Embarking on a language learning adventure at the English Language Institute
My name is Aysa and I’m an international student enrolled in the Pre-English Boost + English Boost program at the TMU English Language Institute (ELI). In September of 2024, I will begin my undergraduate studies to major in Chemistry and then I plan on 4 years of pharmacy school after that.
I am an Iranian national who has just moved to Canada and I’m starting a new chapter of my life on my own. Join me as I share some details about my experience, the incredible support I’ve received from instructors and staff, and the amazing opportunities the ELI has provided me as I prepare to begin my undergraduate program at Toronto Metropolitan University!
The ELI offers pathway programs for students who meet the academic requirements but have not met the minimum English proficiency requirements to study at TMU. The programs vary in length, lasting 8, 16 or 32 weeks and they aim to prepare students for success in their undergraduate studies. Every day, I look forward to what’s to come. I am fortunate to have lessons that are both challenging and supportive every day. To make learning interesting and productive, the instructors use cutting-edge tools and techniques. To strengthen our language skills, critical thinking, and communication abilities, we focus on listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
We can practice and improve our language abilities in a dynamic manner at the ELI facilities, which are modern and equipped with state-of-the-art resources like language labs and multimedia tools.
The close relationship between instructors and their students is a great part of the program. The teachers are really invested in our development as students and in their own professional and personal success as educators. They make sure that every student gets tailored help to overcome language obstacles by giving us specific attention and direction.
To further enhance our language learning journey, the ELI also offers a wide range of resources, such as writing centres, language workshops, and online learning platforms.
The variety of backgrounds represented in my classes is another strength. Our diverse cultural backgrounds enhance the learning experience and offer a chance for cultural exchange and new insights.
The ELI organizes social events, workshops, and activities that bring us together to get to know each other, fostering a sense of community and friendship. On top of that, the ELI plans fun tours and workshops, and social events so that we may experience the local culture and explore Toronto. Not only can these activities help us become better language learners, but they also make the class more enjoyable and leave a lasting impression.
I start my morning classes with reading and writing skills, in which our instructor shows us strategies for writing different types of assignments that we can expect in our undergraduate programs. In the afternoon, I have my listening and speaking course. We practice speaking, listening to each other, and our presentation skills.
In both of my classes, we have focused on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as frameworks of learning. These include SDG #5 Gender Inequality, SDG #10 Reduced Inequality, and SDG #3 Good Health and Well-being. I wrote a research essay about reducing inequality through the #MeToo Movement, developed presentations about how my program (chemistry) can be used to address global sustainability, crafted an argumentative essay supporting universal access to maternal and child health care, and created a poster about sustainable supply chains. All of these are examples of how I improved my English skills while also engaging in interesting topics related to the Sustainable Development Goals.
After I’m done with my class, I think about how my day went and how much progress I made in my learning. To help establish objectives for future development, my instructors encourage me to reflect on my progress as we discuss where I need to continue to grow to improve my English and be a better student. The ELI promotes introspection which involves deep reflection and self-examination, leading to greater self-understanding, personal growth, and informed decision-making.
The time I've spent at the ELI has been life-altering. Thanks to the curriculum, I have a firm grasp of the language as well as the background and abilities I need to thrive in my undergraduate degree. My expectations were surpassed by the fullness of support, resources, and possibilities for personal and intellectual advancement.