How the English Language Centre can help you succeed at UM
The English Language Centre (ELC) at the University of Manitoba provides both in-person and remote programming to help students whose first language is not English succeed in their studies. One of these students shared her experience with the program. Riyam AL-Zuhairi moved from Iraq to Winnipeg in September 2023. Within days of arriving, she began the ELC’s Intensive Academic English Program (IAEP) so that she could meet the UM’s English Language Proficiency requirement and go on to confidently pursue her goal of a bachelor’s degree in business.
The IAEP has 6 levels: the Foundations level emphasizes English for daily life, levels 1–4 focus on academic preparation for intermediate, and advanced level students and the 5th level prepares students for admission to the UM. Direct admission into level 5 requires minimum test scores on one or several eligible tests, while levels 1–4 have a placement test to place students in the level best suited for their learning. More information about this process can be found on the ELC’s website. AL-Zuhairi was placed in level 5 and completed her program in December 2023, allowing her to begin her program in U1.
AL-Zuhairi shared how valuable and positive the experience was from a variety of angles. From the academic side, she noted: “There were many things which I learned. Reading classes we analyzed texts. Speaking classes, we practiced presentations and speeches. Listening classes, we learned how to effectively take notes and follow up with the main idea. In writing classes, we learned how to write about anything in every style whether it was a small paragraph or a research paper.” She also explained that “the ELC emphasizes not only academic language skills but also personal growth, creating a holistic learning journey. The sense of community at the ELC coupled with connections formed, contributes to a supportive and enriching second home for students. Overall, the English Language Centre stands out for its comprehensive approach, ensuring both linguistic mastery and a transformative educational experience.”
AL-Zuhairi found new friendships, a sense of community, and new experiences through the program. She explained that her favourite part of the program was “the fact that there were many people from all over the world to learn with and from.” She added that “Our shared friendships fostered a thriving classroom that improved our learning environment. I was able to learn from others about their culture and try some of their very good food with the happy environment we were in, we felt like a family.”
For students who are unsure if the program is right for them, AL-Zuhairi’s words of encouragement may shine some light on the benefits of the program: “The ELC went beyond language acquisition; it encouraged personal development, forging connections, and establishing a second home establishing a second home. Choosing the ELC program promises not only enhanced academic language proficiency but also a heightened sense of confidence in using the language. Experiencing a gradual improvement in your language skills can be described as an unparalleled joy.”
If AL-Zuhairi’s resounding praise is not persuasive enough, the IAEP’s benefits are also visible in student achievement statistics. More than 80% of students who begin the IAEP go on to pursue a degree at UM. These students achieve higher marks than international students who did not complete the program and higher first year GPAs than Canadian students. They also have higher degree completion rates than other international or Canadian students. These statistics come as little surprise when hearing how Riyam summed up her experience: “I would like to say that joining the ELC is such a blessing that not a lot of people are aware of it until they try it. It is fun to sit in a small classroom where you can get to know your teachers, peers and staff. You get a lot of attention that you will not get in a larger classroom. The staff put in so much effort to make fun activates and make the time much easier. I said it once and I will say it again, I am grateful for the ELC program.”
If you are interested in learning more, you can visit the ELC’s website and/or contact the ELC directly at elc@umanitoba.ca.