The Conestoga Language Institute English Language Studies English for Academic Studies Newsletter Summer 2017 This issue of the Conestoga Language Institute English Language Newsletter was written by the students in the Written Communications II and III classes in the summer semester, 2017. The students wrote about winter. They included their thoughts about coming to Canada and advice for studying in the summer. The students are excited about sharing their work! 1
Our best advice for studying in Canada in the summer When you study English in the summer in Canada, you must buy sunglasses, an umbrella and a raincoat. ~Raafat You should enjoy outside activities because you cannot go outside much in the winter. ~Hoon You should bring your raincoat and swimsuit, and you should stay in the Conestoga College Residence. ~Ozgur You should study outside because the weather is nice. ~Hadel You could have an exciting experience because Canada has many kinds of summer camps. ~JungA You have to read a lot of books because we have a lot of tests and essays. ~Sim Although it is summer, some days are pretty cold, so you need to bring some coats. ~Ananda Because we do not have to wait in lines and the College is quiet, you should study in Canada in the summer time to enjoy this. ~Bia is very long, for the winter season s daylight is shorter. ~Soojin The best time to start studying in Canada is in the summer because the weather is nice, so you should study outside and travel to discover Canada s tourist places. ~Larissa In the summer, studying English is the most exciting, for you can learn it in the best environment with beautiful trees and fresh air. ~Sangmi In the summer, you should study harder than in the spring because there are few students at Conestoga College. You can use the computers easily. I think summer is the best for studying. ~Jini You should go to camp on weekends because summer in Canada is very short and beautiful. ~Leo If you come to Conestoga College in the summer season, you should enjoy some time going on a picnic, going camping or going swimming. ~Luna Most Canadians travel during the summer vacation because they should enjoy the short summer. ~Sam You should bring your jacket in the summer time, for Canada has variable weather. ~Kay I advise students to study ESL at Conestoga College because it is very fun, especially in the summer season. ~Ghaith Students should do various activities while the summer season s daylight 2
Canada You should visit Conestoga College in the summer because in the summer, it is easy to travel. ~Faris By: Simon and Fatema Canada is one of the most wonderful, intriguing and developed countries over the whole world. It is also a multicultural country. A huge majority of citizens are from different countries, and they came to Canada for studying, working, traveling and living. Canada has three magnificent advantages that impress people: breathtaking scenery, appetizing and delicious food, and highly effective education. First of all, Canada is the biggest country that encompasses 10 provinces and 3 territories; all of those have various kinds of captivating views. For example, one of the provinces which is called Alberta is a gorgeous place in the Rocky Mountains. I have already been there once last year, but I just spent a week. I would have enjoyed the weather if I had stayed longer. Besides, Canada has various kinds of food. For instance, a large number of different types of restaurants in downtown have opened. People are able to try many kinds of tasty food; they can absorb multiple methods to make those delightful meals. Communities are able to try the famous food in Canada; it is poutine. Finally, most citizens purposefully choose Canada for studying. For example, an enormous number of Asian and European people can select many wellknown institutes for studying. The Canadian education is renowned for studying and provides a convenient environment for the disabled. Another major advantage of the education system of Canada is that the Canadian universities offer affordable tuition for students. All in all, the majority assert that Canada is the top-notch country for people who yearn for good lives and jobs. Best of Spring By: Grace and Jung Won There are three important things to do when many people come to Canada for the first time. All of this is free and very useful. The first benefit is to use a local library. For example, local libraries can rent books, DVDs, and CDs. They also provide conversation gatherings and various events. In particular, the 'Conversation Circle' provides participants with insight into Canadian culture and local information. In addition, reading activities and a variety of programs for children help children adapt to the new environment. The second benefit is to use the YMCA's newcomer program. To use these services, go to your local YMCA office with your immigration papers and register. For example, immigrants who have stayed in Canada for less than one year can experience free activities for three months, such as group activities, conversation and citizenship support. The final benefit is to utilize the Kitchener and Waterloo viewing 3
sites. For instance, when people contact the web site, they can see free events held in the vicinity. In conclusion, we suggest trying these three things. Also, if people are a little more industrious, they will find out about the many activities you can enjoy in Canada. Canada through the eyes of newcomers By: Thanh and Jessica Are you new in Canada? You need to know several things about Canada before you go there to make sure that you have a great time. First, you need to be careful with Canadian mosquitoes. It sounds like a joke, but it is not. The Canadian mosquito bites will cause serious problems for your skin if you get a bite on your tendon. For instance, we know one new student in Canada, she got bitten on her hand by mosquitoes in Niagara Falls; as a result, she felt very hurt for 5 or 6 days. If you want to enjoy your time in Canada, you need to keep yourself safe and healthy to have a positive attitude every day you have been in this country. Second, if you are a student or worker, you should keep track of Canada's immigration policy. The reason is Canadian immigration policy changes, so you need to know exactly when Canadian immigration policy will change, and what it is. For example, my friend has an International Master degree, and he wanted to come to Canada to work; however, the immigration policy has changed, so his master's degree is suspended. Now, he is looking for another way. The last thing that newcomers should know about The Land of Maple is their holiday. After passing immigration policy and having a healthy body, you should enjoy the atmosphere of Canada's holiday. Canada has approximately 20 holidays each year, and it might differ from your country. When you come to the new country, you need to expose yourself to their culture by joining in their holiday celebrations. Why don't you join Canada s 150th birthday on July 1st? Or any of the many holidays that are taking place during the year. In conclusion, as we mentioned, the three things you need to know are mosquito attention, immigration policy and Canada holidays. If you know these three things, we think they will be very helpful during your stay in Canada. Coming to Canada By: Minh and Kim Chi There are four most important things you should do in your first month in Canada. First, you should spend time researching information about some 4
services in Canada such as bank services and health services. Second, you need to prepare personal items because they are really necessary for your life. For instance, shopping for clothes for every season or prepare enough medicine suitable for your body condition. Last but not least, food is one of the most things you need to prepare by yourself if you are not familiar with food in Canada. Third, you ought to learn about transport systems in Canada because it will be different from your country. Let s take the driver license for instance, if you want to drive on a highway in Canada without restrictions, you must to take about 2 years to get a G license. Besides, the traffic signs in Canada have some differences from your country; therefore, you need to research carefully. Finally, you should find out about accommodation. To illustrate, you should find a good place to live or peaceful place to stay. It is very important for you because it will influence your life. Firstly, settle yourself by finding a nice place to live, open a bank account, and get a local cellphone number. These are basic things you need to do when you first arrive in a foreign country. Secondly, try to be a Canadian. Go outside to learn something new about Canadian culture. Talk to Canadians, and make Canadian friends. You will feel happy living in Canada. For example, I still remember that the first day I came to service Canada, the person who worked there told me that if you want to be a Canadian, you should drink coffee from Tim Horton s every day. It is a sign of a Canadian; also, it can make you feel not like an outsider. Thirdly, remember, never get involved with a group where everyone speaks your native language when you study English. The reason for that is when you share the same language with others, you will naturally speak your own language; as a result, you cannot improve your English skills. If you follow these three suggestions, I believe living Canada will be the most interesting experience in your life. Advice for Coming to Canada By: Christopher and Leia There are three exciting things you should do when you first arrive in Canada! 5