My name is Adja Sokhna Ndiaye Barr. I am studying English here at the Tutorium with the hopes of one day pursuing a degree in business.

Some students study English and work at the same time. It can be tricky trying to balance studying and working. However, it can be done. Here is an interview with Rosie Sosa. She works hard and studies at the same time.

Interview

What’s your job?

I work at a restaurant during the week, and also, I have an office job where I make payroll schedules. On the weekend, I help in the front of the restaurant. If the staff or customers have a problem, I try to help and find a solution.

How did you manage between school and work?

My boss gives me flexible hours, so I can handle both. Normally, I go to school in the morning, and after 3 or 4 p.m. I go to work.

How has English helped you perform on your job?

English helps me a lot because I practice with customers. Some customers don’t speak Spanish, so I have the opportunity to use English. This is my favorite moment of the week because I can talk with different people. With the staff, I usually speak Spanish, but English is very important when talking with the customers.

Thank you, Rosie.

Once a semester, the Tutorium teachers and administrators come together to reflect, learn, and grow through professional development consisting of topics that enhance personal skills, whether in service of the program, department, or for an individual's own benefit.  This staff day focused on team-building exercises, curriculum, and discussion of the upcoming CEA reaccreditation.

We are delighted to have new students join our intensive English language program. If you see their beautiful faces around campus, please introduce yourself and say hello. You might be the friend they need to feel right at home. 

Most International students find adjusting to all the new things about living in America challenging. One of the most difficult adjustments is the food. Food is so important in every culture, but it is also very different from culture to culture.

On campus, you might find various fast-food restaurants, vending machines filled with snacks, and odd trucks selling hot food. This is because Americans are typically very busy, so food that is already prepared or quick to prepare is the typical go-to for most Americans.

Burgers, sandwiches, hot dogs, pancakes, etc., are popular in the States simply because they are convenient and versatile. Now, this doesn't mean every American eats this way. In fact, some people prefer to eat and cook at home and make meals from scratch.

Food is a universal language, whether you eat prepared food or make your meals at home from scratch. We all love food! To learn more about specific foods Americans eat, read more>>.

If you would like to share with us about the type food in your country, write a short paragraph and email a copy to Mrs. Nora at ntatina@uic.edu. 

Payment options:

Dress to impress and put on those big American-style smiles! We love to create memories for our Alumni Wall in the main office. Your teachers will take pictures on Monday, October 27. You can come see the pictures on the wall shortly after the semester ends! 

Are you planning to apply to a university or college in the USA? There are many parts to the application process. Learn how to write your Personal Statement for your college applications. Applying to a university or college in the USA can be scary and challenging. The good news is that you are not alone. We are here to help! 

Join us on Wednesday, October 22rd, at 2:30 pm in AH 104 for our final university seminar. Come ask all your questions about higher education in the USA and learn some helpful vocabulary, too! 

If you want to ask questions ahead of time, email Vit at vanicek@uic.edu .

Have you ever wanted to experience an outdoor adventure trip in the US? Well, here's a special opportunity for you! UIC's Recreational Center is hosting a hiking trip at Indiana Dunes on November 8.

Whether you're an experienced hiker or this is your first-time hiking you'll have fun seeing rolling sand dunes, lush forests, and the breathtaking views of Lake Michigan.

The cost for the hiking trip is $65 but includes round trip transportation, meals, park entrance fee, and a tour guide!

There is a required pre-trip meeting on October 29th in the Student Recreation Facility to go overall the details of the adventure.

To register, click here>>. Get ready to have an unforgettable experience, make new friends, and even practice English. 

Wednesday, November 19th 
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Join OIS for a Thanksgiving dinner!  All UIC international students are invited for a FREE Thanksgiving meal which will include foods like roast turkey, mashed potatoes with gravy, stuffing, pumpkin pie, and more. Vegetarian, vegan, and halal options will also be included. 

Registration for this event will open on October 22. Keep checking the newsletter for more information!

The following section of the newsletter is written by Vit Vanicek, one of our teachers here at the Tutorium. With Vit's advice, you're sure to succeed in the classroom and beyond.

Midterm exams are finally over. You finally feel like you can breathe. However, you are only halfway done with the semester! Now, what do you? Well, the next step isn't hard, but it is very important, and it involves you being prepared.

To learn more about what happens after midterms, read more>>.

The following section of the newsletter is written by one of our advisors here at the Tutorium. Our advisors are here to help answer questions and steer you toward the right path for you.

Many universities use the same online application. It is called The Common App. This makes the application process faster for you. 

Watch this video and read the transcript for details on the common app.

Conferences are this week with your teachers. Here's what you can expect.

New classmates!

Email questions to tutorium@uic.edu.
Or contact us to schedule a virtual or in-person meeting.