It’s an amazing experience.”

While there was no set format for their gatherings, Heather and Mirian did draw on tools to occasionally spur dialogue.

“We shared photos of our families and our lives. If you need some help with language, photos work very well (to start conversations),” said Heather.

“Some weeks, we would read a newspaper article together from The Manitoban. So, if you need a little bit of structure you can always read an article together,” said Heather. Outside of volunteering, she is an English as an Additional Language teacher, who case manages about 200 newcomer students at Fort Richmond Collegiate.

The minimum requirement for the LPVP is seven hours of volunteering over a three-month term.

As a volunteer, Heather said the program offers a range of rewards.

“Each new international friend opens more doors and I’ve learned so much,” she said. “I also just love seeing people learn and Mirian is such an eager learner. To see her progress is very gratifying. After our formal partnership, we still meet as friends, which is really cool.”

Mirian, who trained as a psychologist in Brazil, said she aims to pursue a master’s degree in psychology at the U of M, examining autism and behavioural therapy.

Volunteer applications for the LPVP are being accepted through to Sept. 1.

Volunteers can be students, university employees, alumni or members of the community who are fluent in spoken and written English and have lived in Winnipeg for at least two years, or in Canada for at least five years.

For U of M students, volunteering with the program can be recognized on their co-curricular records, with a minimum commitment of 10 hours.

To sign up, contact Crystal Stewart by email at crystal.stewart@umanitoba.ca or by phone at 204-474-6722.

More information on the English Language Centre and its programs can be found here.