English language services

Improve your academic english skills
Academic acculturation workshops
Internet resources for improving academic english
Frequently asked questions for esl students
Tip sheets

Do you want to improve your academic english skills?

ESL services at the Student Academic Learning Services (SALS) Centre in SSB 204 are available to all students with English as a Second Language with no additional costs. Sign up for workshops at SALS for help with study skills, writing, presentations, and ESL academic success, or book an appointment with the ESL Specialist, Eric Gustavsen, for one-to-one specialized ESL support specific to your needs to help you become more proficient in academic English.

How can the ESL academic services help you?

Book a one-to-one appointment for help with any specific English proficiency (reading, writing, speaking, or listening) – Bring in your questions!
Help you to identify common grammar errors and show you how to correct them
Help you understand your assignment requirements more clearly
Teach you communication skills to better communicate with your professors and classmates
Help you understand the cultural differences and expectations in college
Review your written work for organization to improve your writing skills
Teach pronunciation and speaking error identification (used for presentations, practicum, and job interview preparation)
Coach you on how to plan and deliver an effective presentation
Help you learn strategies to understand and retain new academic vocabulary
Teach you listening strategies and how to take better notes in lectures
Show you how to use SALS software and web resources to practice your English skills

ESL supports

One-to-one appointments

Book a one-to-one appointment to work with the ESL Specialist to help you reach your academic goals. Whether it is with speaking and listening skills, reviewing an assignment, improving writing skills and grammar, or starting and working on an assignment, the ESL Specialist can help you.

Workshops

These sessions are like a small class with up to 20 students. Workshops run for 50 minutes and cover one topic about writing skills or learning skills. One workshop that has been developed specifically for ESL students is the Academic Success for ESL Students.

Academic success for ESL students workshop

Many students arriving in Canada are unprepared for the cultural differences and expectations of a college or university environment in Canada. This workshop will teach students skills for coping with their transition, understanding the new expectations and how to effectively participate in class to achieve academic success. In addition, the workshop addresses areas of possible conflict including: avoiding plagiarism, classroom participation, and avenues for advocacy.

Students may also wish to attend one of our writing or learning skills workshops. Click here for descriptions of the writing supports workshops available through SALS. Click here for descriptions of the learning skills workshops.

Conversation partners

The Conversation Partners Program is coordinated from the SALS Centre. It is part of the Co-curricular Recognition program at Durham College. Native English speakers meet with ESL students on a one-to-one basis for a cultural exchange, and to share ideas and information. In the past, ESL students have reported a great improvement in fluency, pronunciation, and confidence in spoken English, while native English speakers gain a greater appreciation for other cultures. Conversation partners can choose to meet at mutually agreed times as often as is convenient for both parties for one semester. Participants log their time together for tracking purposes and if 15 hours are shared, may qualify for a non-academic credit on their transcripts to reflect their volunteerism in the community.

Academic acculturation workshops

Video Resources

Academic Success for ESL Students

Canadian Workplace Success

Print Resources

Academic success for ESL students [PDF - 339 KB]
Canadian workplace success [PDF - 344 KB]

Internet resources for improving academic english

Frequently asked questions for esl students

1. How much do I have to pay for appointments and workshops?

There is no fee.

2. How many appointments can I have per week?

You may book a one-hour appointment each week.

3. What hours do you work?

ESL services are available from 9:00AM until 5:00PM, Monday – Friday

4. Can you edit my writing and fix the mistakes?

We will not do the work for you, but we can help you to find your errors and teach you how to correct them.

5. Can you correct my grammar mistakes?

We will help you with your questions about grammar, so you can learn to correct your own mistakes in the future.

6. Can you check my APA or MLA referencing?

We will discuss referencing questions you may have, but will not check your referencing for accuracy.

7. Can I send you my work by e-mail and get feedback on it?

Since our goal is to help you become a better writer, we would like to discuss writing issues interactively in a one-to-one appointment.

8. Can I send my work by e-mail, and discuss it over the phone?

Yes, we can work with you over the phone if you arrange an appointment.

9. What should I do to make an appointment?

You can visit the front desk in SALS (SSB 204) to make an appointment or call 905-721-2000 ext 2491.

10. Who should I call or e-mail to cancel an appointment?

You can cancel your appointment by telephone (905-721-2000 ext 2491), email (sals@durhamcollege.ca), or you can visit the front desk of the SALS Centre in SSB 204.