What a fun time we had at this month's English Conversation Hour. We talked about staying warm and what activities to do during these winter months. We can't wait to see you at February's English Conversation Hour!

What’s your favorite part of teaching your students? 

I love getting to know my students each semester. I'm always learning about my students and their cultures. They also give me good advice about visiting their countries!

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

Many of my students enjoy the topic of food. They love sharing their traditional dishes, and sometimes we even make food to share with the class.

What’s your secret to helping students feel confident using English? 

I try to be an example for my students. If I want them to complete a silly pronunciation warm-up, answer ice-breaker questions, or give an impromptu speech, then I need to participate, too. If I am excited, comfortable, and confident when I participate, then hopefully my students will feel more comfortable to join in.

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

I hope that my students will become good problem-solvers and critical thinkers. Students need more than language skills. They need thinking skills to be successful in the future.

If you could teach anywhere in the world, where would it be? 

This question is too difficult! I would love to teach in many places such as Kazakhstan (to explore the mountains and nomadic heritage), Indonesia (to explore the islands and volcanoes), or Egypt (to explore the ancient sites and learn some Arabic).

Did you know that there is an app to help you stay safe? The UIC SAFE App Version was designed to help students access safety resources and guides on campus. When you are commuting, working alone, or just in need of help during an emergency, the UIC App SAFE app is here to help you! 

To learn more about the UIC SAFE app's features and how to navigate campus at night, read more>>. 

As a member of the UIC community, you are able to . . .

Access the UIC Library: You are welcome to use the UIC library and all of its amenities. To enter the library, you must present your i-card.

Student Discounts: You can get discounted rates at movie theaters, museums, supermarkets, and more when you show a valid university ID card. You can read more about student discounts here.

As an international student, it is important to . . .

Would you love to connect with other students here at UIC? Are you looking for opportunities to practice English? Would you like a place to meet and converse with native English speakers right here on campus?

Joining a student organization might be just the opportunity for you! Whether you like playing video games, cooking, politics or sports, you can get involved and connect with other students here at UIC.

There are more than 300 student activities and organizations to enhance your resume, learn valuable leadership and organizational management skills, and make new friends. So what are you waiting for? To start exploring student organizations, read more>>.

UIC’s Student Recreation Facility (SRF) provides fitness, leisure, activity, and adventure all in the same place! The SRF is located on the east side of the campus across the street from the UIC Student Center East. Take a virtual tour!  

Most Intensive English students do not pay all of the UIC fees, so you will need to buy a Campus Recreation Membership. The price is only $125.00 for Spring 2026: January 12, 2026 – June 14, 2026! To purchase a membership, see Student Memberships. Show your I-card and tell them you are a Tutorium Student.  

Students who pay all UIC fees (Global students) have access to all Campus Recreation Facilities.

Are you planning to apply to a university or college in the USA? Do you need help with understanding the meaning of credit and credit hours? Have you ever wondered the difference between a major or minor, certificate, or specialization? Do you have so many questions and need help figuring out where to start?

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 Wednesday, February 4th, 11:00 AM- 12:00 PM, during lunch, in AH 104. If you want to ask questions ahead of time, email tutorium@uic.edu. Come ask all your questions about higher education in the USA and learn some helpful vocabulary, too! 

At Lunch & Learn you can share your favorite hobby, special skill, passion, your culture, or just something you love!

Some fun idea examples:

● Teaching everyone a 30-second TikTok dance
● Showing how to make perfect arepas / kimchi / lumpia
● Sharing the story behind a beloved childhood song
● Quick henna/hand art demo
● Explaining why Messi/Ronaldo is the GOAT (with funny memes!)

Please feel no pressure to speak perfectly! Speak at your own level – we celebrate effort & courage, not perfection! Sign up HERE!

Attention all Level 4 and above students!

Recruitment for the spring 2026 cohort of Intercultural Connections is now live!

If you would like to learn more about Intercultural Connections, please click here.

Applications are due by February 6th.

Join OIS and the UIC international community on an outing to the Chicago Auto Show. The event and transportation to the event is all FREE! You will be responsible for arranging your own transportation home.

If you would like to participate in this event, please register NOW at the OIS front desk. Registration closes on Friday, Feb. 6, or when capacity is reached. Seats are limited!

For more information, please click here.

You  probably receive many UIC mass email messages in your inbox that do not interest you. You can unsubscribe from these messages.

Have you checked your UI-Pay account to understand how to pay your tuition?

If you have questions or issues with your bill, please contact tutorium@uic.edu 

Payment options:

Did you know you can sign up for text reminders about your student account bill in addition to email notifications?

To enroll in text message alerts for billing notifications:

By now, your teacher has probably told you to check "My Grades" on Blackboard. Or maybe you submitted a homework assignment, and your teacher gave it to you on paper or in Google Docs. Of course, you want to see whether you did well on an assignment. But is there more beyond the Satisfactory and Unsatisfactory or the 75% score? To find out, read more>>. 

In the U.S., you can attend a public or private university. Choosing the best school for you is a balancing act. The tuition cost must be balanced with other factors, such as the size and number of degrees a school offers.

Need help with deciding what type of school is the best for you? 
Read more>>

Teachers write comments for several reasons. 

To point out your most common writing errors. Teachers typically look for your most common mistakes, and then they highlight and comment on those. If you make a lot of AGREE (agreement) errors, it means you need to be more careful with subjects and verbs, for example. “Many people lives in Chicago” is not correct. “Many people live in Chicago" is correct.  

To show you a specific mistake so you see it and look for it in the rest of your paper. They won’t correct all your mistakes for you, though. They want you to find your own mistakes, so always look at all of the paper for the same type of error.

To help you know when to use a specific word or phrase. If you use a dictionary, you will note, for example, that it’s good to say, “We watch TV” rather than “We see TV.” 
This is another way they can teach you good writing skills, style and form. 

Listen to them as you read their comments. Can you hear them talking to you?  They want you to be the best writer you can be!

Remember that your teacher wants you to be able to find your own mistakes, and it starts with reading and understanding your teacher’s comments. 

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