[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/ESLAug08.jpg” caption=”McMaster offered ESL programs to more than 180 international students this summer. Photo courtesy of Yvonne Maidment.”]More than 180 students from around the world are studying English as a Second Language (ESL) at McMaster University this summer. The Office of International Affairs (OIA) has been working all year in preparation for this exciting event and welcomed the arrival of international students to our campus. This year marks another exciting program with students joining us from Spain, Japan and regions across China.

For the past five years, the OIA has been administering a variety of language and career enrichment programs for high school students, university students and English language teachers and professors. Specialized two, three and four week programs are designed to meet the individual needs and academic requirements of each student.

“After five years of running this program, we have seen a steady increase in the number of participants,” says program manager May Zhai. “We started this program with less than 80 students from one university and high school. It is exciting to see how the programs have developed and expanded from high school groups to inter-university programs with partner institutes around the world.”

Several classes are available with fun and informative course content. The program enables students to learn and practice their language skills in practical everyday scenarios, such as ordering meals and asking for directions across campus.

Experienced ESL instructors bring Canadian culture to life for students experiencing Canada and meeting its people for the first time.

Linking language and knowledge to Canadian culture is a strong component of the program. Weekend trips to exciting landmarks such as the CN Tower and Niagara Falls are among some of the attractions that our students visit. One of the most exciting parts of the program is a three-day tour of eastern Canada, including Ottawa, Montreal and Quebec City.

“As an educator, it has been very gratifying to see how the synergy between language lessons and cultural activities really helps our students enjoy the application of their new English skills,” says Dr. Luke Chan, associate vice-president (international affairs). “Our instructors and teaching assistants have really stepped up in terms of planning and coordinating their activities as well as showing enthusiasm and commitment to the students. I feel confident that students will return to their respective countries with a long-lasting and positive impression of Canada, Hamilton and McMaster University.”

This year, we have introduced a new university program working with two partner universities in Japan: Meiji University and Shibaura Institute of Technology.

We have developed an intensive academic ESL program focused on language development in formal and social contexts incorporating functional English lessons with practical industrial and cultural visits. Students have had the opportunity to visit the Bertrand Russell Archives, view the Ontario Legislature at Queen's Park, tour local businesses and view Dr. Chan's personal collection on display at the Art Gallery of Hamilton.

As Dr. Chan stated in a lecture to the students, “Culture is defined by behaviour and it is displayed through a number of outlets, including music, entertainment and language. No one culture is better than another; they are just different.” Through the duration of this program, students see how our differences can bring us together.

In addition to language instruction and introduction to Canadian culture, we are planting seeds for future development. Among the mandates of the OIA are international programs and international recruitment. Building a relationship with high school students is the first step in recruiting students to McMaster.

“High school students represent our future recruiting,” says Zhai, “By nurturing relationships with these students, we achieve to build a bond that will extend to their university studies. We are a limited staff working hard to manage these programs and when we see former ESL students returning to attend our business and engineering programs, we see this as our reward.”

Coordinating with various departments and facilities on campus has enhanced the success of the ESL programs. The significant contribution from Conference Services, computing, catering, the library and countless others has been instrumental in the organization and administrative process of bringing our programs to fruition.

Many students have walked our halls, lived in our residences, studied in our libraries and graduated from our ESL programs. Our ambition is to once again host these same students in a similar manner through their undergraduate and graduate studies at McMaster.

For more information on summer ESL programs at McMaster, please contact May Zhai or Yvonne Maidment at the Office of International Affairs, ext. 24211/22916.