This Week at the Tutorium |
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Where is home for you?
I have lived in Oak Park for over a decade now, but because those years had a lot of impact on my present life, it feels even longer. I think I am a true Oak Parker by now!
Do you have any nicknames?
Yes, I do.
What’s a movie you like a lot?
Probably Peter Jackson's LOTR trilogy. I cry every time I watch those movies (and it's been a couple of times now!)
Who is your most listened-to musical artist?
This is a difficult one for me: I have an "eclectic" taste in music, which means basically I have no specific taste whatsoever. I like to listen to musicians from different corners of the world, actually, rather than to what is currently popular.
If you could have one superpower, what would it be?
If I could calm everyone down in any situation, and thus preventing anger or fear, that would be awesome. I would need to apply that superpower on myself first, though!
Do you have any pets? Children?
Yes, two smart, yet still little, girls.
What’s one of your favorite words in English?
Nonetheless (I mean, look at it!)
Do you have a favorite word in another language? If so, what is it and what does it mean?
"Spannungsbogen" (I'm not sure, but it's supposed to be a German word expressing the sometimes enjoyable delay between the moment a need arises and the moment of the fulfillment of the need). Perhaps it's a bittersweet version of "looking forward to" something. But it also means the "dramatic arc", the "suspense" in a story.
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The article below was written by one of our students!
I'm Juan Villanueva from Colombia. I'm really into reading history books, hiking, working out, visiting new cultures, eating food, and watching TV series; I'm currently studying in level 3.
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February is commonly known as Flu season because of winter, and with it comes coughs, sniffles, and, unfortunately, even the flu itself! We've all seen people around campus feeling under the weather. Did you know there have even been flu-related deaths in Chicago this year? 😥
It's important that we all do our part to stay healthy and protect others. One easy way to do this is by wearing a mask if you're feeling sick. 😷 Masks help prevent the spread of germs, and they're especially important in crowded places like classrooms and the library.
So, if you're feeling a little sniffly, grab a mask and help keep our campus community healthy! 💪
P.S. Don't forget to wash your hands frequently and get your flu shot if you haven't already!
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We are halfway through the semester, and midterms are just around the corner. It seems like there are so many papers, projects, and homework that you can’t keep up with it all. You might be feeling a little overwhelmed and very tired. Sometimes, the life of a university student can be stressful. The good news is that you don’t have to walk this journey along. UIC and its campus community are here for you. There are so many resources available. Here are just a few:
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- Campus Recreation programs and fitness classes are available at facilities on the east and west sides of campus to exercise your mind, body, and spirit.
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The Wellness Center helps students make healthy choices in areas such as overall life balance, emotional and social support, academic success, and nutrition.
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The Counseling Center provides a safe and confidential setting and creates personalized treatment plans for students to access short-term and long-term therapy options.
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Accessing the Behavioral Health Guidebook outlines services and resources students can access on-campus at UIC to support their mental health and well-being.
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Course Evaluations are coming up for all Term A courses! |
Every semester, the Tutorium does research to improve our program. We collect information from both teachers and students. The course evaluations ask students 10 questions. You may also write comments, which we encourage you to do.
These questions are about the course, about your own work for the class, and the teacher. These surveys are anonymous. Your answers will not affect your grades.
After the semester is over, our Director and your teacher will look at your comments, and the Administrative staff will study the statistical information for the whole program.
Thank you for helping us improve our program and participating in this evaluation system.
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UIC Global Students: Office Hours |
Though these are general office hours for global students to drop in, staff will also focus on various topics each visit, as outlined above.
Thursdays from 3:30-4:30PM in AH110
March 6th (Focus: Removing Holds)
March 20th (Focus: Removing Holds and Intervention Advising)
April 3rd (Focus: Renewing I-20s)
April 17th (Focus: Renewing I-20s and Class Registration)
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International students (F-1, F-2, J-1, J-2 visa) must complete a U.S. tax form. (We know, it's crazy, but you really need to do it anyway.)
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How to complete Tax Form 8843
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Visit AH 105 if you have any questions. But first, try it yourself. It is simple.
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Practice your English with your peers and other international students. There’ll be popcorn, pizza, cookies, coffee, and tea to enjoy. Please bring a friend and plan to be at our next English conversation hour. Sign up today- limited space!
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Field Trip: Garfield Park Conservatory |
Getting Involved on Campus |
Do you enjoy theater? Are you a fan of musicals? If your answer is yes, here's an opportunity for you! UIC's School of Theater and Music is producing the musical "She Came From the Bronx." Bring a friend or a classmate and see this fantastic production. Tickers are only $5 for UIC Students. Click here to buy your ticket.
English Practice Tips:
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- Watch the musical and learn five new words or phrases.
- Write a one-paragraph summary of the musical.
- Engage in a discussion about the musical with someone who's seen it.
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See the musical and write about it in your listening and speaking log. Your teacher will be impressed.
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The following section of the newsletter is written by Dr. Vit Vanicek, one of our teachers here at the Tutorium. With Vit's advice, you're sure to succeed in the classroom and beyond.
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How to Improve Reading Comprehension |
If you have a difficult time reading in English, you’re not alone. Reading comprehension is a skill that requires lots of time and effort. Here are a few tips to help you read and understand with ease.
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Find books you like. Practice makes perfect. And it’s easier to practice when you enjoy what you are doing!
- Read out loud. Reading out loud will help you to understand what you are reading.
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Skim the headings of the text. Skimming the headings will let you know the main points of the text. This makes it easier to follow.
- Re-read sections that are confusing. Go back and read it again until you understand.
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5. Write down words you don't know. Look them up in a dictionary later, then try to use them in a sentence.
- 6. Discuss what you read with a friend, classmate or teacher. Summarizing what you read in your own words will help you relate to the text and reinforce your understanding.
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The following section of the newsletter is written by Debbie Sandstrom, one of our administrators here at the Tutorium. Debbie is here to help answer questions and steer you toward the right path for you.
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How to Start the Application Process |
Are you looking to begin the application process but you do not know where to start? Maybe you missed last week's University seminar and now you feel completely lost. Well, take a deep breathe! Here are some tips to help you.
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Review the information for international students at all the schools you are interested in.
- Google “apply + University name + international student”
- Look for the GPA, English requirement, and majors. See if this is a place you might want to apply to.
- At all universities, you will need to do many different things:
- Complete an application.
- Provide your high school transcript or transcripts from a prior university. These will need to be translated into English
- Write and submit admission essays. There can be one or two or three. They are usually different for each university.
- Ask for letters of recommendation and be sure they are submitted.
- Sometimes have an interview.
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Make an excel doc with tabs to keep yourself organized.
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Keep track of information as you learn it. Write down passwords, links to websites etc. Do not depend on your memory! Here's a website that has examples of college application spreadsheets. You can also email sandstrm@uic.edu for a simple excel template.
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Intensive English Program Bulletin |
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This Week: Midterm exams. You got this!
Next Week: Midterm Break. No classes March 3-7, 2025
After the Break: Classes resume on Monday, March 10th.
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- You will have conferences with your teachers. This is a time for you to meet your teachers individually to discuss your progress. During this time, you will have a chance to do the following:
- Share questions and ideas about your success this semester with your teachers.
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Make your plan for the second half of the semester.
- Also, you might have new classmates! A group of new students will join our program after the Midterm break. Please welcome these new students to your classes and share your knowledge of life at the Tutorium, UIC, and Chicago.
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Want to write for the Newsletter? |
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Do you like to visit new restaurants? Do you like to take fun pictures of places or your friends? Do you like to tell jokes? Do you have something to share about your culture or life back home? Do you have something valuable to share that will help us all understand what is like being an International student here at UIC? If your answer is "yes," then you can write for the newsletter!
The newsletter editorial team is looking for students like you to write for the Tutorium newsletter. If you are interested, fill out this google form or you can email Mrs. Nora to let her know (ntatina@uic.edu).
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Important Dates: February |
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- February 26-27 | IEP Midterm Exams and classes
- March 3-7 | Midterm Break. No classes. Office open
- March 10 | Classes Restart
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