UIC focuses on both academic and extracurricular activities. The Intramural Sports Program offers UIC students to join this program. No matter your level of ability or experience, you can join any of their programs, and the best part is the programs are FREE for students. Each season has different sports activities. There are different seasons. For example, Fall 2 registration begins Monday, October 6th and there are different kinds of sports you can choose from such as volleyball, basketball, indoor soccer, and so on.

Basketball games run from October 26 to December 5. There are more than 20 teams that play at UIC’s Students Recreation Facility. If you like watching basketball, you should go see a game. At the same time, you do not need to be professional to win the game because there are refs there to help make sure the game is played correctly. My friend, Paul, interviewed a few of the intramural basketball players to talk about their preparation and motivation.

Q: How are you and the team feeling as the tournament approaches?

Rey: We’re really pumped. The energy in practice has been incredible. Everyone's locked in and focused. We’ve been working hard on our defense and communication, which will be key once the games start.

Khoa: My feelings are kind of complicated. Let me tell you this. First of all, a bit of being scared and unconfident. Because you know that I am not that good, plus my body. I'm short. Now I'm more excited about the tournament and basketball generally. I have never skip my gym workout that much for basketball

Zach: I personally think the game was so harsh,and I think nothing is easy.Even though the game was not easy, the students have a lot of passion for basketball. Every sport can be a way to stress out the pressure. I think being a student, we need to focus on the curriculum and extracurricular!

Meet the Writers:

Yijun Huang (Paul) is an IEP student here at UIC Tutorium. He likes playing basketball with his friend, Austin. He loves the feeling of playing the game together. Whatever game you are interested in or whatever hobby you enjoy, I suggest you try basketball.

Ping-Hsuan Chan (Austin) is studying English here at UIC Tutorium. Austin is passionate about art and history and wants to pursue an education in art in the future once he’s finished with his English studies.

For the recent IEP midterm break that just passed, we wanted to know what students did during midterm break. Did someone go outside to see the beautiful views? Did someone explore Chicago or stay at home? Did someone go to a nice restaurant and eat delicious food? We interviewed a few of our classmates and asked them to share about their experiences during midterm break. Here’s a snapshot of their midterm break.

Katherine Vinocuna

I didn’t do anything special during my midterm break. I stayed at home taking rest, and I took the advantage of going to the gym every morning.

Chien Kao

The day after the midterm, I hung out with my girlfriend. We rented a car and drove to Rocky Glen Waterfall to enjoy nature. The weather wasn’t very cold at that time, so we walked into the creek to experience the stream’s flow. Because I’m an animal enthusiast, I tried to turn over the rocks in the stream to see what was underneath. Finally, I found three crayfish and one catfish, and I successfully used my plastic cup to catch them. I felt super excited!

Mykyta Haishuk, the Fitness Enthusiast

During his Midterm break, I went to the UIC Student Recreation Facility and played soccer 2 times with Austin. I also went to the gym 5 times and ran along the lake. (It’s on the gym's third floor) It’s almost 25km. It’s a new record too. Finally, the most important thing is sleeping. (LoL)

Enzheng

On the midterm break, I went to the UIC global office, talking to the advisor about work(Everyone needs to do it, don’t forget to make an appointment with your advisor), and went to the steakhouse to eat beef and dessert with Austin. In his leisure time, he always studies, cooks food, and learns new recipes. He likes cooking by himself. Can you believe it? He sometimes spends $200 per day.

Meet the Writers:

Adja Sokhna Ndiaye Barr is a student in the IEP program. She is studying English here at the Tutorium with the hopes of one day pursuing a degree in business.

Qingyu Wu (Garret) is also studying English here at UIC Tutorium. He wants to pursue a future in finance because he likes economics and wants to earn money. He also enjoys learning about others and giving the reader something to think about.

Have you ever wanted to sit down and chat with our amazing faculty? Well, now you can! Each week, we will ask our faculty a few questions to get to know them better and maybe even enjoy a few laughs. If you have a question you would like to ask our teachers, email your questions to our newsletter editor. 

What’s your favorite part of teaching your students?

There are a lot of things I like about our students, but one thing that's great is working with people who enjoy figuring out how to put their thoughts and feelings into English. Like any other learners, they often don't know an answer or what a word means, but they don't panic. They keep a curious attitude and keep trying. That is impressive to me. 

Any funny or unforgettable classroom moments?

Last summer one of my students and I wore the same outfit. It was like we had planned it. However, it was a complete coincidence. (Please don't ask to coordinate outfits. I will say no. This goes for teachers as well...Dave.)

What’s on activity or topic your students always love?

I think it's always fun to play a writing game on the whiteboard. Partners usually learn a lot from each other and other teams, and getting up and moving around helps everyone think and stay motivated. 

What’s one goal you have for your students beyond language skills?

I would like students to understand that whatever their experience of learning English, many students who were eventually successful English learners felt the exact same way at one point. I want them to know that feeling the stress of learning a language is not proof that they are not good enough to succeed. Instead, it is more like proof they are working hard in the right way!

If teaching were a superpower, what would yours be?

If I had a teaching superpower, it would be to know when to stop talking. Actually, sometimes I wish I had that as a regular teaching power. (Sad Trombone Music)

Unfortunately, after fall comes winter, and Chicago winters can be challenging and cold. Now is the best time to prepare for the cold weather.

Chicago stores that sell affordable, warm clothes include Target, Marshall’s, TJ Maxx, Burlington, and Nordstrom Rack. You can also shop at thrift stores to find inexpensive, used winter boots and clothes.

For more information, read:

Where to find the best thrift shops in Chicago

Chicago’s Best Thrift Stores 

How to Survive a Chicago Winter (Lessons Learned from a Californian)

OIS Adjusting to Winter Event 

Want even more information about how to be prepared for Chicago winters? Winter safety and outdoor fun will also be included. Then, hop on a bus for the short trip to the loop where Chicago hosts the annual Christkindlmarket. Join the Office of International Services for their informational event about Chicago winters here!

Registration at the OIS front desk will open sometime in early November.

When: Thursday, November 13th from 11:15-12:15

Where: Addams Hall Room 104

When the weather gets chilly, people around the world turn to their favorite brothy dish: Soup! There are thousands of kinds of food that fall into the category. Perhaps you think of hot pot, beef stew, dduk guk, or maftoul. Maybe you think of cool soups instead like borscht or mul naengmyun.

Whatever kind of soup you enjoy, please consider making it and bringing it to share with the Tutorium community on Thursday, November 13th from 11:15 to 12:15 in Addams Hall. There will be a microwave and hot plates to heat your dishes if they are not ready to eat. The Tutorium will provide bowls and eating utensils including spoons and chopsticks. It will also bring the cups and drinks. 

Please click HERE for a link to the sign up sheet.

Discussion Idea: Do you recognize any of the soups in these pictures? Which ones? What is it called? What are the ingredients? Have you had it? Did you like it? Why or why not? When you are done discussing, check out this article to find the names of the soups you were not familiar with. You can also read a bit about each one.

Day: Tuesday, November 18th 

Time: 11:15AM - 12:15AM 

Location: Grant Hall Room 308

This month’s conversation hour is all about Thanksgiving in America. You’ll learn new vocabulary, English phrases, and fun tips about American Thanksgiving. You’ll also have a chance to practice speaking with students in your class and other UIC students. There’ll be popcorn and snacks for you to enjoy. Bring a friend and plan to be at our next and final English conversation hour for the fall semester!

Wednesday, November 19th

4:30 PM - 6:00 PM

Join OIS for a Thanksgiving dinner!  All UIC international students are invited to 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. 

You can NOW register for this event!

To register for the OIS Thanksgiving Dinner, please click HERE. Space is limited (you must register RIGHT NOW if you would like to go)!

Homecoming week is here! You can gather with your friends and classmates this week and show some school spirit. There is still time to participate in some fun activities, such as rocking out at the Tailgate before the our Flames Men's basketball team take on the St. Francis Fighting Saints!

If you want to know more about these events or Homecoming, read more>>. 

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.

Have you ever felt frustrated with learning English? I'm sure you have! Learning a language can sometimes seem like a waste of time, especially when you see little progress. Even if you've studied English for years, there's always much more to learn. The key to overcoming this struggle is to make English a part of life. To learn more about how to turn your life into English, 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.

Did you know that over 80% of the students at the Tutorium want to continue their education at an American university? Are you one of them? TIE classes are designed to teach you the skills and language you need to study at the university level successfully. In addition, we offer these services:

Can you believe that it is week 12? There are only three more weeks left in the semester! Do you remember your Midterm Action Plan? You met with your teacher in week 10 about your progress. What did you say you would practice in weeks 10-15? How's that going? Do you need extra help?  If so, talk to your teacher. Maybe even talk to one of your classmates. You can also visit https://tie.uic.edu/student-services/esl-practice-sites/ for extra help. 

Don't give up!  You can do it.  

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