Attending university as an international graduate student or post-doctoral researcher can be challenging in many ways. On top of the rigorous demands of academic programs and research, adjusting to cultural norms and linguistic expectations both inside and outside of the lab or classroom can prove difficult.
Through the English Language Development program, the Centre for Scholarly Communication (CSC) aims to address these challenges to help researchers transition into the UBC Okanagan research community with ease and confidence.
Jessica Lowry, Academic Communication Consultant in the CSC, is one member of the team who facilitates this program by offering free English language development support through one-on-one consultations and group conversation circles. These wrap-around supports in the CSC help researchers develop strategies and skills to improve their listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in English.
“There aren’t always opportunities to practice conversational English in the research laboratory or classroom,” states Jessica. And while developing the skills and confidence to communicate with an academic audience is important, there are additional language skills an international researcher might want to develop to feel comfortable in their new environment. During one-on-one English Language Development sessions, researchers can practice academic and conversational English and set individualized goals for their development. These meetings are customized to suit each researcher’s needs: whether they want to have more conversations in English or learn terminology relevant to a specific field, topic, or situation.
“Some want to work on presentations, while others want to go over ordering their coffee or asking someone if they’d like to meet up,” Jessica describes. All of these elements are relevant and important for a wholistic and fulfilling university career.
“Our top goal is for students to develop confidence in speaking English,” Jessica says. “And that comes through practice.”
Along with the one-on-one sessions, researchers can also join the English Language Conversation Circle, which Jessica describes as a “low-risk space to just chat and practice English with other language learners.”
It’s important that the Centre for Scholarly Communication be a connection point on campus. “Researchers might start coming to us for English language development to help build confidence communicating in English and then return for support with writing publications, writing their thesis, and more. It’s important to build relationships first.”
Meet some of the participants!
Shadi’s Experience | Master of Education
Shadi had lots of options for her graduate studies. She chose UBCO because of its strong academic standing and the positive interactions that she had with her supervisor.
Back in Iran, Shadi was used to being a top student, but as an international student attending a graduate program in a new country, she was feeling less confident.
“When I started my master’s degree, I realized that I needed more practice speaking and expressing my ideas in English within academic contexts.”
Shadi first learned about the English Language Development program at an tabling event on campus.
“I needed a space for myself where I could think aloud and respond to questions my supervisor might ask me, or the questions in the classroom when we are asked to share our ideas.”
She decided to attend some one-on-one sessions to help her regain confidence.
“In every session we picked a topic in advance. Sometimes it was relevant to student life or to teaching. I really loved this freedom to pick a topic, read about it in advance, get prepared, and then come to the meeting.”
The one-on-one sessions provided Shadi with a safe space to practice her academic and everyday communication.
“My consultant helped me connect my ideas and explain my perspective more confidently. Whenever I had presentations or discussions, we would practice them first in our meetings. Then I felt much more relaxed and comfortable in class because I had the experience to talk to someone beforehand.”
Yuan’s Experience | Master of Health and Exercise Science
Yuan was attracted to UBC Okanagan because of the smaller campus size and the possibility for a closer connection with fellow graduate students and professors. She hoped that being part of a smaller campus would allow her to better understand the life and culture of the local community.
In China, Yuan would read English articles but never spoke English in her daily life. She admits that not having many opportunities to practice English made her a little scared to come to UBC Okanagan.
“I was nervous about coming across one of my classmates or a professor — what should I say, what should I talk about?”
When her friend joined the English language development program, she decided to join as well.
“Now, I feel I’m improving,” she says. “The program provides a comfortable environment. I can speak English with more confidence. I don’t mind my mistakes. I can comfortably chat with other people in English.”
Yuan credits the English language program with helping her to feel more at ease interacting with others on campus. “The best way you can improve your language is to practice and use it without stress.”
When asked if Yuan had any advice for other English language learners, she said that confidence and being open-minded is helpful. “And don’t be too hard on yourself. Accept that improving language takes time.”
Ian’s Experience | Master of Applied Science
Ian was swayed to come to UBC Okanagan because of a scholarship he received.
Although he was confident reading English because his textbooks, papers, and materials are all in English, Ian didn’t have many opportunities to speak English in Taiwan.
When he arrived at UBC Okanagan he decided that he wanted to improve his spoken English so that he could get to know other English speakers and better enjoy his time in Canada. “I don’t just want to get a degree here. I try to know more cultures and try to make friends with local people,” Ian says.
Most of the opportunities he saw for improving his English before his master’s program began were geared for undergraduate students. But once he arrived at UBC Okanagan he came across the English Language Development Program.
After accessing English Language Development support and explore language learning strategies at home, like watching English television, Ian says that he has more confidence.
