We offer workshops and events for international and multilingual students at U of T.
Register for upcoming events under PROGRAM REGISTRATION.
Workshop: Strategies for Expressing Your Ideas in Group Discussions
Do you sometimes find it challenging to express yourself with your peers, either due to feelings of nervousness or the speed of conversations? Would you like to feel more confident while participating in group activities and projects?
In this interactive workshop, explore how to manage nervousness and perfectionism while collaborating with others. And together, we’ll co-develop practical strategies that you can immediately apply in your classroom and lab activities.
Through group discussions and short activities:
- Identify the causes of nervousness while talking with peers.
- Recognize your existing strengths and abilities in group discussions.
- Brainstorm ways to get involved instantly in a conversation.
- Set personal goals that are achievable and realistic.
Workshop: Overcoming the Messaging that Your English “Isn’t Good Enough”
As a multilingual student, are there times when you feel that your English “isn’t good enough”? Have you ever been corrected without permission? Do you find yourself staying quiet during conversations or apologizing when you speak up?
Through storytelling and open discussion, this workshop will address the impacts of these experiences on users of English as an additional language (EAL), and critically examine where negative messages about varieties of English come from.
Also learn about:
- Englishes used around the world (e.g., forms, dialects, accents).
- Language practices such as “Lingua Franca English”.
- Benefits of translanguaging in learning and communication.
- Ways to challenge accent-related discrimination.
- Mindset practices to reduce self-criticism and perfectionism.
- Strategies to engage your audience without apologizing.
Research Study Opportunity
- Do you identify as an English as an additional language (EAL) user?
- Are you a graduate student at U of T?
You might be interested in – and eligible for – participation in this research study!
By attending one of the Overcoming the Messaging that Your English “Isn’t Good Enough” workshops for graduate students, you can also participate in a research study called “Students’ Uses and Frames of Englishing”.
The purpose of this study is to consider the impact of a workshop and reflective activities on EAL graduate students’ language frames (i.e., beliefs and attitudes) about Englishing and Lingua Franca English. Participants will receive gift cards as they complete various components of the study over an approximate 12-week-long period.
International Student Panel
Wednesday, February 14, 6 – 8 p.m.
Main Activity Hall, Multi-Faith Centre, 569 Spadina Crescent
Learn from international student panelists who will share insights and tips about their experiences studying at U of T. The panelists will be a combination of undergraduate and graduate students.
Snacks and a boxed dinner will be provided! Attendees will also have the chance to win one of five President’s Choice $10 gift cards in a randomized prize draw.
The panelists will discuss questions related to:
- Defining and deepening our shared understanding of the term “international student”.
- Balancing energy for school-related tasks, co-curricular activities and personal interests.
- Making meaningful social connections and finding a community at U of T.
- Reflecting on key memories and transformative learning experiences.
- Working in Canada, planning ahead for graduation and exploring what’s next.
Following the panel, you will also have the chance to connect with the panelists and other international student leaders to ask follow-up questions over dinner. This will also be a great opportunity to meet other students from across the University and expand your networks!
This panel is organized in partnership with the Centre for International Experience and Accessibility Services.
Feel free to reach out to Yaseen Ali (he/him), Learning Strategist, Community & Intercultural Learning, for a one-on-one learning strategist appointment: yaseen.ali@utoronto.ca.
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Program Eligibility
Undergraduate and graduate international students at U of T
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Program Registration
Register for sessions on CLNx through the links below:
Winter 2024
Strategies for Expressing Your Ideas in Group Discussions
Overcoming the Messaging that Your English “Isn’t Good Enough”
- Thursday, January 18, 6 – 7:30 p.m. for graduate students (Virtual)
- Wednesday, January 31, 6 – 7:30 p.m. for undergraduate students (Virtual)
- Friday, February 2, 1 – 2:30 p.m. for graduate students (Virtual)
- Thursday, February 15, 6 – 7:30 p.m. for graduate students (Virtual)
International Student Panel