Newcomer Blog Project Information

ESL Information for Newcomers Blog

Homestay Edmonton

http://www.edmontonhomestayagency.com/

Visitors to Edmonton

http://www.infoedmonton.com/

http://www.edmontonevents.com/

Ethnic societies in Edmonton

http://www.edmontonmulticultural-ems.org/resource-directory/ethnic-group.html

Edmonton Public Library

http://www.epl.ca/interests/multicultural

ESL contacts:

NAIT

Kimberly Payne 471-8360 kpayne@nait.ca

Lorraine 780-378-5030 lorrnord@nait.ca  W111PB

Interview with Kimberly - Summary:

NAIT has 5 levels of English. The placement test is divided into listening and speaking, reading and vocabulary, and writing and grammar components. Each level is one semester long. Level 5 = EAP, or ready to enter a university program. NAIT uses recruitment in students home countries. Ask for Jackie Su or Tina Zhao for information in Chinese. NAIT uses an academic buddy system for newcomers. NAIT also has some evening classes which educate beyond level 5.

Recently NAIT has partnered with the Chinese government. Chinese teachers are here for 6 months.

WECA

Joan Solbrekkein

ESL program 489-2579 ext. 245

Check out West Meadows Baptist Church

Check out Beulah Alliance Church

Ask for Lighthouse ph # info on Spanish ESL classes

489 – 4010 

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General Tips for Students

Tips 1 to 5

1. Get Organized

• When you are a student in a post secondary institution you will have a lot of papers and books to keep track of. Make sure you have lots of binders, shelves or file folders to keep the papers in order.
  
• A large calendar will also help you remember your assignments.
• *In some institutions, you can get a student planer to help you things organize.   
• Do not forget your deadlines for exams, fees, etc.

2. Watch Your Money

• When you first arrive at a post secondary institution there will likely be lots of clubs to join and books to buy. Think about the clubs you would like to join, and if you will have enough time or money for them.
• For books you may want to read the library copy or to purchase second hand books rather than buying your own.

3. Prioritize

• Once you know what assignments are coming up put them in order of importance. This way you know that you are getting the right things done first.

4. Study Habits

• Try to do your work when you are most alert. Some people study best in the morning while others study better before bed.
• Use all your time well. Don't waste small amounts of time doing nothing. If you are distracted by Facebook, TV, or friends study in a more quiet place.
• Set a finish date for your assignments before the due date. Then you will have time to edit and correct any errors.

5. Branch Out

• Get to know people who are different. Expect to be homesick and talk to people about it. Remember that this is a normal part of traveling to a new country.

Article Info

Information from: McMillan, Kathleen and Johnathan Weyers, Study Skills for international Students, Harlow, England: Pearson Education Limited, 2011.

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