[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/esl1.jpg” caption=”International students participating in McMaster’s ESL programs enjoy a meal together behind University Hall. Photo courtesy of Tania Hakim.”]More than 300 students from around the world are studying English as a Second Language (ESL) at McMaster this summer. The pre-university and university students are participating in specialized three- and four-week ESL programs offered by the Office of International Affairs (OIA).

The OIA has also implemented a training program on how to teach ESL programs. This program is being offered to a large delegation of ESL teachers from China's Tanjing Normal University, Tanjing University of Technology, Beijing Sports University and Changwon University in South Korea.

Similarly, a large delegation of English professors from the Shanghai International Studies Universities (SISU) is at McMaster to learn more about English literature teaching methodologies. These skills will then be applied at SISU, which will subsequently train others in the region. The OIA is working in partnership with the Department of English and Cultural Studies to co-ordinate the four-week program.

This summer, students from a variety of countries such as the Czech Republic, Brazil, China, Kazakhstan, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia and South Korea are participating in the program. These graduates have all returned and have become ambassadors of McMaster University.

“It is encouraging to see the interaction of these students with the broader McMaster community,” says May Zhai, program manager, International Student Recruitment and Summer ESL Program. “I hope that international friendship is developed with many of our visitors from around the world.”

While at McMaster in July and August, the participants will be staying at a student residence and attending classes across campus. As part of these programs, special excursions have been planned to local theatres, Niagara Falls, Ottawa, Montreal, Quebec City, Toronto and other attractions where the students can experience practical everyday situations.

“This has been an amazing opportunity for us to learn and experience the Canadian culture and landscape,” says Betty Ji, a participant in the four-week summer ESL program. “It has given me a first-hand experience of the McMaster University campus and atmosphere. I would most likely return to McMaster to study for my undergraduate degree.”

Past students who have provided positive feedback about the program and have since applied to McMaster in the coming academic year have expressed similar sentiments.

“This is a positive step,” says Dr. Luke Chan, associate vice-president international affairs at McMaster. “We have been mindful of increasing McMaster's international profile. These initiatives have certainly done that with benefits being realized in the years to come.”

Commenting on the unique and innovative nature of the English Literature Teaching Methodology program, Dr. James King, distinguished university professor at McMaster University said: “By far, this is the most enjoyable teaching experience I have had in my 30-plus yeas at McMaster. This course, based in large part on the inquiry model, is a genuinely innovative step forward.”

The diverse group of students will graduate in the coming weeks with formal ceremonies and farewell barbecues prior to their departure. For more information, please contact May Zhai at the Office of International Affairs at ext. 24211.