English Language Peer Support (SSIR)

How it Works

For assistance with writing assignments, please have your work ready in a Google Doc for review. You will receive advice and feedback on spelling, grammar, clarity, structure, and proper citations and references. For spoken English sessions, our peer supporters will help you practice your presentation skills, gain an understanding of the Canadian context, and strengthen your English conversational skills for both business and everyday interactions.   

To book an appointment, click the appointment booking link and select the date and time that works best for you! All sessions run for 45 minutes, and a maximum of 2 sessions per student can be booked each week. Time slots are made available approximately 2 weeks in advance.

English Language Resources

Recommended by our Peer Supporters

Common Tips and Tricks for English Learners

Presentation Skills

Nervous about an upcoming presentation? A few tips that you can do to prepare: 

• Write out notes on what you want to say in your presentation. This will help you think through the presentation prior to doing the real thing in front of your colleagues, and will help you work out any grammatical errors
• Practice in front of a mirror!  
• Film yourself practicing so that you can watch it back and note the places that you stop or stutter on
• Warm up. Think of a presentation as a physical activity. You would not go for a run without doing some stretching, so why would you give a presentation without warming up your voice? Even reciting the alphabet out loud can help open up your vocal chords

Writing Skills

• Write out your paper in English, even if you are more comfortable writing in your native language, it will help you think through the thoughts in English
• Don’t directly translate sentences using Google Translate (or another translation app), try to revert to a translation app only for words to support your comprehension
• Avoid trying to use “fancy” words, plain English is great when getting your point across in writing and oftentimes, long words can come across as being confusing to the reader
• Pay attention to the verb tense (past, present, future) and ask yourself when the action you are writing about is taking place in time
• When you have a draft, read it out loud, the art of listening and reading to your written work will help you catch more of your mistakes
• Practice journaling in English, it is a low-stress way to get your thoughts on paper and to help practice your writing muscles

Meet the ELPS Team

Schulich students are supported by a team of Peer Supporters who are also Schulich graduate students. They understand the rigours and requirements of the Schulich programs and are experienced in providing support to adult learners.

Tianna Simbhudas, MMKG

Hi everyone, my name is Tianna Simbhudas. I am an MMKG student at Schulich, and I am so excited to be your English Language Peer Supporter for the Summer term!

In this role, I am committed to supporting my peers as they navigate the complexities of English language learning. I believe that effective communication is the cornerstone of academic and professional success, and I am eager to help students enhance their language skills, boosting their confidence and academic performance.

This experience allows me to foster a more inclusive and supportive environment within the Schulich community. By assisting students from diverse cultural backgrounds, I can help ensure that everyone feels capable of achieving their full potential. I know school can be difficult at this level and even more of a challenge learning in a different language. 

It is my goal to ensure that everyone feels valued and can make the most of their academic journey, and to even make an impact beyond that. I look forward to meeting with you and working together to improve your English learning goals!

Jack (John) Goodwin, MMKG

Hello everyone! My name is Jack (John) Goodwin, and I am a current Master of Marketing student at the Schulich School of Business.

Having spent time studying abroad in Belgium, I understand the difficulties that come with adjusting to life in a new and unfamiliar place. I understand the complexities of social norms, public speaking, writing, and networking in another language, and how tough it can be for students of all ages to adapt to a new environment. My role as an ELPS support is to assist you in any way I can, ensuring that your transition into Canadian academic life is as smooth as possible. My teaching specialties involve story-building, grammar, and conversational English.

A little background about me: During my undergrad at the University of Guelph, I had the experience of working closely with international students as an ESL support volunteer. I absolutely LOVE helping my fellow students be the best they can be, and I find it to be immensely personally rewarding. My previous work experience includes the commercial real estate and healthcare industries. However, my goal after completing my master’s program is to enter the consulting field with a focus on change management.

I am passionate about many things, notably Dungeons & Dragons, running, and kite flying. I am a massive proponent of continuous learning, so if you need podcast or article recommendations, I am your guy. Looking forward to chatting with you!

Growing up, I struggled with editing my assignments, and my 8th-grade teacher taught me an invaluable trick: to read my completed projects from the end of the paper to the beginning. Reading ‘backwards’ allowed me to pick up on mistakes I would’ve otherwise glossed over.

I understand that studying another language can be anxiety-inducing and intimidating. Trust me; I’ve been there! Together with dedication and practice, we can facilitate a smooth transition into your program. As an English language peer supporter, I aim to enhance your English proficiency in oral presentations, writing and, of course, editing skills!