WoW September 2013 by University of Toronto English Language Program

inside this issue

Student Opinion

Feature Articles

Social Inequality in Brazil 26

Celebrating Success 4

Longing Eternal 27

English Without Borders 6 An Experience to Remember 10

Rio Grade do Sul 28

University Application Program 22

Sharing Global Knowledge 29

Volunteer Experience Program 24

Brazilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Health Care System 30

Student Groups

Fukui, My Small Town 31 The Technological Revolution 32

Kwansei Gakuin University 12

Gun Control 33

Kansai University 14

My Tobermory Experience 34

City University of Hong Kong 16

The Amazon Forest 35

Meji University 18

Applying to University in Canada 36

Nihon University 19

Geese Fathers 37

Nagoya University 20 International Christian University 21

Student Life

Chukyo University 21

New York City Guide 40 Kansai University in French Canada 42 Darrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Music Corner 44 Coffee Chat 45 Ask Rosa 46 Disclaimer:

Due to our diverse student population, we receive many opinion-based articles relating to global and current affairs. The views expressed in this magazine are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the English Language Program. The English Language Program does not endorse, represent or warrant the quality of products or companies mentioned within.

issue 83, September 2013

ELP Director’s Message September 2013 It is with great pleasure that I introduce this very special issue of World of Words magazine (available in print and online). This issue highlights an extraordinary and event-filled summer at the English Language Program (ELP), where we have a lot of groups come from around the world to study here, in Toronto. This summer alone, we have hosted groups from Brazil, Korea, Hong Kong, Japan, China, and Saudi Arabia. And, the impression each group leaves on our program and the excitement they bring to the experiences they have here at ELP is something to truly celebrate. In this issue, we feature the journey a large cohort of Science Without Borders students from Brazil. Also, our group from Kansai University, though only with us this summer for four weeks managed to travel and experience what would normally take months, if not years. Heidi Liwen Wang and Sun Juan, two students from the ICBC International Leadership Program share their memories of Canada and volunteer experience at ELP. Further, Cultural Assistant and Volunteer Experience Program Leader, Erik Dean describes City University of Hong Kong’s mission to have fun during the peak of festival season in Toronto all-the-while volunteering for a good cause. These, in addition to much, much more, make up our “Groups Issue.” However, the focus on groups is not to overshadow the amazing individual accomplishments made by our ELP alumni. Inside, get to know three former ELP students — Majed Moosa, Sepehr Fathi, and Munthir Al-Moslem — who have gone on to great career paths and bright futures. We interview them to find out about their successes and plans, post-ELP. Finally, I would like to send a large thank you to the work of the staff and instructors at ELP. As this issue shows, this summer was a blast; however, it did not come without the professionalism, careful planning, and constant effort of the ELP community. All the best, Sherry Yuan Hunter Executive Director, English Language Program University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies

Dan Pinese Editor and Layout Design Sana Ali, Maxine Bower, Staff Contributors Megan Chen, Chris Chipman, Andrea Cuellar, Erik Dean, , Rosa Leo, Lily Meshadiyeva, Darren Rigo, Victoria Young

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Celebrating Success!

photo credit: Isaac Chan

We are proud to feature stories of success from current and former students whose hard work and determination has led them to achieve truly great things. The following interviews were conducted by University Application Advisor, Lily Meshadiyeva.

Question (Q) and Answer (A) with

Majed Moosa Q: What courses have you taken at the English Language Program? A: I studied Speaking English back in March, and took Advanced Academic Skills in June. Q: Why did you choose to take these courses? A: After I finished my master’s degree in 2010, at the University of Melbourne, in Australia, I realized I needed to practice my English more. I am starting my Ph.D. next month, and I need to be well prepared! These ELP courses have definitely helped me prepare for the program. Q: What experiences from the English Language Program stood out to you the most? A: I was able to improve my pronunciation and writing skills greatly. Also, getting an international experience all in English has been very memorable. Q: Did you participate in social activities? A: Yes! I went on many of the Boat Cruise Parties and went to plenty of restaurants. I made a lot of friends that way. Q: What universities or colleges have you applied to in Canada? A: I applied to University of Windsor, Ryerson University and the University of Waterloo. 4

‘...everything I learned at the English Language Program has been useful and directly relates to all levels of education. I found exactly what I was looking for to prepare for my Ph.D.’

issue 83, September 2013 Q: What programs are you applying to and do you have prior education in this field? A: I only applied for Ph.D. in Engineering, because I already have a Master of Engineering and a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering, as well. Q: Have you had a response from any of the schools you applied to? A: I got accepted to all of the ones I applied to and I am planning on going to the University of Windsor. Q: Congratulations! Do you intend on staying in Canada or going back home after receiving your Ph.D.? A: I will go back, because I am currently taking a break from being a lecturer in Saudi Arabia.

Q: Do you feel that Advanced Academic Skills has prepared you for study in a university program? A: Definitely. The instructor really relates to the students and makes us want to come to class every day. After having experienced the Australian educational system, everything I learned at the English Language Program has been useful and directly relates to all levels of education. I found exactly what I was looking for to prepare for my Ph.D. Q: What are you going to do until you start school? A: I am going to be moving to Windsor, and getting acquainted with the city. Q: What does your future hold? A: I am going to be a professor in Engineering.

Question (Q) and Answer (A) with

Sepehr Fathi Q: Why did you choose to take these courses? A: My main goal was to get into the University of Toronto’s Physics program, but also to improve my fluency in English. Q: What experiences from the English Language Program stood out to you the most? A: I met some really wonderful people, both staff and students. Most importantly, I learned and gained very powerful writing skills, which I use all the time now. Q: Did you participate in social activities? A: Yes, I was part of the Music Club and I also attended many monthly events, such as the trip to Canada’s Wonderland. Q: Did you participate in the University Application Program? A: Yes, I did! I talked to Lily about the admission requirements and she advised me on how to apply to the universities of my choice properly. I took the right steps, knew what to do, and did not waste any time because of the University Application Program. Q: What university program did you apply to and do you have prior education in the field? A: I applied mainly to physics programs and yes, I’ve been studying physics for a while. Q: Have you had a response from schools you’ve already applied to? Were you accepted? A: Yes! I was accepted to the University of Toronto! Q: Congratulations! Do you intend on staying in Canada after you finish your degree? Or do you

‘I learned and gained very powerful writing skills, which I use all the time now.’ intend to return home? A: I plan to stay in Canada. Q: What are you going to be doing until the beginning of September? A: I am taking some physics classes at U of T right now and studying for the MCAT at the same time. Q: What are your future plans? A: I plan to go to graduate school, specifically medical school. Q: Thank you for your time! Good luck with everything! A: Thank you! 5

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English Without Borders Experiencing Ciência sem Fronteiras By Dan Pinese ELP Program Administrator

he three students I spoke with are unassuming. They look like students—wearing t-shirts, sporting backpacks—no different from any small sample taken from the sidewalks around the University of Toronto’s downtown campus. But they are unique because of the experience they have had, are having and will have. They are participants in the Ciência sem Fronteiras (Science without Borders) program, a program that has had a large impact on the English Language Program over the summer and will continue influence the campus in the near future.

issue 83, September 2013 Sponsored by the Brazilian government and private industry, Science Without Borders (SWB) started sending students like Allan Pretti Ogura, Luiz Felipe Roldão Braz, and Alex Ronald Lopes abroad in 2011. By the end of the program in 2015, over 100, 000 students in the areas of technology, science, mathematics, and engineering will have had the opportunity to study internationally at all levels of academia. Canada alone will welcome approximately 12, 000 SWB students to undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate levels of study. The English Language Program (ELP) has seen the influence of the SWB program in recent months. In the current session of Academic English, 104 SWB sponsored students are taking classes at ELP, two of which have already finished their English equivalency and began their undergraduate courses at U of T. The remaining 102 will take a second 12-week English course at the end of September and will be joined by an additional 239 new students from the SwB program, who will be taking classes at one of the University’s three campuses. Allan, Luiz, and Alex have yet to set foot in an undergraduate classroom at U of T. Though their English is quite advanced, they are in the process of completing Academic English Level 60 at the English Language Program, the English language equivalency course for the University of Toronto. After, they will continue their English training by taking Advanced Academic Skills. Though they are learning English, their language training is only unique to the point that it is in English. SWB students are placed in different countries around the world. If, for example, a SWB student meets the requirements at a university in France, they receive French language training. This is the scope of the SwB program: teaching a generation of students in the sciences and future professionals to communicate with and understand the world, a fact which is not lost on Alex, an Industrial Engineering student from São Paolo, who plans to complete a Master’s at an English speaking university. “The opportunity we have here for a lot of cultural experiences in Toronto, normally, I would not have this opportunity in Brazil… This time, before entering university, has been really good because it is helping me get prepared for university, to get used to English, understand the culture,” he said. “[Science without Borders and ELP] will help me improve my understanding of [scientific] terms in English and put them together with my knowledge in Portuguese and express it.” Being comfortable in another language is also related to being in a place that challenges you, according to Luiz, a Mechanical Engineering student from the Federal University of Visçosa. For him,

“The opportunity we have here for a lot of cultural experiences in Toronto, normally, I would not have this opportunity in Brazil. . . (attending the ELP) before entering university, has been really good because it is helping me get prepared for university, to get used to English, understand the culture.” -Alex Ronald Lopes, SwB and ELP student.

world of words Toronto, SwB, and the ELP—which he acknowledges has made him a better writer and more confident speaker—have given him the opportunity to improve not just as an English speaker and student but also as a person. “Every time you are taken out of your comfort zone, it really makes you better. New experiences and new challenges it will improve your personality. You learn how to deal with different people from different cultures. Here, we have this opportunity to meet people from different cultures and totally different personalities so I think that’s really good,” he said. This sentiment is echoed by Allan, an Environmental Engineering student from the University of São Paolo, who has found the transit system and planning of the city of Toronto convenient and easy to navigate. These aspects, in addition to the experiential and social activities ELP offered during the summer, have allowed him to explore and experience more of the culture the city has to offer. “It’s a good opportunity to keep in touch with people from other countries. I have met a lot of people from Japan and Taiwan. It’s good because you can spend a lot of time with people from other countries and not just with Brazilians,” Allan said. “The city is very well planned. It is hard to get lost… There are a lot of different scenarios in the same city.” Though the experience has not been without culture shock. For Luiz, something as simple as walking down the street in

“Every time you are taken out of your comfort zone, it really makes you better. New experiences and new challenges it will improve your personality. You learn how to deal with different people from different cultures. Here, we have this opportunity to meet people from different cultures and totally different personalities so I think that’s really good.”

-Luiz Felipe Roldão Braz, SwB and ELP student.

CURRENT SESSION

104 SCIENCE WITHOUT BORDERS STUDENTS ENROLLED IN ELP

102 STUDENTS RETURNING NEXT SESSION

2 STUDENTS GRADUATED ELP

AND WILL TAKE UNDERGRADUATE COURSES AT THE UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO

issue 83, September 2013 Toronto has made him to notice the difference between his current home and his home country. “I usually walk on the street and I don’t know if it is because I am from a small city but I usually look in people’s eyes. Here, no one looks at your eyes on the street. Maybe people here think it is strange,” Luiz said. Allan too has noticed a difference. Though he finds Canadians helpful when he asks questions, to him, “Brazilian people are warmer. Canadian people are very polite but it is hard to have a long conversation with them.” But the overall impression the SwB, ELP, and the city of Toronto has made on the students has been a positive one. And for Allan, the chance of going to another country, learning another language and developing new skills is something not to be taken lightly. “When I was a child I used to dream of going to another a country. I was trying to find a country that would be good to go to. I was thinking about the United Kingdom, I could go to Europe but when I decided to join this program I realized it is not a trip program. It’s an academic program. I love to travel but I am trying to enjoy this time to improve many skills in my life. Learning English, this is my main goal this semester. To bring something new to my life. “When this program appeared I noticed I had to get this opportunity because maybe in a few years it won’t be the same program,” he added.

“When I was a child I used to dream of going to another a country . . . I love to travel but I am trying to enjoy this time to improve many skills in my life. Learning English, this is my main goal this semester. To bring something new to my life.” -Allan Pretti Ogura SwB and ELP student.

NEXT SESSION

239 NEW SCIENCE WITHOUT BORDERS STUDENTS ENROLLED IN ELP

60 STUDENTS WILL ATTEND UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO MISSISSAUGA

171 STUDENTS WILL ATTEND UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO ST. GEORGE CAMPUS

8 STUDENTS WILL ATTEND UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO SCABOUROUGH CAMPUS

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An Experience to Remember By Heidi Liwen Wang and Sun Juan, ICBC International Leadership Program Students

e jokingly call ourselves “deputy” Cultural Assistants now, Sun Juan and I, volunteers at the English Language Program (ELP). It is August 2013, one month before we go back to China. As members of ICBC Cohort 4, we have studied at the University of Toronto for seven months. This work placement is the last stage of our International Leadership Development Program. One part of our job is attending and assisting social activities with which we identify by our above-mentioned status. This gives us an opportunity to zoom into Canadian society and understand Canadian culture through mingling with the staff, Cultural Assistants and international students.

the view of sparkling CN Tower reflecting in the quiet waters and live DJ entertainment. During the afternoon workshop “coffee chat”, we found ourselves sitting among international students, trying to understand each other better.

As if tailored for us to learn, our first social activity was the visit to Casa Loma, a majestic landmark of Toronto which reflects Canada’s history. Then Royal Ontario Museum showed us diversity and the splendor of multiculturalism and nature. We also experienced the boat cruise party, a scenic tour along the Toronto Harbourfront, spending the night under starry skies and enjoying simultaneously

For every day of staying with international students, we feel young and energetic. Many languages can be heard, different apparel is worn, multiculturalism is expressed not only through teaching and learning in the classroom, but also through communication after class in diversified events, activities, clubs and workshops. The pictures on the walls, the

What impressed us most, however, is always the people around us. Whatever their skin colors are, wherever they come from, however to make a living, they share a mutual name: Canadians. Under this name, people study together, work together, appreciate the same values and make contribution to the sustainability and harmony of their motherland.

issue 83, September 2013

smiling faces of students and the approachability of Cultural Assistants make the lobby of the fourth floor of ELP a center of networking. International students come and go, spreading concepts of integration and diversity all over the world, through which their understanding and respect for others develop, and their self-confidence and knowledge flourish. All of these are owed to the hardwork of the staff and instructors. The ELP magazine World of Words is a perfect platform for students to express themselves and a guidance for life in Toronto too, every student benefits from it; the different clubs give students opportunities to learn and show up; workshops offer more information outside classrooms. Here, at ELP, we work with different people, and learn from them.

ideas shown in the presentation made by the young VP of Sales and Marketing, and were impressed by their insight in the market analysis as well. We realize that wherever we go, we will meet the same hardworking attitude, same friendly atmosphere, and same values. Every day is a learning day for us, every day is a new day. We come to a beautiful country whose name is Canada. We are treated warmly by the people who are Canadians. We understand there is an attitude called tolerance. We taste the culture whose core is inclusion. We will always appreciate our stay here. We know clearly that we will remember Canada and Canadians, familiar or not, long after we go back China.

Our visit to Wisdek, a business development company, broadened our minds. There we were fascinated by the advanced technology and new

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Kwansei Gakuin University New York City

By Darren Rigo, ELP Cultural Assistant

Graduate of the Ontario College of Art and Design

I recommend Top of the Rock the best. Because the view is very beautiful especially in the night. All the bright were so beautiful. It felt very romantic. — Mana Hattori

I liked Grand Central Terminal. It is the like the terminal in Harry Potter movies. It’s so big an beautiful. I felt like I was in a movie! — Ryo Moriyasu

I really liked shopping in New York. I visited the shops on fifth avenue near time square. There is many brand name shops. It is expensive but I bought a lot of clothes anyway because its still cheaper than Japan. — Yuki Tabuchi

In New York I recommend do not get lost. I went to SOHO and there are many many streets and I didn’t know how to read the street signs so we didn’t know what to do. Luckily New Yorkers are very friendly and kind and I could ask them for directions, eventually one kind woman took us back to the bus. — Shuri Imamura 12

issue 83, September 2013

New York has this amazing hotdog shop in Times Square. The hotdogs are very big. In fact all American food come in large sizes. I’m a hungry girl so I like it! — Saaya Okabe

Times Square has really cheap brand name clothes. I bought an American Eagle shirt for only twenty-seven dollars! — Yukie Ito

I really liked Top of the Rock. I went at night the view was so beautiful. There are more lights than you can count and it was very moving viewing such a huge city at once. — Ayumi Morioki

I liked visiting Wall St. the most. The buildings are very beautiful. There is a amazing mix of architecture. Because its the economic centre of the world, I felt like I was in a part of history. — Tatsuya Atsumi

The trip was so-so. I didn’t know where to go. I saw Ground Zero and I tried to ride in a limousine but I couldn’t. But I enjoyed staying in the hotel with my friend. — Yuika Hayashi

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Kansai University Memories of Toronto

By Sana Ali, ELP Cultural Assistant

Graduate of International Relations and Political Science, University of Toronto

“It is really exciting for me to study English in Toronto. This place and the people I met are so friendly. I am glad that I got to come here.” — Takami

“This living was wonderful. Especially sports activity was the best because I made friends with foreigners. And I spent a lot of time with them. I was so happy. So I think it was great that I came here.” — Takeru

“My best memory is New York. This trip is very interesting. I recommend it.” — Ryota

“Quebec is beautiful. Niagara falls is great. New York is very interesting. Turkey sandwiches are very delicious. Toronto is a very beautiful city. U of T is very large.” — Takehiro

“We got to do some many great activities in Canada like softball and trips to Chinatown and Quebec. It was the most fun. I was most happy going to Quebec with all the beautiful girls. And I got to enjoy lots of beautiful architecture like the CN tower, churches, and Niagara Falls.” — Hironori

“I had such a nice time. I joined many activities. I liked it so much. Niagara Falls was great. I think Toronto is a great place. I want to come back here. Thank you for the great memory.” — Nobumasa

“I spent so wonderful every day in Toronto. I like Toronto.” — Kana 14

“I had a very good time!! I went to CN tower, Quebec trip and Rogers Center. They were very good experiences for me. I love Toronto!!” —Megumi

issue 83, September 2013 “I met many people in Toronto. It was growth for me. We joined many activities. My best activity is New York. It was very wonderful and beautiful!!! My memory will remain forever...” — Kodai

“I had really fun time in Toronto. The days I spent in Toronto will be very special experience. I wanna go back to Toronto someday!!” — Sayaka

“I must go to Toronto again! I love this city.” — Yuka

“I had a good time in Toronto. I could experience great things every day!” — Momoko

“I had some really special times in Toronto. I love Toronto!” — Hiroki “I had wonderful days in Toronto. I enjoyed many activities like trip to NYC, Niagara Falls. It was very important experience.” — Kasumi

“These 4 weeks made me happy! I really enjoyed lovely days in Toronto. I will NEVER forget these fantastic 4 weeks! Thanks a lot.” — Aoi

“I enjoyed Toronto so much! People in ELP are very helpful and friendly. I would like to thank you guys!!” — Kei

“I had a great time getting to know the Kansai University students. I will never forget their immense politeness and endearing friendliness. The students have repeatedly thanked me for helping make their trip special, but they are the ones who have made the past few weeks the highlight of my summer. I am taking some great memories away from your visit, Kansai- going for ice cream and catching great fireworks in Quebec city, eating really good Bibimbap in Montreal’s Chinatown while discussing the anime character sitting at the next table, passing long bus rides telling scary stories and giving everybody nicknames, celebrating the ELP Eager Beaver softball team’s first win of the season, and going repeatedly bankrupt in the epic Rock Paper Scissors tournament (luckily ‘Funny Money’ was the only thing at stake). I will always remember the great times I had with you and really hope to see you all again someday!” — Sana 15

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City University of Hong Kong

SCHOOL OF CREATIVE MEDIA First experiences with voluntarism in Canada Students from City University of Hong Kongâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s School of Creative Media participated in several volunteer activities during their time in Canada, as part of a custom agenda with the ELP Volunteer Experience Program

By Erik Dean,

ELP Cultural Assistant Studying Ecology and Evolutionary Biology

uring the summertime, Toronto is host to many festivals and community events. Thanks to this, the summer is also a great time for voluntarism. Most festivals use the privilege of warm weather during the summer months to hold their events outdoors, which allows for many more people to attend. With greater levels of attendance, many more volunteers are needed to help the events run smoothly. This is not only good for our schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Volunteer Experience Program, but for Toronto high school students as well. As part of their required duties for graduation, all Ontario high school students must complete 40 hours of volunteer service. Since most high school students are on their summer vacation during the months of July and August, one might often volunteer alongside them during these times. Many people volunteer well past their high school years however, just to have fun and contribute to their communities. If you take the time to volunteer, it is very easy to see how voluntarism is a significant part of Canadian culture. One of the volunteer activities the City University students participated in was called Taste of Jazz, which was a part of the renowned annual Beaches International Jazz Festival. The main idea behind the event was to provide patrons with quality Canadian Jazz as usual, but this time, in the company of gourmet food trucks. The role of volunteers at this event was to help direct visitors, and keep the venue tidy. Fortunately, most people attending took the time to tidy after themselves, and had few questions. This left us volunteers with plenty of time to enjoy the music, and sample the food trucksâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; menus. City University students were able to use this opportunity to enjoy a truly classic Canadian pastry called a BeaverTail.

issue 83, September 2013

A couple days later, after Taste of Jazz, the City University students volunteered with The Beaches International Jazz Festival once again with their most famous event, Streetfest. For this event, a two-kilometer portion of Queen Street East was closed to traffic, and bands were placed throughout the street for strolling pedestrians to enjoy. Our role as volunteers at this event was to hand out programmes and information to visitors. There were so many visitors that it took mere minutes before we had run out of programmes to give away! We were told that once we had run out of programmes, we should just relax and enjoy the rest of the festival, and that was exactly what we did. One of the most interesting volunteer events that the City University students participated in was with the iSchool, which is the University of Torontoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s faculty of information. Using their talents as students of creative media, they volunteered their time to create videos that commemorated Marshall Mcluhan, a famous and acclaimed Canadian innovator in the field of information technology and media. Their videos are going to be used by the University of Toronto to celebrate the recently passed 100th birthday of Marshall Mcluhan, as well as the 50th anniversary of the Mcluhan Program in Culture and Technology, which was first established in 1963. In conclusion, voluntarism in Canada was a new and unusual experience for the City University students. Perhaps because of Hong Kongâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dense urban environment and lack of similar festivals, which may contribute to a lack of volunteer opportunities. Despite this, the students overall found their volunteer experience valuable. 17

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Meiji University in Toronto Favourite Activities

By Victoria Young, ELP Cultural Assistant

Graduate of East Asian Studies, University of Toronto

eiji University arrived on August 12th and departed on September 7th. While they were here they went on many activities. I wanted to know what their favourite part of Toronto/ELP was. This is what I found out: I spoke to three Meiji students (Rie Todoroki, Narumi Maezono and Rio Ogata) during coffee chat. They were kind enough to give up a few minutes of their coffee chatting time to answer one question for this interview! The question being: What was your favourite part of your time in Toronto? Rie Todoroki said that her favourite part of her time at ELP was her teacher. She said her teacher was very kind and because she had lived in Japan for a while she spoke Japanese. Her teachers ability to speak Japanese was some what of a relief to Rie. She also stated that her teacher was incredibly kind and friendly! This made it easier for Rie to interact with strangers and get to know her classmates better. When asked what Rie’s favourite activity was she stated not one but four activities! She said that she really enjoyed the CN tower, Niagara Falls, New York City and the Toronto Zoo. She liked these activities not only because they were very beautiful to look at but also because the Cultural Assistants were there to guide them and help them on the activities. She said that the CA’s made the activities really fun and enjoyable! Narumi Maezono said that her most memorable part of her trip to Toronto was finding out how kind her host family was. She said that her host family was very considerate and very nice, and treated her like family. To Narumi, her host family felt like her own family, which made being in Toronto that much better! Narumi also enjoyed the food in Toronto! She was surprised at all the different kinds of food that was available and impressed by the diversity of countries represented in Toronto (Chinatown, Greektown, Little Italy, etc). When asked what her favourite food experience was, she said “Poutine was delicious” ! Narumi’s favourite activity while in Toronto was the Niagara Falls trip and the Boat Cruise Party. Rio Ogata said that the best part of Toronto was just simply being able to talk to all the different students at ELP. She really enjoyed going on the activities because this was when she was able to talk to students outside of her classroom. Beach volleyball was her favourite activity because it not only is a sport she likes to play, but also because it helped her make new friends! For her, the best way to make new friends is while having fun! Another thing Rio enjoyed was the French Canada Trip! She really enjoyed Quebec city for its beautiful scenery. She said it was beautiful and felt like she was in Europe! Thank you girls for taking the time to talk to me! I’m really happy that you enjoyed your time in Toronto and we hope to see you back soon!!

issue 83, September 2013

An Interview With Nihon University’s Chiaki Ohata By Victoria Young, ELP Cultural Assistant

Graduate of East Asian Studies, University of Toronto

The students from Nihon University arrived in Toronto on August 12th and departed on September 6th. Before they left I had the pleasure of interviewing Chiaki Ohata on her experience in Toronto. It went a little like this: Vickie: Of all the places you could have chosen to study English, why did you pick the University of Toronto? Chiaki: Well, I have never lived alone and until now I have never travelled overseas. My mom and family have always taken care of me. So I thought it was about time that I challenge myself, to do something completely new and on my own, without the help of my family. It so happened that my university had an ad for U of T’s English Language Program and I decided that this would be the perfect opportunity to challenge myself for one month. I decided I would try my best at something new for one month. This was my goal.

but then, classes started and every day become really fun! It was such an amazing feeling the first time I spoke English and the other person understood me! I felt really happy! I got to improve my pronunciation and grammar, stuff that I wasn’t really conscious of. I learnt a lot and over all I think it was a great experience. Vickie: Thats great! Im glad you had a good time at U of T! What was your favourite activity? Chiaki: I really enjoyed Niagara Falls! I really like nature, so this was awesome for me! When I saw Niagara Falls I was really impressed. It was so beautiful, I wasn’t expecting it. I would love to go again. Vickie: How would you summarize your four weeks in Toronto?

Another thing that pushed me towards ELP was that my friends had told me that U of T had a good environment and that they had good facilities. My teachers also told me that Toronto was a safe place, and that if it was my first time travelling overseas Toronto would be the best place to do it. And so, I felt that U of T was the place to be. A place where I could gain great university experience and learn English.

Chiaki: Week 1: Nervous, no appetite, I wanted to go home. Week 2: Just when I thought I got my appetite back I got food poisoning and was absent from class. Week 3: I decided to join one of the activities and it was so fun! Also I started to get to know my classmates better. Week 4: There are so many things I wish I had done, I wish could have have become even better friends with my classmates, I want to speak more English!

Vickie: Awesome! And so tell me, did you like it? Did you have a fun time at the English Language Program?

I guess that would be my four weeks in a nutshell! Im really thankful to you and all the other Cultural Assistants!

Chiaki: YES! It was a great time! At first I was so nervous that I lost my appetite. I would stay in my room and do nothing,

Vickie: Thanks Chiaki! I’m really glad you had a outstanding time in Toronto!

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Nagoya University of Foreign Studies Making the most of their time in Toronto By Andrea Cuellar, ELP Cultural Assistant

Graduate of Sociology, University of Toronto

photo credit: Arata Miyazaki

rom August 19th to September 6th, the University of Toronto English Language Program had the pleasure of hosting a lively and enthusiastic group of students from Japan’s Nagoya University of Foreign Studies, as part of our Speaking English learning program. After daytime classes ended, Nagoya students wasted no time in getting out and taking advantage of the activities that summertime in Toronto has to offer. Their packed schedule had them out enjoying the city, while practising their English outside of the classroom. Harbourfront Canoe Perhaps slightly unaware of what they were getting themselves into, Nagoya students were nervous but eager to begin the canoe trip across the lake, from the harbour front to the Toronto islands. Leaving the harbour in two canoes at about 6:00pm, we did not return back to the city until 9:30pm! With a bit of a break in between, the spirit and efforts never faded. The new experience and incredible views of the city by day and by night as well as the nature and scenery on the island during the evening’s breathtaking sunset made the trip worth it and enjoyed by the students. A true Canadian summer experience. Canada’s Wonderland The Canada’s Wonderland day trip was a great adventure for the Nagoya students who loved thrill rides and even those who were on the less adventurous side. By the end of the day many students even surprised themselves and their friends with their daring sides, and tried the biggest rides the park had to offer, roller coasters ‘Leviathan’ and ‘Behemoth’! Water rides helped everyone cool off from the hot and humid weather that day, and the night time lights and water show concluded the long day that left everyone ready for bed! Blue Jays’ Game ICHIROOO! The timing of the Nagoya students was perfectly in tune with the New York Yankees baseball team’s three game series against the Toronto Blue Jays here at the Rogers Centre. For many students, this was their first live baseball game. Sitting only a few rows from the outfield, celebrated Japanese player Ichiro Suzuki of the Yankees was only a holler away. The night ended off well with a big win for the Jays! Toronto Island Barbeque The last and perhaps best event was the Toronto Island BBQ with the Nagoya students and ELP Cultural Assistants. An ELP favourite for staff and students alike, the day was full of sunshine, games, food, and beach time. A popular Torontonian weekend pastime of visiting the island, and a classic summertime barbeque was the perfect event to end off the visit.

issue 83, September 2013

International Christian University By Megan Chen, ELP Cultural Assistant

Graduate of History, University of Toronto

or six weeks, ELP welcomed a fantastic group from the International Christian University in Tokyo. Twenty students participated in two sessions of Speaking English to learn and study English as a credit towards their English for Liberal Arts degree. Here is what a few students had to say about their time in Toronto: “I made a lot of friends from foreign countries with different backgrounds who came to ELP. Sometimes it is difficult to communicate using English, but it became a precious experience. This experience inspires me to learn English more. I appreciate everyone and everything.” — Naomi Koyama “I’m very glad to have come here and learn at ELP because it gives me a lot of chances to improve my English skills. There are a lot of activities that make the experience fun, such as going to Toronto Island, Music Club, and Coffee Chat. If I had more time, I would love to be here longer. I could make a lot of friends and have quality time here.” — Keita Ishii “I enjoyed being at ELP and I can make a lot of friends here.” — Ayano Fukui

“I learned its important not to be shy to speak English in front of everyone. I got courage to speak English and the CAs helped us improve our skills through lots of activities.” — Kana Terashima “It was a great time. Everyone was very kind and I love Toronto.” — Momo Matsuo

Chukyo University E

LP was pleased to welcome Tsubasa Ono and Takuya Miura, two students from Chukyo University. They arrived on August 18th to participate in two Speaking English sessions before studying Academic English in the Fall. Best of luck, boys!

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u.a.p

The University Application Program

By Lily Meshadiyeva, UAP Advisor

he English Language Program provides assistance to students who are interested in applying to university, through the University Application Program (UAP). The University Application Program offers one-on-one counselling, delivers information workshops, guides students in filling out online applications, and provides feedback on personal statements and resumes: One-on-one personal consultations - Exploring schools and programs that would be suitable for you - Providing advice according to your situation - Understanding admission requirements - Brainstorming ideas for writing personal statements and CVs, and providing feedback about the content of personal statements and resumes Workshops on the application process for undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate programs - Applying to University – Undergraduate Edition - Applying to University – Graduate Edition - Applying to University – OUAC Edition - Question & Answer Session - Education in Canada - Finding the Right Fit - Freshman 101 Events such as university fairs and student panels - Representatives from different universities all over Canada introduce their universities and programs at our university fairs. - Student panels allow former English Language 22

Program students to present to their experiences to current students, and offer question and answer sessions. Advice

on volunteer placements and internships - One-on-one personal consultations. - Lists of appropriate volunteering organizations. - Help with interviews and more!

How to choose a program? Always remember to find a balance between what you love to study and what you are skilled in! - Focus on a specific area in your discipline and look at schools offering or specializing in these programs. - Research school websites for details of the programs. - Visit the campus to get a feel for the atmosphere, meet professors, see the facilities, and talk to current students. - Research tuition fees and evaluate financial assistance options. - Attend schools fairs or program information sessions, where you can ask program representatives any questions you may have. Do not just look at rankings of universities because they may not provide an accurate picture or reflection of the institution’s experience and education, or most importantly, what’s best for you!

issue 83, September 2013

An interview with

Munthir Al-Moslem By Lily Meshadiyeva, UAP Advisor

Making the most of the University Application Program.

Q: That’s great to hear! What universities or colleges have you applied to in Canada? A: I have applied to the University of Toronto Scarborough, McMaster, Waterloo, Ryerson, and Carleton. Q: What programs are you applying to and do you have prior education in this field? A: Physical and Environmental Science. I already have a bachelor degree in Environmental Health, and I want to be able to apply for a master’s degree now.

he following is an interview with Munthir Al-Moslem, a successful ELP student now attending the University of Toronto, Scarborough Campus. Q: What courses have you taken at the English Language Program? A: I started off with Academic English, Level 60, in January, and then I took Advanced Academic Skills in June. Q: Why did you choose to take these courses? How did you hear about us? A: Well, I was planning on studying at the University of Toronto for my master’s degree, and many of my friends recommended it to me. So I figured it’d be a great idea! Q: What aspect of your English improved the most from taking these courses? A: These courses greatly improved my writing, specifically my use of vocabulary. Advanced Academic Skills taught me how to properly write a research paper, so I feel well prepared for university. It is very different from writing papers in Saudi Arabia. I also learned how to read a textbook and make notes more efficiently. Q: You participated in the University Application Program. How did it help you? A: UAP helped me in many ways. The University of Toronto’s graduate program application is difficult to navigate, but UAP helped me get through it with step-bystep instructions and advice. I also needed a lot of help and advice on my CV and personal statement, because those are required in the application, but after consulting with you, it was an easy process!

Q: Have you had a response from schools you’ve already applied to? A: I have! I am going to U of T Scarborough this year! Q: Congratulations! Do you intend on staying in Canada after you finish your degree? Or do you intend to return home? A: I will stay if I get accepted to the Ph.D. program, and then I will return home to attend to my job opportunity. Q: What are you going to do until you start school? A: Relax before school starts. Q: What does your future hold? A: To hopefully become a professor in my field.

‘UAP helped me in many ways. The University of Toronto’s graduate application is difficult to navigate, but UAP helped me get through it with stepby-step instructions and advice.’

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v.e.p

The Volunteer Experience Program

he Volunteer Experience Program (VEP) is designed to allow students to gain valuable volunteer experience at charitable organizations in Toronto. • Gain valuable work experience. • Practice speaking English. • Join exciting events happening around Toronto for free. • Meet new people. Students are awarded a certificate and reference letter upon completion of 20 hours of volunteer work which they can use when applying to academic programs in universities, or when seeking jobs in Canada and elsewhere.

The Volunteer Experience Program is proud to work with the following organizations: • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Evergreen Canada Chinatown Buisness Improvement Area The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation Yonge Street Mission Harbourfront Toronto Goodlife Marathon Waterfront Blues Festival Cultura Festival Dusk Dances Beaches International Jazz Festival Canadian Stage Theatre Company Heart and Stroke Foundation World Short Film Festival

Joining the VEP is easy! Attend the weekly meetings every Wednesday at 5:15pm in Room 4-160. Sign up for upcoming events, check the number of hours you have volunteered, or request a reference letter or certificate.

issue 83, September 2013

Pride Parade with Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation June 30th, 2013

Invasive species removal with Friends of the Rouge Watershed July 7th, 2013

Pink Ribbon Party for Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation August 1st, 2013

Fort York Simcoe Day August 8th, 2013

A Midsummer Nightâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Run, a marathon for Sick Kidsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Hospital August 17th, 2013

GWN Dragon Boat Challenge, for Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation September 7th, 2013 25

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Student Opinion

Due to our diverse student population, we receive many opinionbased articles relating to global and current affairs. The views expressed in this magazine are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the English Language Program.

Social Inequality in Brazil

ByLuiz Felipe Roldão Braz of Brazil, Level 60 Academic English

razil is a country which has a prosperous economy. In 2011, it was ranked as the seventh biggest economy in the world according to the World Bank. However, this country suffers from a high rate of social inequality. It is considered the fourth most unequal country in Latin America, according to The United Nations (ONU), in 2012. Many reasons have lead Brazil to this fate and all of them are related to poor administration. The two most important are the excessive corruption and the poorly-educated population. The first problem, excessive corruption, is inherent in Brazilian culture. Since 1993, when the first documented act of corruption was registered, Brazil lost billions of reais because of unskilled and dishonest politicians. Secondly, citizens do not have quality education. In fact, many of them do not have the opportunity to go to school. Even when they attend, they face unprepared teachers, schools with precarious conditions and outdated materials. The effect of these problems is a considerable gap between poor and the rich. It is common to see, in some neighborhoods to see very elaborate and expensive buildings sharing the boundary with brick houses. According to IBGE (Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics), in 2010, 6% of the population (11.4 million people) were living in slums. These neighborhoods are also known by violence and criminality. The low-educated population living in these conditions and without any support of the government has no option beyond unlawful activities. According to the journal Estadão (2010), “Rich cities in SP lead rate of robberies”, the number of robberies is rising in big cities, and this fact is related to social inequality. In

addition, the politicians use dishonest strategies to persuade the voters. Recently, a comedian, who does not know how to write, was elected to parliament. He used in his political campaign phrases like: “I do not know what politicians do, but vote for me and I will discover and tell you”; and despite this, he was one of the most popular deputies of all time in Brazil. Giving money to the population is not the solution. The Brazilian government created in 2002, a program called BolsaFamília (Family-Money) which consists of providing financial aid to poor families. The main purpose of this extra money is as an incentive to the parents to send their children to school. As a result, people decided to increase their family size just to receive more money from the government and those children do not have access to good schools. They also decided not to work anymore because they were already receiving enough money to live. The solution to social inequality will be the result of solving other problems in Brazil. First, those who practice corruption must be punished by law. Politicians have many rights that protect the corrupt. A re-evaluation of those rights must be done to provide suitable punishment to those who just enter politics because of the money. Secondly, Brazil must create more public schools and support the old ones. There are not enough schools available for all children and the few that exist need improvement. Therefore, by solving those two problems, Brazil will have more educated and critical citizens, whose rights will be represented by good politicians. As a result, social inequality will be no longer a problem in Brazil.

Student Opinion

issue 83, September 2013

Longing ByEternal

Luiza Freitas Goulart of Brazil, Level 60 Academic English

have been part of the history of Santa Maria, a Brazilian city in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, part of the history of the many people who live there, and I can say that every person who is born there participates in part of the history of another. Unfortunately, on January 27th of this year our stories become part of world history. A local nightclub called KISS, which had capacity of less than 700 people, caught on fire; however, on that night more than 1000 people were there. According to the local newspapers one of the musicians of the band that was performing in the place that night lit up a sparkler, and then everything turned into smoke, cries, loss and grief. During the day, the death toll and injuries increased; it was impossible to believe in the numbers, we did not wanted to feel this pain. The count came to an end: 242 people died. This number represents lives, dreams and the future. We lost fathers, mothers, daughters, sons, brothers, sisters, friends, boyfriends, girlfriends, neighbours, and colleagues. We lost a future lawyer, a future businesswoman, a future engineer, and thousands

of other dreams that will never be dreamed again. The pain of this loss brought to the citizens of Santa Maria a lack of emotion, and the feeling that something was not right. After cries, anger and lamentations, the friendly hugs got stronger, the desire to achieve our dreams became more acute, the longing has become even more intense, and the constant desire for them to fare well, wherever they are. The overcoming of this loss will be difficult to find, but we hope that it has not all been in vain, and wish that in the future nothing like it happens again. For us 242 is not just a number, 242 is the number of bulletholes that we have in our hearts, the number of times per day that we feel pain, the amount of longing that we are feeling. 242 is the number of times that I asked for them to be fine. Today, like all days, we feel sorry for what happened and we hope the families of the victims have faith and strength. This is dedicated to the 242 families that have lost someone in this tragedy, for their admirable strength and courage, and particular for the Beuren family.

Student Opinion

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Rio Grande do Sul The Gaucho State By

Rafael Sebastião Miranda of Brazil, Level 50 Academic English

io Grande do Sul is the southernmost state in the Brazilian territory. The respect for tradition in the music, drink and food, the large amount of green space and the presence of some prestigious universities and schools are responsible for creating an environment with a positive quality of life. The Gauchos, those born in the state, have musical taste distinct from the rest of the Brazil; while the most famous musical genre of Brazil is the samba, the kinds of music more commonly played in the country, like Vaneira and Chamamé, are more popular in the state. The tradition in the drink and food is also respected. The most representative drink of the state is the infused beverage called chimarrão, which is carefully prepared in a specific gourd and drunk through a stainless steel or silver straw; it is shared with everyone who appreciates it. On the other hand, Gaucho cookery is known for its Churrasco, an alternative barbecue, which is baked on the floor using skewers made of wood and is considered the most impressive barbecue of the country. This, combined with the typical receptivity, allows tourists and new residents to always be warmly welcomed and to become involved in the local cultural activities, including the taste of a hot chimarrão in the morning and the exceptional Gaucho barbecue on Sundays. In addition, there is an abundance of parks and places to relax throughout the state where Gauchos are used to doing physical activities such as hiking, and drinking chimarrão while they discuss the news and share everyday experiences; however, what makes it one of the greenest and well-urbanized states in Brazil is the fact that there are numerous trees planted on the sides of most streets and avenues. For example, The Gonçalo de Carvalho Street, located in the state’s capital, Porto Alegre, is considered the most beautiful street in the world and since 2006, it has been designated a cultural, ecological and historical heritage site. Another important factor that contributes to its high level of livability is the educational system. Without a doubt, the state has some highly recognized schools and universities, such as the Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, where, according to the university website, 40,978 students, almost one fifth of whom dream of becoming doctors, have applied to study at the undergraduate level in the last year alone. Anyone interested in spending time in the state should pay attention to the weather, because, although snow is hardly ever seen in Brazil, cities such as Gramado and Canela usually experience temperatures below zero in the winter. In order to participate in the traditional activities and green space of Rio Grande do Sul, it is recommended to search a CTG (Centre of Gaucho Tradition) and enjoy what one of the best Brazilian states has to offer.

Brazil

Rio Grande do Sul

Student Opinion

issue 83, September 2013

The Possibilities of Global Knowledge Sharing By

Randa Abdulqayoom Haneef of Saudi Arabia, Level 60 Academic English

n the twenty-first century, global issues in various fields are increasing gradually each year, and authorities are trying a variety of methods to solve these problems. In order for most nations to accomplish common goals, they need to cooperate together to solve some of the global issues and to share common global interests. There are two main factors showing the importance and possibility of sharing knowledge globally. First, many people are suffering from the same problems, such as joblessness (unemployment) and insufficiency of resources in different percentages. For instance, in his article â&#x20AC;&#x153;European Union Labour force surveyâ&#x20AC;? on Eurostat, Martin Teichgraber (2012) explains that the average percentage of unemployed in Europe is roughly 10.4%; half of these were unemployed for a long term. In these cases, sharing knowledge between countries may lead to creating solutions to employment shortages, and countries can also support each other. As another example, the water crisis is a huge problem in many countries, especially in Africa, so these countries need to cooperate with other countries in order to find solutions. Second, in general, countries share a number of common interests which need in-depth knowledge sharing. For example, in May 2013, the Al-Arabia channel announced that Saudi Arabia was suffering from the Corona virus, which is a serious virus that affects the respiratory system. The statistics showed that roughly 24 patients were affected by this virus; 15 of them died. During that time, some countries, such as Canada, sent doctors and specialists to Saudi Arabia to give courses to Saudi medical staff on how they could control this disease; in fact, Canada and Saudi Arabia shared knowledge. In conclusion, global dilemmas and common interests among nations are the main reasons for sharing knowledge and simplifying communications among cultures.

Student Opinion

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The Brazilian Public HealthByCare System

Joaquim Nunes Margarido Neto of Brazil, Level 60 Academic English

hen the Brazilian public health care system was created in 1988, its guidelines and regulations seemed so highly effective that a considerable part of the population thought that the country’s struggle against health care issues would be solved. Unfortunately, after almost three decades of the creation of “Sistema Único de Saúde - SUS”, Brazil’s health care system, the reality is dramatic, probably, to unimaginable levels for those who participated in the elaboration of the SUS. Patients are constantly treated inhumanely and health professionals are obliged to work in poor conditions, which is mainly consequence of ineffective organisation and corruption. Although every Brazilian has the right to receive medical treatment for free, Brazil’s public health care system is in complete chaos. The scenario in most Brazilian public hospitals and healthcare centres is critical. Due to high demand and lack of space, many patients are accommodated in the corridor, where they have contact with a larger amount of other patients than if they were in a regular hospital room, increasing the risk of hospital infection. Diagnostic exams, such as magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography, have long waiting lists of usually at least three months. The same situation is applicable to surgical procedures and appointments with specialists like neurologists, rheumatologists and otorhinolaryngologists. On a daily basis, many health centres lack fundamental medication, such as antibiotics and analgesics. The situation is even worse

outside large cities, where it is common that health professionals do not have access to very basic medical equipment and drugs. As a result, most doctors do not consider working in small cities, even with the possibility of earning a higher salary. Another consequence of the catastrophic public health care is that those who can afford private health insurance prefer to do so, even considering that they already pay taxes to fund public health. The ineffective organisation and corruption strongly contribute to making the health system problematic. Each neighbourhood was supposed to have a health centre where minor problems could be solved by a medical staff, which should refer patients with more complex conditions to larger hospitals. However, many issues do not allow this structure to function properly. The medical team working in a health centre is constantly changing, so it is common that patients have their treatments altered as they see a new doctor. Additionally, most community health centres receive more patients than their capacity— since there are neighbourhoods that lack a health centre — so they are usually overcrowded and patients must wait for several hours to see a doctor. Consequently, patients tend to go directly to large hospitals, in an attempt to receive treatment without struggle, overloading these places, which should only deal with complex conditions, with minor problems. Another organisational cause is that, in most small cities, the public health policy is focused on the purchase of new ambulances, so that patients can be taken to large cities

to receive treatment, contributing to the chaotic situation in their health care facilities. The money that the Brazilian government designates to health care would be enough for the system to work well if there were no corruption. However, the media continuously reports scandals involving the misuse of public money. For example, in 2006 there was a case known as “The Ambulance Mafia” in which different politicians and businessmen across the country profited from misusing health care money. The situation that patients face while using the Brazilian public health care system is problematic and its main causes are poor administration and corruption. The government must rethink the whole organisational agenda of the SUS and ensure that its guidelines are strictly followed. Each community health centre must maintain one constant medical staff and provide it with proper equipment and medical supplies. The administration of community health centres must be responsible for taking care of minor conditions and referring complex cases properly. That could be achieved by the director’s activities being closely supervised by the government and by new community facilities being opened. Furthermore, acts of corruption in the health care area must receive strict punishment. Lives are much too valuable to receive this kind of poor attention. The Brazilian government must remember that, in health care matters, its acts may lead to a state with no return: death.

Student Opinion

issue 83, September 2013

Fukui, MyBySmall Town

Miwa Igawa, Level 40 Academic English

y small town, Fukui has a famous industry, nuclear plants and some delicious food. Firstly, eye glasses frames are a very famous industry. Fukui produces ninety eight percent of eye glasses frames. Eye glasses frame industry is number one in the world. For example, GUCCI and other wellknown brands use Fukui eye glasses frames. Furthermore, Fukui has fifteen nuclear power plants supply half of all the electricity used in the other cities in Japan. Therefore, Fukui can make facilities for residents such as hospitals and stations with high-technology equipment. Finally, there are several kinds of delicious food in Fukui. Fukui is famous for rice. Koshihikari is the most delicious and popular brand of rice in Japan. In addition, Echizen crabs which are caught where the warm currents and cold currents meet in the open sea off the coast are very tasty. Echizen crabs retain a rich flavor because they live in the mixed currents area. People can enjoy a small town, Fukui, with great facilities, fashionable eye glasses flames and delicious cuisine. P.S. To Ms. Mary and Sunshine, Thank you for helping my writing. I like writing now!

Student Opinion

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The Technological Revolution By Faisal Alhabashi of Saudi Arabia, Academic English

ne thing is certain about human nature, that they born talkers. They communicate globally. With modern technology we can meet anybody, anywhere at any time. Today our means for communication are endless. People texting messages worldwide every day. Billions have become Facebook users; the numbers of digital social life are aspects to increase by the next years. The question is, will all this option of technology making our lives better? I don’t think people are happy managing the technology; for instance, take a look at how computers and modern cell phone these days affect their families and their co-workers in their own lives. Additionally, they now can’t live without their personal devices. Also they complained that computers and especially smart phones like iPhone and BlackBerry have taken over their lives and they worry about how much time they’re spending surfing the internet. Further, some people can’t turn off their technology. They immediately read that next text, take that call or check their Facebook. In a different aspects, technology makes human life flexible up to certain point with a way of ease. For example, computers now days are more reliable for dally use and modern cell phones fitting easy in their pockets and communication are become fast, although in a wide range. Which give the human advantage to accomplishing their jobs in short time and achieve their goals faster. Therefore, they may complete objectives at the same time, with respect to age and privacy. Additionally, some people use it in their daily needs. It helps them in transportation, like using public transportation to know the time of buses and train and save important date, like meeting or dental appointments. Since then, technology and communication are inevitable to people needs, as it is required in the modern life. Also it is up to people managing otherwise if it will impact negatively in their life.

Student Opinion

issue 83, September 2013

Gun Control By Husam Elkaseh of Libya, Level 60 Academic English

he Libyan Revolution, also referred to as The Libyan Civil War, like any other revolution, started with noble goals: freedom, justice, and democracy. However, after three years people are still struggling with not only forms of corruption and nepotism but also with the chaos caused by weapons. Once the demonstrations started against the dictator, Muammar Gaddafi, the demonstration switched rapidly to real war between the government and the people who did not have weapons at that time to defend themselves. Thus, people had no choice. They had to protect their families from Gaddafiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s army, so they stole weapons from army camps and started fighting. Consequently, there are weapons everywhere. The issue of gun control has come up currently as one of the biggest problems the new government is facing. Moreover, it has caused several problems: acts of violence and crime throughout the country. On the 17th of February, 2011, once the protesters went down to the streets, the army was divided into two groups: one supported the government and the other defended the protesters. Both of them started to recruit volunteers to reinforce the frontline. Regardless of their background, any person could be a volunteer if she or he has a weapon. When the war finished, there were guns everywhere: pistols, machine guns, even rockets were available for anyone who wishes to buy them. Rebels with many kinds of weapons started to gather in small groups and formed militias. Because the new government was weak, it became difficult to control these militias. Also, the militias have been fighting not only the new

government but also among themselves since the war ended. Each militia has its own army and agenda. Robbers and muggers, who escaped from prison during the chaos, returned to their gangs again. Therefore, the violence has spread throughout the whole society with young, old, and uneducated people fighting for many different reasons. Road rage, for example, which is common in traffic jams, sometimes escalates into fighting with machine guns in Libya. All of these reasons have resulted in violence. As well as the militias, gangs are talking advantage of the chaos. Now they are more powerful and more developed as they use technology and heavy weapons. Even burglaries and muggings are now prevalent as one of the biggest challenges faced by the government. Police do not have the resources to fight the gangs, so they are struggling to eliminate the gangs. However, the new government should take serious steps to prevent the fighting and violence. It is not too late. For instance, the Libyan government should educate the people what the risks are of the spread of weapons by using the media and religious leaders, who have a great deal of respect in the community. In addition, since Libya is a rich country, it seems to me that buying the weapons from people is one of the possible solutions. Educated people, students, teachers and professors must take the responsibility to convince the government to ban guns. Finally, Libyans should remember the main goals of the revolution and look forward to better lives not only for themselves but also for the new generations, who need to live in peace and safety.

Student Opinion

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My Tobermory Experience

By Mariana Maia Chams Eddine of Brazil. Level 60 Academic English

uring the English Course at University of Toronto I met a nice guy, who became one of my best friends. Even though we were in different levels we used to talk a lot, and the best part was that we were always communicating in English (even though he is Brazilian too). He is living with a Canadian family in another city, and they were going camping on the second weekend of August. He gently asked me if I wanted to enjoy the trip with them, and I obviously accepted. It took almost 4 hours by car to arrive there. The city/ village is called Tobermory. We arrived at the camping place late on Friday, so we just pitched the tent and slept. On Saturday morning we woke up early and went to the main point of the city, in the Lake Huron local harbour, and there a lot of boats and cruises that we could take. We took a ferry to the

Tobermory

Toronto

Flower Pot Island. At the beginning I was not so excited, but then, when we were almost arriving at the Island, I saw that crystal clear water combined with all the green nature on the Island and that white rocks. I found that really amazing, so I took a picture to show to everyone. I never thought that I could find a place like that in Ontario, because I had never heard about it. All the beautiful places that I heard about were in Alberta or British Columbia, so it really surprised me. Getting off of the ferry at the Island we walked for more than two hours on the trails, to see all the hidden beautiful places. My legs were in pain on the day after, but it was really worth it. It was the most incredible experience I have had during my stay in Toronto. I hope to continue to find out new places like Tobermory, to delight myself more and more. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m loving Canada!

issue 83, September 2013

The Amazon Forest

By Enaira Ellen Beserra Damasceno of Brazil, Level 60 Academic English

he Amazon Forest is one of the biggest biomes of ecological diversity in the world. It is located in nine countries of South America although according to a Brazilian institute called Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas Espaciais (INPE), 69% of it is in Brazil. This forest has the largest river basin in the world and boasts the largest biodiversity of all tropical forests. As a result, the Amazon forest attracts much attention for presenting a myriad of exploitation possibilities and being a source of natural resources. Its deforestation and degradation are the major illegal activities that cause serious environmental and social problems. The process of deforestation has been occurring since 1970, when Brazil’s government released incentive policies for the occupation of the region. To be a huge area, this part of Brazil needed to be populated, so big areas were deforested to build roads. These days, the destruction of this region is related to the gain of profit mainly by trade in wood, cattle raising and monoculture manufacturing. The effects of these illegal activities involve climate change and biodiversity loss. Deforestation increases the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the air contributing to global warming and the burning of trees produces other greenhouse gases. Besides, the destruction of natural habitats can cause an imbalance of biodiversity. This means that species of animals and plants are in danger when their environment is damaged. People who depend on forests

are affected as well. Indians and local people depend on the forest to subsist. This way, if the forest is threatened these people will not have the means to survive and the indigenous culture can become extinct. As the deforestation problem is not a new issue, many solutions have already been implemented. Some of them, such as the Program of License and Deforestation Control executed by government of the state of Mato Grosso in Brazil, could reduce the rate of deforestation (Fearnside, 2003). However, problems like the change of leadership prevented this policy from continuing. Another example of government measures is the creation of various conservation unit categories that represent protected and monitored areas supported by a federal law (Ferreira, 2005). These units have the objective of the integral preservation of all natural resources within their limits. This would be an excellent solution if more conservation units could be scattered by the Amazon forest. Nevertheless, the Amazon is enormous and the implementation of these protected areas is very difficult and bureaucratic. Unfortunately, in spite of many previous solutions, the destruction of the Amazon still is a reality. The problem is that the authorities do not face this issue with the seriousness it deserves. It is imperative that the preservation of Amazon be a priority for Brazilians. First, improvements in surveillance and monitoring systems

can help the government to quickly identify possible destructed areas. Well developed technology would be an excellent instrument in efficient detection and apprehension of criminals. In addition, integrated operations of Federal Agencies responsible for identifying and punishing illegal activities should be established. This makes the whole process easier, more efficient, and less bureaucratic. Secondly, tax incentives should be created to increase the economic efficiency and sustainability of deforested areas and support ways of sustainable economic development in the region. It would mean that what is destroyed could be recovered and what is untouched could be preserved. However, it is clear that only isolated solutions will not work. To solve this problem the joint action of the Brazilian authorities and the population is necessary. Therefore, unless there is awareness and commitment, the safety and health of the forest and its inhabitants will not be guaranteed. References FEARNSIDE, P.M. Deforestation control in Mato Grosso: A new model for slowing the loss of Brazil’s Amazon forest. Ambio 32(5): 343-345, 2003. FERREIRA, L. V.; VENTICINQUE, E.; ALMEIDA, S. O desmatamento na Amazônia e a importância das áreas protegidas. Estudos Avançados 19(53): 157-166, 2005.

world of words

Applying to University in Canada By Faisal Alhabashi of Saudi Arabia, Academic English

oday, for students traveling to Canada to continue their education, applying to universities is one of the challenges they face them when they arrive. There are two methods to apply to universities in Canada. First, students can apply through the Ontario University Application Center (OUAC.ca). On this site, students can apply to several universities by filling out one form. First of all, there are several application forms. Each form is specific to the each student’s educational back ground. For instance, the form entitled, “OUAC 101” is for current Ontario secondary school students. “OUAC 105,” on the other hand, is for all other undergraduate programs. In this passage I will explain how international students can apply to several universities through the application center web site. So, if you are intending to apply, follow my steps in the next sentences and I guarantee you will find it simple and clear. First, go to the website that I mentioned above. Click on “(OUAC 105) All Other Undergraduate Applicants.” On the page that appears, it is clearly explained how students should proceed. For example, students with a study permit should fill out the “OUAC 105D.” Scroll down the page and click on the link that says, “105D Online Application.” Your first step is now done. Second, on this page, create your account for a new application. For this step, you will need to know the following: your first name, last name, email address, password, and be able to ask and answer a challenging question in case forget your password. Then, the site will give you a personal

ID number that begins with IT (for example: IT3575825). Make sure to remember your ID number because it will be your identification reference to all the universities that you apply to. Third, in this part there are eight sections. In each part, you have to fill out your information clearly and carefully to provide the needed requirements. In section one, you will need to choose your program. To do this, simply add the name of the university and area or the program. I recommend using the name of the institute in this section. In section two, you will need to rank your choices. This part is not so important to the applicant as much as it is to the universities. It is simply a reference to see how the applicant submits their application. For instance, if the applicants to the University of Toronto are beyond the University’s capacity they will only choose those students who made the University of Toronto their first choice. So make sure the order your choices correctly. In the third section, you will need to fill out your personal information. In the fourth section, type your email address, mailing address and home address. Next, in the fifth section, include the institutions you have attended. In general, they ask for your high school information, like the type of education system you were a part of (American, British, etc.) They also ask you for your dates of graduation from these institutions. The sixth section involves a transcript request. Also, this part is as a resume of the applicant. Here you will need to type down all the information about your educational background and work experience. In the seventh section, you will have to mention your interests and additional experience like volunteering,

sports participation and work that you did when you were not attending school full-time. Finally the submission section: here after all these previous sections, it is time to submit your form and pay application fees. Meanwhile, keep in mind that the application fees is 300 dollars for three universities, so make sure to choose three universities before submitting your application because the price remains the same if you choose one or three universities. The method of payment is either credit card or sending a money order payable to the Ontario Universities Application Center. Personally, I recommend credit card because your payment will be faster and you will receive an email confirming the payment at the same time. The second method is applying through a university admissions office. The advantage to this method is that it requires less application fees. But, at the same time it will narrow your opportunity of continuing education in Canada. The processes are same as the third part of the first method with the same sections and steps. Except, communications will go to be directly with the admissions office and your ID number will refer to only one university. In the end, after applying through either of the above methods, the applicant will receive an email from each institution they have applied to containing a list of the required documents. The documents are simple, all what they ask for are a copy of your high school diploma, authorized by the ministry of education from your country, a simple resume and English proficiency. Up to this point the application process is finished and what remains is to submit the requirement documents before the deadline.

issue 83, September 2013

Geese Fathers

By Seungchan Lee of South Korea, Level 60 Academic English

ducation is considered one of the key factors for children to achieve wealth and success according to Korean parents. Therefore, they have poured enormous energy and money into educating their children. Nevertheless, now Korean parents’ devotion to their children is changing the original structure of the family. The Korean Financial News (2013) reports that the number of “Geese Fathers”, who sent their children and wives abroad for better education but remained behind due to jobs, has dramatically increased. In fact, the rate is increasing approximately from 22,000 to 30,000 every year. These “Geese Fathers” have become as a new sociological issue. As a matter of fact, this term is derived from the characteristic of geese, which are loyal to their mates. It is believed that geese fathers’ devotion is caused by employers’ discrimination toward Korean schools. Indeed, due to globalization, employees who excel in speaking English have become vital for international business. For this reason, companies give priority to employees who have diplomas from prestigious western universities. This preference likely encourages parents to send their children to Englishspeaking countries even though it costs a large amount of money. Usually fathers, who are the main breadwinners in Korea, decide to bear loneliness, so they support their rest of the family members by staying the country. However, ironically this decision contributes to weakened family relationships owing to the lack of communication. What is more, as a result of loneliness, suicide rates among “geese

fathers” are soaring. The two possible solutions are to change business policies and the educational system. First of all, discrimination about where employees studied should be eliminated. Without respecting for their domestic institutions, there is little hope to sustain Korean schools. In addition, high-tuition is likely overflowed to foreign countries. Ultimately, it will weaken Korean business, which is related to education. Giving the same value on domestic institutions can possibly slow down geese fathers. However, this solution cannot fundamentally solve the issue. It is impossible to promote Korean schools without reforming educational system. Above all, a new educational system, which can attract students to local schools, is required. The education department should determine the factors which can upgrade the system. Indeed, it is possible when the government sends educational diplomats to foreign prestigious schools to do the bench marking. In the past, Korean government used to send diplomats to developed countries so that better courses could be introduced in Korea. In addition to this, adaptation to globalization can also play a significant role. One of the reasons why Korean companies avoid hiring domestic students is that they have insufficient skills to work in international business. Some Korean universities do not teach practical experience which is necessary to do global marketing. The valuable lesson should be immediately introduced in schools. With this solution, the rate of “geese fathers” may be fundamentally reduced.

world of words

SUMMER IN Photograph by Issac Chan

N THE CITY

issue 83, September 2013

Photo credit: Arata Miyazaki Photo credit: Arata Miyazaki

Photo credit: Issac Chan

ISSAC cHAN

39 Photo credit: Arata Miyazaki

Photo credit: Issac Chan

world of words

New York Guide

ELP Students take NYC

By Andrea Cuellar and Victoria Young, ELP Cultural Assistants

NYC Travel Essentials you cannot forget! - Passport, otherwise you’re stuck in Canada - American Currency—you can’t go to New York without spending money! - Camera—to capture all the sights and experiences in the big apple - Map of the city so that you can find your way around What to bring on a long bus ride A long bus ride can seem eternal without the proper preparation! Here are some tips for what to bring to make it a smooth and enjoyable ride! - A pillow - A blanket - Comfortable clothes - A bottle of water - Snacks - iPad/iPod for games, music and movies - A good book to read Top of the Rock—The Rockafellar Center and Rockafellar Square People boast about the view from the top of the Empire State Building, but some say that the view from the top of the Rockafellar Centre is truly the best. 60+ stories high, this three-level lookout gives an incredible 360 clear and unobstructed view of the city. No bars or fences, just top to bottom panes of glass let students look out onto the city, as far as Brooklyn and the statue of liberty including the empire state building, Chrysler Building and more from a birds-eye perspective. 5th Avenue, and Midtown walking tour Walking through Manhattan, students got a feel for the energy of the big apple, and recognized many well known sites and areas. After the Rockafeller centre, Rockafellar Square was the next stop. Famous for it’s grand winter Christmas tree lighting and outdoor skating rink, the square was full of people enjoying summertime in the city, sitting by the water fountain or eating lunch on the outdoor patios. Just around the corner, students got to pass through 5th avenue. A more grandiose version of downtown Toronto’s Bloor Street East, 5th Avenue 40

is the Manhattan strip lined with high end stores boasting expensive and luxurious retail. Grand Central Station was the next destination on the first day in the city. A highlight of the walking tour, most students were familiar with the station from countless movies with popular scenes filmed here. Since the trip was during labour day weekend, the station was packed with the hustle and bustle of both tourists and locals coming and going for the last summer holiday of the year. A fun feature of the station is the corridor intersection with cool phonetics. These phonetics allow you to speak to the person standing on the opposite side of the room. Walking towards Times Square and Broadway by day, Bryant Park and the NYC Public Library were perfect spots to rest and experience the feel of the locals relaxing, playing chess, reading, playing instruments, eating lunch, and enjoying the nice weather and hanging out during their weekend. Students got to enjoy Times Square and Broadway, possibly the most popular sites of the weekend, by day and by night as well. Each was unique and fun, from the mass amounts of people and of course the select interesting and crazy looking characters roaming about, to the shopping, restaurants, the lights, sounds and overall electric feeling. Some students purchased tickets to enjoy New York’s world famous Broadway shows as well. Students kicked off the following day with a walking tour of the one and only Central Park! The tour started on the luxurious upper east side and ended on the upper westside, where students took pictures of John Lennon’s memorial, a mosaic of the words ‘Imagine’. Having been used in countless romantic comedies over the years, central park was definitely one of the more popular sites on the trip. Expectations for the park were high, and Central Park met these expectations with ease. Situated in the heart of New York City it was easily

issue 83, September 2013 one of the most inspiring places we visited. It was vibrant and dynamic, filled with people from all walks of life. There were joggers, performers, tourists, people taking naps, serious business men taking a break... everyone was in central park. The park also boasted several lakes, beautiful little bridges, a zoo and a whole lot of greenery in the middle of an urban jungle. Simply put, it was beautiful. A sanctuary of sorts for anyone wanting a break from all the hustle and bustle of the city. The Brooklyn Bridge was next on our list of must see’s! The students from ELP hopped on the bus and headed to Brooklyn! We crossed the bridge from Brooklyn into Manhattan! As we approached the bridge we could hear shouts and gasps as everyone took in this magnificent bridge looming over New York City’s East River. There was not a single person who was unimpressed! The walk across the bridge took about an hour, but the heat of the day made it feel longer. However the view from the bridge made up for all our struggles! From the bridge we could see Manhattan’s skyline and the closer we got the taller the skyscrapers seemed to become. Not only was Manhattan’s skyline breathtaking but the statue of liberty in the distance and the New York harbour made for a fabulous view! Next up on our adventure was the Harbour Boat Cruise! If you are ever at a loss for things to do in New York City, the harbour boat cruise comes highly recommended! Probably the best way to enjoy one of New York’s symbols the Statue of Liberty. Since the statue of liberty is located on Ellis Island the only way to get up and close is by boat. As the boat pulled up next to Ellis Island we were really able to take in the sheer size of the statue. If you get hungry and are in need of some sustenance, Pier 17 is fun place to eat. Its a cute area that resembles a tiny fishing village, yet if you look just behind you, you will find Manhattan’s skyline looming right over your shoulder. Our final stop for the day was Greenwich Village. The narrow streets, the cute little shops and cafes gives this neighbourhood a fun vibe! Here students were able to choose from hundreds of little cafes from every possible culture on the planet to have a bite to eat! Our # 1 recommendation would be Joe’s Pizza! It’s true, the best pizza is found not in Italy but in New York! If you do go to Joe’s, keep your eyes peeled for celebrities, after all this is the same pizzeria that was in Spiderman! If you aren’t satisfied with what you find in Greenwich Village then right around the corner from Greenwich village is China Town and Little Italy! Many of our students trekked down to China Town to enjoy some Chinese cuisine, New York style. Thus concludes our guide to New York! We hope this little blurb will help you on your travels to the Big Apple! 41

world of words

A Trip to French Canada

With students from Kansai University By Dan Pinese, ELP Program Administrator

n August 16th, 2013, I had the pleasure of travelling from Toronto, Ontario to French Canada with a group from Kansai University in Japan. Having arrived in Toronto less than a week earlier and after completing a week-long course entitled “Canadian Culture” at the English Language Program, the group from Kansai embarked on a three-day tour that would include stops in Thousand Islands, Ottawa, Montreal and Quebec City. In such a short time and with so much to see, our guided tour started with a short visit to Thousand Islands, outside of Kingston, Ontario. The archipelago, which straddles the Canada-US border, is made up of over 1,800 islands some of which we viewed first-hand on the sunny day aboard our boat tour. Next on the agenda was an afternoon in Canada’s capital city, Ottawa, Ontario. Here we snapped pictures around the capital and in front of Canada’s Parliament Buildings and had lunch at ByWard Market, Canada’s oldest continuously functioning farmer’s market. Students sampled goodies from bakeries, sandwich shops, restaurants, and tasted treats made from one of Canada’s most iconic products: maple syrup. That night, we spent driving and walking around Montreal. We saw St. Joseph’s oratory and spent the night out in the metropolitan city’s downtown. The next day, after checking out of our hotel and hitting the road bright and early, we toured and explored one of Canada’s and indeed North America’s oldest cities: Quebec. A UNESCO world heritage site due to its historical importance, Quebec City delighted us with fine French pastries and busy streets filled with art vendors, performers and, of course, history at every turn. As an unexpected bonus, that night, we even had the pleasure of watching fireworks from the shores of the historic harbour. Leaving Quebec City the next morning was definitely difficult as one day to explore and see so much history is almost impossible. However, we did cover a lot of ground and after a brief stop in Montreal’s Old Port for lunch the whirlwind tour of French Canada was put to the road behind us. On the ride home, as it was becoming dark and we were inching along the highway, a challenge was issued by ELP Cultural Assistant, Sana Ali to the two students sitting behind us: Takami and Yusuke. “Tell us a scary story,” Sana said. “It’ll be good practise,” we encouraged. They hesitated, then deliberated for about 10 minutes after which Takami tapped me on the shoulder. “We are ready,” he said. “We have our scary story.” Takami and Yusuke were even nice enough to submit it to World of Words magazine. Enjoy.

ByWard Market, Ottawa August 16th, 2013

rio

Thousand Islands August 16th, 2013

Q Ottawa

Thousand Islands

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issue 83, September 2013

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Kansai students pose in front of UNESCO World Heritage Site flags in Quebec City August 17th, 2013

Quebec City

Montreal

Kansai students in Old Montreal August 18th, 2013

A Scary Story: The DVD

By Takami Sato Translated and written by Yusuke Teshima

here was a girl who worked at a company in Osaka. Her name was Yukiko. One day on the way to go to the company, she ran into an old man. She said “sorry” but he ignored her. She thought “What? How strange”, but then she continued on her way to work. That night, she finished her work and went back home. When she arrived there, she found a DVD holding the door open. She thought it was very strange. She felt a pang of fear, but she picked it up and brought it into her house thinking she should watch the DVD. Because she was carrying many things, she put the DVD down on the countertop, and forgot about it. Six months later, Yukiko’s friend, who is also her coworker at the company comes to her house to hang out. Her friend finds the DVD. Her friend asks her, “What is this?” Yukiko replied “I don’t know.... but I think we should not watch this.....” But her friend kept insisting to Yukiko to watch the DVD. Finally they decided to watch it. When they played the DVD, nothing appeared on on the screen. They got bored and started chatting. The DVD kept playing for ten minutes. Yukiko suddenly remembered it and said “It’s some stupid trick! So may I turn it off now?” Her friend said, “Ok.” Just as Yukiko went to turn off the DVD an old man appeared on the TV screen. He was dancing and wearing a pair of tights!! It was so sleazy! Her friend laughed and said “It is so funny! His dance is so creepy! Haha”. Her friend burst into laughter watching the TV but Yukiko wasn’t laughing at all. Her friend said, “Why are you not laughing at this at all? This is such a funny movie!” Yukiko pointed a shaking finger at the screen and said, “He is dancing in my room.”

world of words

Darren’s Music Corner

Tips on buying your first guitar By Darren Rigo, ELP Cultural Assistant

Graduate of the Ontario College of Art and Design

ow that we have learned the basics of playing guitar I think it is time to talk about buying one. If you really like playing guitar I recommend buying one, with proper selection and maintenance you will be able to use it for your whole life. There are tons of options when it comes to buying a guitar: hundreds of brands, different styles and shapes, and prices that range from a few hundred bucks up to thousands. All that selection can be difficult to navigate. Remember you want a guitar that first, fits your body well and is comfortable to play, second, has a sound that appeals to you, and lastly, looks good. If you follow these dos and don’ts I’m sure you can find an instrument that you will be happy with for years to come.

The DOs and DON’Ts of Guitar Shopping DO

research what style, brand and model guitar you want to buy. If you can, bring a knowledgeable friend with you to buy your guitar.

DON’T

buy a used guitar unless you really know what you are talking about, in which case you don’t need to read this article. Used guitars are often damaged or require maintenance only buy one if you are on a tight budget.

DO ask the sales person any 44

questions you have. If they don’t have good answers it may be best to go to another store.

DON’T

buy the cheapest guitar. Really cheap guitars will wear out quickly, sound poor, and be worthless in a few years’ time. If you are on a tight budget then consider buying a used guitar.

buy a mid-range guitar. In Toronto that would run about $300-$900 new.

DON’T

buy the most expensive guitar. These instruments are great but you won’t be able to tell the difference over a nice mid-range guitar.

DO try multiple guitars in your

price range. If you have time, visit multiple stores before you make your decision.

DON’T buy a guitar without

trying it out first. I’d recommend playing it for at least ten minutes before you commit to buying. (This also means you should be good enough at playing to know 10 minutes worth of material).

DO have a budget. Know how much you are willing to spend.

DON’T forget you also have

to buy a case, a humidifier, picks, and a strap. These could cost over $100.

DO ask for a deal. Every guitar

store will give you some kind of deal. A half price case, or free picks or something. Just ask, don’t be shy.

DON’T

forget to check your guitar for imperfection, especially cracks. Stores usually sell guitars off the showroom floor so they could have been tried out by hundreds of people before you.

buy a Canadian made guitar. This isn’t a must, but if you are in Canada you get amazing prices on some of the best quality guitars in the world. Why shell out more for an imported Martin when that amazing Seagull is half the price.

DON’T

buy a guitar just because you like the colour.

read the next issue of WoW for my article on guitar maintenance.

issue 83, September 2013

Coffee to Coffee Chat

A coffee bean’s journey across oceans By Maxine Bower, ELP Cultural Assistant

U of T Graduate of Women and Gender studies / Peace and Conflict Studies

offee finds its way into an array of drinks such as lattés, cappuccinos, macchiatos, cortados and ice caps from Tim Hortons. Coffee can also be consumed as drip coffee, French press coffee, instant coffee, iced coffee, etc. The various ways each culture brews and drinks coffee adds to the vastness of coffee consumption. My favourite way to drink coffee is in the Greek fashion (similar to Turkish, Arabic and Balkan traditions) which produces a very small, but bold and strongly flavoured cup of coffee with the fine coffee grinds sitting in the bottom of the cup. My favourite way to consume coffee however is at the home of a friend, served with carefully prepared baklava. Coffee is one of those special drinks that inspire conversations and developing relationships. It is very common for people to invite others to their homes or to a public place to “grab a drink.” You may have been invited yourself to meet someone ‘over a cup of coffee’. Friends commonly meet each other to drink a pint of beer or may visit you in your home for a glass of wine or a cup of tea. Just as coffee is an excellent drink to share between friends, it is also a popular drink to have in a public place when meeting someone formally to discuss business, or when meeting someone for the first time. Coffee is a significant part of socialization in North American culture as it is in other cultures. Its history in North America is not as old as its history in other parts of the world however. Coffee has historically been consumed in coffee houses long before it found its way to other parts of the world through trade and colonization. The first recorded coffee house was in Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul, Turkey) during the early 1500s . At the time, coffee houses became an important place to exchange information and news, participate in the arts and watch performers. Eventually, coffee houses came to be known as the “Schools of the Wise” because of its influential role as a place to share information, the arts, and as a place of learning .

Drinking coffee has made its way into the daily ritual of people’s lives. Independent coffee shops are finding themselves in all varieties of neighborhoods displaying local art on the walls, sampling music through the stereos, and crowded with conversing patrons and studying students. Each café is unique in their décor, ambiance and different flavors of coffee created through specific ways of roasting beans. The variety of flavours is also reflective of the diverse parts of the world that coffee comes from. Coffee Chat is like ELP’s very own coffee house, serving a clientele of international students while improving on English conversational skills. Much like our very own students, coffee has to travel a long way and undergo a very specific process before it finds itself at Coffee Chat. Coffee comes from Central and South America, some Pacific Islands like Papua New Guinea, the island Java and Sulawesi of Indonesia, some Caribbean islands like the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Haiti, Cuba and Puerto Rico as well as from parts of South Asia and East Africa. Each region produces a bean with a different flavor that will reveal itself when the beans are roasted.

THE PROCESS

offee beans are the seed of a type of cherry. When these cherries turn red, they are ripe and ready to be picked. Once the ripe red cherries are picked, they need to be processed immediately so that the cherries do not spoil. The cherries need to be separated from the seeds, which will later become your coffee beans. One method includes leaving the cherries out to be sundried. The other method requires machinery: the cherries are put through a machine that removes the cherry pulp. The remaining pulp is washed away, and then the beans are set out to be sundried. Once the beans are dried, they go through a machine for the last time to remove any remaining pulp or skin . Next, the beans are roasted. There

are various ways to roast beans, each method resulting in a different flavor. Light roast – are roasted for the shortest amounts of time. Light roasts are a lighter, caramel-brown colour, less potent than other coffees in taste. Surprisingly, this type of roast has the most amount of caffeine, contrary to what most people believe. ** The roasting process causes beans to lose their caffeine. Since light roasts are roasted for the shortest amount of time, lighter roasts keep most of their caffeine. This means darker, stronger coffees that are roasted for longer amounts of time have less caffeine . Medium roasts - are the most popular to drink. Medium roasts would be a common cup of coffee from Tim Hortons Dark roasts - are darker beans that give you a smoky, bold and potent flavor. Espressos - are roasted the longest and are consequently the darkest and most potent. When the coffee beans are done roasting, they are cooled immediately. Next they are packaged as whole beans or as grinded beans. The coarseness of the grind will always depend on how you would like to drink your coffee. Coarser grinds are used for drinks that require longer brewing times. Finer grinds are used for drinks that are brewed very quickly. Drinks like espresso that pull water through the coffee quickly require very fine grinds. The grinds used for a Tim Hortons cup of coffee are in contact with water for much longer and consequently use coarser, larger grinds. So, you have gone through a very brief description of how coffee comes to coffee chat. Similar to the long journey and extensive preparation and dedication Coffee Chatters must undergo before coming to ELP, so must coffee endure a long journey that requires incredible detail and preparation. Hooray for Coffee Chat, following the tradition of the “Schools of the Wise,” staying true to a long history of learning, socializing, sharing and drinking coffee!

world of words

Ask Rosa

Kind advice for the student life

By Rosa Leo, ELP Program Administrator

Dear Rosa,

received a ‘thank you’ gift from a classmate for helping her with her homework because she was away sick. Do I need to buy her a gift now? Is there a type of etiquette that I should be following? Do-Good Dear Do-Good, Your gift was your consideration, your time and your deed. Your classmate recognized this and chose to honour you with an expression of friendship and gratitude. Occasionally, I hear from students who are at a loss when it comes to gifting. If a classmate hands you a gift, your appreciation is their reward. It really is! Many people derive joy from the simple act of giving, with no expectations or strings attached. No matter how small or grand the gesture is, what’s important is that you were a thought in their mind. If the gift is an invite to lunch or dinner— then wonderful! That’s a kind gesture on their part. Accept the gift with a smile and thank the giver for their thoughtfulness. If you feel inclined to repay the gifter or continue the giving, on a separate day and occasion you may do so with a counter offer for lunch or dinner. Finally, gifts don’t necessarily need to be purchased. In other words, if your finances are tight, a gift can be something as simple as your time (ie. an offer to baby-sit, or an offer to be a study partner). Gifts can also be born out of talent or skill. If you’re great with numbers, you can offer to help a friend with their income taxes, similarly, if 46

you’re proud of your culinary skills, you can cook or bake their favourite dish. Do what is within your means to do. Gifts given from the heart are received by the heart. Dear Rosa,

’m a student taking a full course load. I don’t always have time to cook a proper meal for myself. Do you have any quick and simple meal options? Student-on-the-Go. Dear Student-on-the-Go, I hear you loud and clear! Most of us are living fast-paced lives with busy schedules. Here’s the key to speedy meal plans: you need to stock your refrigerator with a few of your favourite ‘staples’ (food basics). This will enable you to create a quick fix meal at the last minute without having to run off to the corner store for missing food items. The items in the recipes below are staples that I always have on hand. When I’m pressed for time, my quick fix meals are as follows:

Tuna & Tortilla (preparation time 5-10 min)

-Empty a can of ‘tuna in water’ into a bowl. -Sprinkle with oil olive, black pepper, capers and parmigiano regianno cheese shavings (parmesan cheese). -Indulge with blue corn tortilla chips on the side.

Lastly, I’ll let you in on a little secret: when I find a restaurant whose home-made tomato sauce resembles that of my late dad’s, I have no shame in asking the owner to pour some in a container for me! More often than not, they’re happy to oblige. The cost usually ranges between $8.00 $15.00 depending on the restaurant and the size of the container. You can get between 3-6 servings depending on the size of the container. All that’s left for you to do is cook the pasta of your choice, re-heat the sauce and voila!...spaghetti in tomato sauce is ready in 15-20 minutes. Bon appetite!

Lentil Salad

(preparation time 5-10 min)

-Pour a handful of lentils (or chick peas) in a bowl. -Toss in chopped cucumber, chopped red grape tomatoes, and feta cheese. -Top it off with olive oil, black pepper and oregano flakes. -Indulge with melba toast slices on the side.

Rosa Leo has been serving

the students of the English Language Program for over 8 years. Visit Rosa in the office for student services or registration information.

issue 83, September 2013

Contribute to World of Words Magazine! 1) Email your submission to wow.elp@utoronto.ca 2) Attach your text submission to the email in a word document. Attach any photographs or artwork separately. 3) Include your full name, home country, and the course you’re enrolled in.

world of words June 2013, issue 82

“The English Language Program’s student magazine – a compilation of the Spring session’s highlights, student opinions and other features.”

Toronto

The World in One City

Sporting Life 10K

Going the Distance for Camp Oochigeas

ELP Success Story Aktang Abdykerim

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issue 83, September 2013