Dear Student,
In this week’s message, I will provide you with some resources to help practice and improve your English and public speaking skills. I encouraged you to look into the different options that will fit your needs.
GRADUATE RESOURCE CENTER & GRADUATE INTERCONNECT PROGRAM
The Graduate InterConnect Program offers weekly opportunities to practice your conversational English skills with Peer Mentors.
- International Graduate Student Lunchtime Meet-ups: Bring your lunch and a friend and join Graduate InterConnect Peer Mentors for interesting conversations about the graduate student experience. Tuesdays from 2pm-3pm (Week 1, 3, 5, 7) at the Graduate Resource Center (3rd floor of the Gateway Study Center).
- Conversation Groups: A bi-weekly informal opportunity for graduate students to practice and improve their English conversational skills in a one-on-one and group setting. Thursdays from 2pm-3pm (Week 2, 4, 6, 8, 10) at the Graduate Resource Center (3rd floor of the Gateway Study Center).
Consider the Communication Excellence Program as well as a variety of workshops focused on public speak, effective listening, interview basics, and more. Contact grc@uci.edu for more information.
Academic English/ESL offers a variety of courses for graduate students to improve their English writing, vocabulary, and pronunciation throughout the year.
The International Center offers the English Conversation Program (ECP), which can be taken for units during the quarter. During the fall, the English Development Workshop series has workshops focused on Business English and Effective Group Work. RSVP is necessary through the International Center.
CENTER FOR ENGAGED INSTRUCTION
The Center for Engaged Instruction offers workshops this quarter to assist with teaching and learning through pedagogical development. This quarter a series has been designed especially for international students. They include: Creating Conditions for International Student and Teaching Assistant Success, Teaching Tools and Tips for International Faculty, and Collaborative Learning and Cultural Diversity. View workshops and sign-up at http://goo.gl/forms/XaYCK7RMts
While I suggested some campus resources, practicing your English can be done in innovative ways outside of the classroom. The more you speak, the more confident you will become with your pronunciation and vocabulary. Consider having a short conversation in everyday situations such as going to the grocery store or going out to dinner. There are even new apps available for tablets or phones to make it easy and convenient to learn new words and pronunciation.
If you have questions or want to meet up, do not hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
Your Peer Mentor
Graduate InterConnect Peer Mentor
Graduate Resource Center (GRC)
3100 Gateway Study Center
Graduate Division
UC Irvine
Irvine, CA 92697
Upcoming Workshops and Events by Our Campus Partners
INTERNATIONAL CENTER
Life in the US: GAME NIGHT
Interested in learning and playing popular American board games such as taboo, Pictionary, and others? Come relax and have fun with other international and domestic students! Snacks and refreshments will be provided.
Date & Time: Wednesday, October 28, 6pm-8pm
Location: CORE Office (3rd Floor Student Center)
RSVP: www.tinyurl.com/LifeInTheUS
Career Development Workshop Series: OPT and the Job Search
Searching for jobs as an international student? Join the International Center and the Career Center for this workshop, where we will talk about the job search and how to apply for optional practical training (OPT)
Date & Time: Thursday, October 29, 1pm-2pm
Location: Career Center, Training Room
RSVP: www.tinyurl.com/icCareerDevelop
Scholar Workshop: Navigating the Internet
Come to this workshop to learn about the World Wide Web and some useful websites to make your life easier. You will learn about the resources specific to Southern California so you can go out and explore!
Date & Time: Friday, October 30, 12pm-2pm
Location: Student Life & Leadership Conference Room
RSVP: www.tinyurl.com/ICscholars
International Coffee Hour
International Coffee Hour is an opportunity for international and domestic students to engage in conversations, create friendships, share their culture, and to connect with the UCI community in a casual and comfortable environment.
Date & Time: Every Friday during the quarter, 10:30am – 12pm
Location: Counseling Center, Student Services II
RSVP: www.tinyurl.com/ICoffeeHour
ASSOCIATED GRADUATE STUDENTS
Halloween Party
Date & Time: Friday, October 30, 9pm
Location: Red Barn near The ARC
RSVP: https://www.ags.uci.edu/eventstab/
Harvest Carnival
Date & Time: Saturday, October 31, 1pm-4pm
Location: Verano Place Housing
RSVP: https://www.ags.uci.edu/eventstab/