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Succeed in English
Hundreds of SFU graduate students are multilingual speakers with a native language other than English, or have just begun their experience in a new (academic) culture. We have compiled a list of professional development resources at SFU that will help you become a competent actor in a multicultural and multilingual environment.
Resources for Succeeding in English
English as an Additional Language (EAL) Workshops
Workshops aimed to support EAL students are offered every term.
Academic Writing & Speaking Bootcamp
A 4-day workshop during reading break that focuses on grammar and style in the morning and tutorial participation in the afternoons. Offered every term.
Academic English Coaching
One-on-one English support for EAL students, meet min. 3 times per semester with an English language specialist. Offered every term.
Multilingual Students' Hub
A forum for multilingual students to share their stories about events or critical incidents that occurred while learning or using English. Submit your own story.
One-on-One EAL Consultations
Consultations for academic writing, reading, and conversational and academic speaking and listening support. Offered every term.
Conversation Partners
One-to-one, semester-long service with a volunteer peer educator designed to support multilingual learners' English conversation skills as well as help them with their social and cultural needs as they transition into and through the university.
Academic Writing & Speaking Bootcamp
A 4-day workshop during reading break that focuses on grammar and style in the morning and tutorial participation in the afternoons. Offered every term.
Academic English Coaching
One-on-one English support for EAL students, meet min. 3 times per semester with an English language specialist. Offered every term.
Vancouver is Awesome!
To get to know Vancouver better, meet new people, and improve English conversation skills in a casual, group setting.
Strategies for Pronouncing Academic and Professional Vocabulary
A 50-minute session to learn how word beginnings (prefixes) can help you to predict word stress regularities and pronounce words more accurately.
The Plurilingual Café
A weekly workshop with the goal to recognize and celebrate the rich plurality of EAL students everyday language practices and interactions.
Let's Talk
Develop fluency, expand your vocabulary, and share cultural perspectives in a casual group setting.
International Teaching Assistants Program (ITA)
Looking for assistance as a new TA? Want to learn some tips and strategies to support you in your role? Interested to practice useful language for facilitation? The Centre for Educational Excellence (CEE) has targeted programming options, including monthly workshops, Canvas resources, and one-on-one consultations.
English Language and Culture Program
Programs include:
- 8-week intensive seminar with or without specialization
- 4-week summer immersion program
- Pathway ELC - FIC - SFU
Several events and trainings related to intercultural competence.
Health and Counselling
Transition Case Manager
One-on-one support specifically for international students for managing culture shock, school stress, finding housing or understanding documents or Canadian services.
Work Integrated Learning
English as Additional Language Tips
Check out resources such as videos about common workplace phrases and testimonials about different challenges for EAL speakers in the workplace, or infographics about different intercultural topics.
International Services for Students
Workshops
Stay tuned about upcoming events and workshops for international students, e.g. tax workshops, permanent residency workshops, rights for tenants workshops, etc.
Self-Assessment Resources
Test your English skills with an English proficiency test, free exam samples, and grammar and spelling diagnostic websites.
Grammar and Vocabulary Resources
Improve your grammar and vocabulary with these self-study resources.
Work Integrated Learning
Resources for Workplace Communications and Culture
Videos and infographics about common workplace phrases and intercultural topics at the workplace, as well as testimonials about different challenges for EAL speakers in the workplace.