[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/esl_students_opt.jpg” caption=”CSD stock photo”]A shrug of the shoulders, a sarcastic remark, or a common phrase that makes reference to an historic parable can communicate different messages in English, Arabic and French. But for a student whose first language isn't English, those subtle innuendos can make a big difference in how well they process and understand what others are saying.

For the hundreds of international students attending McMaster each year, tackling the pace, material and workload of university-level courses is coupled with the pressure of adapting to a new culture, climate, and language. Now, McMaster's commitment to meeting those students' needs has seen the recently-expanded English as a Second Language (ESL) courses reach new levels of popularity.

Rosette Adera and Claire Rivlin, the Centre for Student Development's English as a Second Language (ESL) instructors and co-ordinators, say many students who are new to English and Canada have no idea how well or poorly they'll do in real-life foreign language situations until they arrive.

“A lot of students can read and write well, but often their listening and speaking skills need work,” says Rivlin. “Sometimes the English-language education they received in their home country doesn't coincide with their needs to understand lectures, ask questions, and express opinions in an academic environment.”

But the students aren't arriving unprepared. Many spend months or years taking intensive language courses. Before their applications to study abroad are accepted, they must pass a test of written English and TOEFL (test of English as a foreign language). Many McMaster departments have additional standards that students must meet before they embark on studies in their non-native language.

McMaster's new ESL courses are a compliment to long-standing support programs including Speak Easy and Conversation Circle, offering one-on-one or group conversation training. A career-focused language program, Opening Doors, helps students prepare for employment in English, providing help with resume writing, job search skills, and practice interviews.

“ESL students face a variety of emotions,” say Adera and Rivlin. “A successful interaction  when a message is conveyed and understood  can be the highlight of the day, but only an hour later they may find themselves in a more difficult interaction and that becomes incredibly frustrating.”

This year marks the first year students can attend ESL courses on campus during the daytime. Previously they were encouraged to attend evening courses open to the public through the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board. Adera says the new daytime courses are an excellent resource because they allow McMaster students who are new to Canada to form stronger relationships within their campus community.

Students who study abroad in any country often encounter what Rivlin calls a “honeymoon period”, when they're fascinated with the differences in fashion, food, and social customs in their new country. She says that stage varies in duration for different people, but the best way to succeed as a student in a new country is a careful balance of enjoying the culture and staying on top of obligations.

“During the honeymoon period everything is new and exciting, but it's also important to keep pace with class requirements,” says Rivlin. “It's easier to function in a new culture, and to speak a second or third language if you're not overwhelmed by how far behind you are on homework.”

Before students are admitted to the free listening/speaking and reading/writing courses they must take an assessment test. Tests are offered free of charge, and they include listening, multiple choice, reading-comprehension and short essay components. They help Adera and Rivlin determine which classes a student would benefit from.

“International students travel a long way to attend McMaster, and usually they're coming because we have a good reputation for being student-centred, and a leader in innovation and quality,” says Adera. “We should provide them with the resources that help them succeed here.”

Classes are not for credit and they are intended to improve a student's academic excellence. Currently five daytime classes of 20 students are running, in addition to the Monday-Wednesday evening classes. More are set to begin in January.

English language assessment tests for January's classes will begin in early December. For more information about exact times and locations, visit csd.mcmaster.ca or contact Rosette Adera, ext. 26229 or Claire Rivlin, ext. 26002.

Photo caption: International students in McMaster's Centre for Student Development help each other adapt to a new culture, climate, and language. Photo courtesy CSD