• English Language Peer Support

    Do you need assistance with your written or verbal English language skills?

    Our English Language Peer Support (ELPS) program provides free one-on-one online support for both writing assignments and verbal presentations. Simply book an appointment through our online scheduling system with one of our peer supporters, and we’ll help you build confidence in your English language skills.

    For more information, please contact intlrelations@schulich.yorku.ca.

 

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

Referencing Guides: Academic Honesty Policy:
Podcasts: Youtube Channels:
  • Speak English with Vanessa: learn vocabulary, English phrases, common mistakes and more! This Youtuber also has her own course that you can try to get more advanced.
  • English Class 101: Words, expressions, and presentation skills! English Class 101 has tips and tricks to get you learning English.
 

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.

Karandeep Lall, MBA/JD

Hello all, my name is Karandeep Lall, but I typically go by Karan. I am an MBA student at Schulich, and I am also completing my JD degree at Osgoode Hall Law School at the same time. I am excited to be your English Language Peer Support (ELPS) tutor!

Writing, editing, and speaking English can be difficult even for students whose first language is English. I really struggled with understanding citations and structuring essays. When I was doing my Undergraduate degree, York’s library staff gave me some helpful resources that taught me the best way to get my point across and how to cite properly.

I know that school can be difficult, especially at this level and even more so if you are studying in a different language. My job is to help you express your full academic potential by helping you get a better understanding of the English language. Hopefully any help I can give you during our time together will help you beyond your degree. I look forward to meeting with you and helping you improve your English skills!

Rachel Cristofoli, MBA/JD


Hi everyone, it’s nice to meet you! My name is Rachel Cristofoli, and I’m eager to get to know you all through the English Language Peer Support (ELPS) program. I am a Schulich MBA and Osgoode Hall Law School JD student.

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!