saell student handbook - northeastern illinois … a1 a2 independent 1 b1- independent 2 b1+ ......

School for the Advancement of English Language and Learning [Web Address]

1

THE SCHOOL FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LEARNING IS A PROGRAM OF THE

DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL STUDIES SCHOOL FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LEARNING NORTHEASTERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY EL CENTRO CAMPUS 3390 NORTH AVONDALE AVENUE CHICAGO, IL 60618

SAELL Student Handbook

2 SAELL STUDENT HANDBOOK

Important Contact Information Where to go in SAELL and Northeastern with your questions SAELL Staff Wojciech Wloch, Interim Associate Director El Centro ELC 128 Main Campus LWH-0008A Phone: 773-442-4068 Email: [email protected] Alejandra Prieto-Mendoza, Interim Associate Director El Centro ELC 128 Phone: 773-442-5417 Email: [email protected]

Office of International Programs Dr. Lawrence Berlin, Director Main Campus LWH-0007 Phone: 773-442-5493 Email: [email protected]

University Technology Services Sara Naseruddin, Operations Specialist Phone: 773-442-4357 Email: [email protected]

Office of Student Health and Counseling Services Main Campus E-051 (near the cafeteria) Phone: 773-442-4650

Disability Services Main Campus D-104 Phone: 773-442-4595

NEIU Main Campus Police Inside Parking Lot F (located in the parking garage next to the Library)

Emergency Contacts at Northeastern Northeastern Campus Police (emergency)…....773-442-5511 Northeastern Campus Police (non-emergency)...773-442-4100

Emergency Contacts: Chicago Police Chicago Police (emergency)…………..911 Chicago Police (non-emergency)……..311

SAELL STUDENT HANDBOOK 3

Welcome to SAELL Dear Students, It is a pleasure to welcome you on behalf of all of the SAELL faculty and staff. Many of our English

facilitators have studied, lived, and worked internationally, and we understand the challenges and

opportunities that studying at SAELL represents for you and your future. We are passionate about

helping our students to improve their English fluency while simultaneously preparing them to

accomplish their academic, professional, and personal goals.

SAELL has so much to offer you. We combine our comprehensive Intensive English curriculum

with professional and creative approaches to teaching language. Our program is enhanced with

Chicago Experience, in which learning expands out into our wonderfully diverse city of Chicago.

We aim to diversify your learning experience and to enhance it with memorable and meaningful

experiences both in the classroom and out in the world. Through this approach, we will help you

to gain the skills you need to be a successful, independent learner and a thriving international

citizen.

Our English facilitators are trained professionals with MAs in TESOL, linguistics, and/or related

fields with significant overseas experience. We are invested in building relationships with and

providing support to our students as they learn and grow.

We thank you for choosing to include us on your learning journey, and we look forward to teaching

and learning with you.

Sincerely,

Dr. Lawrence Berlin, Director

International Programs at Northeastern Illinois University


Table of Contents

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

IMPORTANT CONTACT INFORMATION 2

WELCOME TO SAELL 3

COMMON EUROPEAN FRAMEWORK REFERENCE 6

ACADEMIC PROGRAM/ADVISING

PROGRAM SELECTION 7

COURSE LEVEL PLACEMENT 7 10

GRADING SYSTEM 8

NEW STUDENT ORIENTATION SCHEDULE 9

15-WEEK TERM CALENDAR 10

CURRICULUM 11

SAMPLE SCHEDULE 12

EXPECTATIONS OF OUR STUDENTS 13

SAELL POLICIES

SAELL STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT 14

SAELL ACADEMIC POLICIES 15-18

STUDENT CONFIDENTIALITY RIGHTS 19

STUDENT PROBLEM SOLVING/COMPLAINT PROCESS 19

F1 VISA AND I-20 POLICIES/IMMIGRANT DOCUMENTS & RESPONSIBILITIES 20


SAELL SUPPORT SERVICES

TIPS FOR BEING A SUCCESSFUL LANGUAGE LEARNER 21

CULTURAL ADJUSTMENT 22

STAYING SAFE ON CAMPUS AND IN CHICAGO 23

NORTHEASTERN/SAELL COMMUNITY AND RESOURCES 24

! LANGUAGE AND CULTURE INTERCONNECTIONS (LCI) 24

! AREA BANKS 24

! NEIGHBORHOOD GUIDES 25

! ACTIVITY/ENTERTAINMENT GUIDES 25

MAPS

CAMPUS MAP TOURS: NORTHEASTERN MAIN CAMPUS & EL CENTRO 26

CHICAGO AREA MAP 27


Common European Framework Reference SAELL is founded upon the Common European Framework Reference for Language (CEFR) for the purposes of creating an internationally transferable language study program of the highest standard. SAELL levels have a direct correlation to the CEFR bands. Because SAELL has been founded upon the CEFR bands and standards, students can expect that their English language study with SAELL will be internationally recognized according to CEFR standards.

SAELL Levels

CEFR bands

BASICS

A1 A2

INDEPENDENT 1

B1-

INDEPENDENT 2

B1+

INDEPENDENT 3

B2-

At the BASICS level, students focus primarily on elementary and pre-intermediate use of general English. At the INDEPENDENT 1 level, students focus on English for Academic Purposes. At the advanced INDEPENDENT 2 and INDEPENDENT 3 levels, students focus on English for Academic purposes, content-based instruction, and academic writing.


Program Selection

SAELL offers a variety of English language study options to best suit the needs of our students. The chart below illustrates the four main programs we offer.

SAELL Programs Hours per week Types of students Intensive Writing Program

24 hours per week Monday-Friday

Government scholarship students

Intensive English Program

18 hours per week Monday-Friday

Conditional/Contingent admitted students Newly admitted F1 students (outside USA)

English Program

3-15 hours per week

F-2 students, others

Course Level Placement Students are placed into their level of study based on their most recent TOEFL or equivalent test score. The TOEFL PBT, TOEFL IBT and IELTS equivalents are listed below.

SAELL level TOEFL PBT TOEFL IBT IELTS BASICS 313-403 15-32 (overall) 4.0-4.5 (overall) INDEPENDENT 1 407-447 33-44 (overall) 4.5-5.0 (overall) INDEPENDENT 2 450-500 45-61 (overall) 5.0-6.0 (overall) INDEPENDENT 3 (Graduate)

480-587 54-94 (overall) 5.5-7.0 (overall)

The table below shows the average number of terms in SAELL students can anticipate, based on their entrance test scores. Entry Test Scores # of Terms anticipated in SAELL

IELTS TOEFL IBT TOEFL PBT Undergraduate Graduate 0-4.5 0-34 310-413 3 4 5.0 35-46 417-453 2 3

5.5-6.0 47-68 457-520 1 2 6.0-7.0 69-70 528-587 - 1


SAELL Grading Policy At the end of each term, students receive grades for their performance in their courses. The SAELL Grading Policy is competitive; it maintains a high standard of learning and language proficiency on the part of our students. This will best prepare our students for their continuing academic careers, as well as encourage them to put forth their best efforts throughout the program. Below is the grading scale used for all SAELL courses.

A

A-

B+

B

B-

C+

C

C-

D+

D

F

100-95

94-90

89-86

85-82

81-78

77-74

73-70

69-67

66-63

62-59

58-0

*C is the minimum grade needed to pass SAELL courses

A/A- Exceptional work—well above expected standard B+/B/B- Good work—above expected standard C+/C Satisfactory—meets expected standard C- Not satisfactory—just below the expected standard D+/D Unsatisfactory—below the expected standard F Unacceptable—well below the expected standard

Grade Reports Grade reports are emailed to students two weeks after the last Friday of the term. Alternatively, students may pick up a paper copy of their grade report from the SAELL office at this time.


New Student Orientation Schedule SAELL Orientation takes place the week before our 14-week instructional term begins. SAELL Orientation is mandatory for all new students, and Weeks 0-13 are mandatory for all SAELL students.

DAY / LOCATION

ORIENTATION EVENTS

Pre-orientation El Centro Campus

• Student contact information registration • Pre-TOEFL registration

Day 1 Monday El Centro Campus

• TOEFL test (pre-assessment) • Welcome & Introduction to SAELL • Conditional Admission Presentation • Tour of El Centro Campus

Day 2 Tuesday El Centro Campus & Northeastern Main Campus

• CEFR Survey of Language Skills • Placement Exams: Vocabulary & Writing • International Visa Presentation • Tour of Northeastern’s Main Campus

Day 3 Thursday El Centro Campus & Main Campus

• Student Advising & Class Registration • FIRST PAYMENT DUE


SAELL 15-Week Term Calendar Overview

Term Week Schedule of Events SAELL

Orientation Week 1 Orientation for all NEW SAELL students Entrance TOEFL Test Vocabulary & Writing Exams CEFR skills assessment Campus Tours & Visa Orientation *attendance mandatory for NEW students

Week 2 Classroom instruction begins * attendance mandatory for ALL SAELL students

Week 3 Classroom Instruction





Week 8 Classroom Instruction *Mid-term course evaluations





Week 13 Classroom Instruction *Final course evaluations

Week 14 Final Exam week Exit TOEFL Test Vocabulary & Writing Exams CEFR skills assessment

Week 15 Assessment and grading week


SAELL Curriculum SAELL has four levels of instruction: BASICS, INDEPENDENT 1, INDEPENDENT 2 and INDEPENDENT 3. The SAELL Curriculum has been designed to develop the four core language skills—Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing—through consistent engagement with these skills throughout each level of instruction. In addition, the curriculum integrates grammar, vocabulary, culture, and content courses, as well as writing for specific purposes. The goal of the SAELL curriculum is to build English language fluency while integrating the skills necessary for students to succeed within their university programs and/or career paths. BASICS

TYPE HOURS COURSE CORE 3 Academic English I (Listening/Speaking) CORE 3 Academic English I (Reading/Writing) CORE 3 Basics of Writing CORE 3 Grammar II ELECTIVE 6 Conversation ELECTIVE 6 Essentials of Vocabulary I

INDEPENDENT 1

TYPE HOURS COURSE CORE 3 Academic English II (Listening/Speaking) CORE 3 Academic English II (Reading/Writing) CORE 3 Academic Culture CORE 3 Grammar III ELECTIVE 6 English for Presentations ELECTIVE 6 English for Academic Purposes

INDEPENDENT 2

TYPE HOURS COURSE CORE 3 Academic English III (Listening/Speaking) CORE 3 Academic English III (Reading/Writing) CORE 3 Logic CORE 3 Editing, Paraphrasing, Citing ELECTIVE 6 General English III (Comparative Cultures) ELECTIVE 6 Academic Writing

INDEPENDENT 3

TYPE HOURS COURSE CORE 3 Academic English IV (Listening/Speaking) CORE 3 Academic English IV (Reading/Writing) CORE 3 Grammar Review CORE 3 Editing, Paraphrasing, Citing ELECTIVE 6 English for Academic Purposes ELECTIVE 6 Research Writing

INTENSIVE WRITING students take: 4 CORE classes 2 ELECTIVES INTENSIVE ENGLISH students take: 4 CORE classes 1 ELECTIVE FULL-TIME students take: 4 CORE classes ENGLISH PROGRAM students take: classes that meet the academic and linguistic needs of the student. It is recommended that students take CORE classes for optimal fluency gains.


SAELL Sample Schedule Below is an example of an INDEPENDENT 1 Intensive Writing schedule of classes.

INDEPENDENT 1—Intensive Writing (24 hours) Time/Day Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

9a-12p Academic English II (Listening/Speaking)

Academic Culture

Academic English II (Reading/Writing)

Grammar III Tutorial

12p-1p LUNCH LUNCH LUNCH LUNCH LUNCH

1p-4p English for Academic Purposes

English for Presentations

English for Academic Purposes

English for Presentations

Typical School Week Time Spent In-Class at SAELL Hours/Week Intensive Writing Student 24 Intensive English Student 18 English Program Student 3-15 Study Time and Extracurricular Activities Hours/Week Homework, individual/group study time 14 Language and Culture Interconnections (LCI) and campus activities

1 to 4

Entertainment and Recreation 4 Time spent outside of the classroom on English studies up to 22 hours

Course Books and Materials Textbooks for some classes are provided by SAELL (approximately 50%); students are responsible for purchasing any other books and materials required for courses. These books will be available for purchase at Beck’s Bookstore at Northeastern’s Main Campus. Students are expected to purchase their books and materials and have them in hand for the first day of class.


At SAELL, we expect the highest level of professionalism from our students. The English Language Facilitators of SAELL are a group of dynamic, professional, and dedicated teachers who understand that when our learners succeed, we succeed, too. SAELL English Facilitators bring a high level of enthusiasm and expertise to our classrooms, and we expect the same dedication from our students. In this way, together, we maximize the teaching and learning experience. SAELL English Language Facilitators and Directors expect you to be professional students.

Just as we have high expectations of our students, we believe you should have high expectations of us.

SAELL English Language Facilitators will… do whatever we can to help you achieve your goals

be on time and in class every day

listen to your questions and do our best to answer them clearly

find the answer for you if we don't know it ourselves

communicate with you and encourage you to communicate with us

Expectations of SAELL students

Arrive on time Complete

all work and

homework

Attend & participate

in class

Be alert in class Bring

books and materials to class

Use English

only

Show academic progress

Keep a positive attitude


SAELL Student Code of Conduct See Student Code of Conduct at Northeastern for the full version of Northeastern’s code of conduct. The purpose of this Code of Conduct is to support the Mission of SAELL and to ensure that every student has a safe learning environment. It outlines SAELL’s expectations of students’ academic and personal behavior. Additionally, it lists prohibited acts. All students are required to comply with SAELL policies and U.S. law. Failure to do so will result in disciplinary action in accordance with the SAELL Disciplinary Policy. The following acts are considered violations of the Student Code of Conduct and will result in disciplinary action. ACADEMIC Academic misconduct refers to any act related to classes, coursework and materials. Acts of academic misconduct include, but are not limited to:

• Cheating—Using or attempting to use unauthorized assistance (notes, phones, books, etc.) while taking an exam, quizzes, or task.

• Encouraging Academic Dishonesty—Intentionally or knowingly helping or attempting to persuade and/or influence another to violate the University’s or SAELL’s rules, policies, or regulations.

• Fabrication—Purposefully falsifying any material / excerpt in an assignment or exercise. • Plagiarism—Copying or imitation of the language, ideas, and thoughts of another author

and representation of them as one’s original work. This includes (1) paraphrasing another’s ideas or conclusions without acknowledgement; (2) taking entire paragraphs, chapters, etc. from another’s work; and (3) submission as one’s own work prepared by another person of agency.

• Bribery—The offer or promise of gifts, monetary items and/or services of any nature in exchange for a higher grade, change of grade or special accommodation.

• Classroom Disruption—Purposefully engaging in behavior that negatively disrupts the class.

NON-ACADEMIC Non-academic misconduct refers to any act related to interactions with people at SAELL or its property. Acts of non-academic misconduct include, but are not limited to:

• Providing false information to SAELL or on any official documents; • Engaging in any behavior that harms or threatens to harm anyone at SAELL. This

includes all types of harassment, bullying, and abuse; • Discrimination of students, teachers, and/or staff at SAELL; • Disrespectful behavior; • Damaging or destroying SAELL property; • Misusing SAELL technology; • Violating SAELL or university policies; • Using, possessing, and/or distributing alcohol or illegal drugs on university property; • Possession of weapons on university property; and/or • Any other violation of U.S. law.


SAELL Academic Policies Academic Integrity At Northeastern, plagiarism is a serious offense. Northeastern has a zero tolerance policy for plagiarism. Since you are learning English, the English Facilitators will help you to understand how NOT to plagiarize. However, SAELL has a zero tolerance policy for plagiarism on final assignments. If you plagiarize any assignment for the course, then you will have a meeting with the Assistant Director and your English Facilitator to discuss your options. If you plagiarize the final assignments, you may:

• receive a failing grade for the assignment; • receive a failing grade for the course; • be asked to repeat the course; and/or • be expelled from the SAELL program, which terminates your I-20.

Plagiarism: Appropriation or imitation of the language, ideas, and thoughts of another author and representation of them as one's original work. This includes:

1) paraphrasing another's ideas or conclusions without acknowledgement; 2) lifting of entire paragraphs, chapters, etc. from another's work; or 3) submission as one's own work, any work prepared by another person or agency

Administrative Memorandum N. 37, Acts of Misconduct, Academic, #4

Add/Drop Policy In some cases, students may feel that they have been inappropriately placed into a course and would like to switch into another course that would better suit their level of English ability. Students may request to change a course or level by submitting an Add/Drop Course Form to the Associate Director no later than the Friday of Week 1 of classroom instruction. All add/drop requests must be evaluated and approved by the Associate Director of SAELL. Students must attend the courses they are originally enrolled in until the Associate Director officially approves a request.


ATTENDANCE POLICIES SAELL records both class attendance and overall program attendance. The details and differences between class and program attendance are described below. Class Attendance Policy SAELL allows you to miss up to 20% of the course. Unexcused absences include any undocumented and/or invalid illness, personal reasons, travel outside Chicago, or taking other exams for other institutions. Excused absences are granted with valid documentation.

1) Absences are counted by the hour, and not by the class. Thus, a one-hour absence in a three-hour class is one absence.

2) If you are not in class, you are counted absent. 3) If you arrive 15 minutes late to class, you will be marked absent for that hour. 4) If you arrive to class unprepared, you may be asked to leave and return completely

prepared. This is an absence. 5) If you are absent, ask the English Facilitator about making up missing work. 6) If your attendance falls below 80%, you may not take the final TOEFL exam. 7) If your class attendance falls below 90%, you will be dropped one letter grade for that

class. This policy is non-negotiable, unless the English Facilitator agrees to rule 5. 8) If the student agrees to do extra assignments for a classroom absence within one week

of the absence, the English Facilitator may delete the absence. Program Attendance Policy When your program attendance is close to 80%, you will be sent a warning email from the Assistant Director. If your program attendance continues to drop, a second written warning is sent. If your program attendance drops below 80%, you will:

*have your I-20 cancelled and have 30 days to exit the USA. *be dismissed (F2 visa or green card holder).

Scholarship students must comply with their government’s program attendance policy. If their program attendance drops below established limits, they may lose their F1 visa and have 30 days to exit the USA.

According to U.S. Federal Guidelines, when your program attendance drops below 80%, Northeastern is required to contact Homeland Security. You may be required to leave the country immediately. Attendance and Religious Observance Any student who misses class on a day for genuine religious observance is allowed to make up any exams or assignments missed because of this absence. SAELL students must request such absences in advance. You must submit the request for a religious observance absence in writing to your English Facilitator during the first week of the term. If you do not submit the request in writing in advance, your English Facilitator reserves the right to deny you the opportunity to make up missed work. Absences due to religious observances are recorded as unofficial absences.


Cell Phone Policy Cell phone use is not allowed in the classroom. ALWAYS turn off your phones during class times. Coming to class prepared Students must bring all learning materials with them to every class including books, texts and/or lesson printouts, pens, notebook/paper, etc. Students are expected to come to class prepared by having read the assigned texts and with any assigned homework already completed before the lesson starts.

English Only Policy Our main goal in SAELL is to assist our students in increasing their English fluency. Therefore, it is absolutely mandatory that students try to use only English in the classroom. When students do not follow this rule, the English Facilitator may take the following course of action:

a. 1st offense = verbal warning from English Facilitator b. 2nd offense = written warning from English Facilitator c. 3rd offense = dismissed from class and marked absent (email sent to Assistant Director)

Food Policy Food is not allowed in El Centro classrooms. Food and drink can be consumed in the third floor student lounge or the exterior patio. Please help to keep our campus clean by recycling and/or throwing away any trash into the appropriate waste bins. Late Work Any late assignments you give to the English Facilitator may not receive full points. Late work is not accepted after three school days. SAELL requires all assignments to be turned in to the English Facilitator by the last Friday of the term. If you have not submitted all late work by this date, you will not be allowed to take the final TOEFL exam. Any exceptions to this require the SAELL Associate Director’s written permission.


Office Hours All English Facilitators have an office hour as noted on each course syllabus. ALWAYS email your English Facilitator in advance to set up these extra appointments and wait for his/her email confirmation before travelling to school for the meeting. Photography Policy (Subject Releases) Photographs of SAELL students may be taken throughout the term for the purposes of marketing the program. During Orientation Week, students will be asked to sign an official Subject Release Form from Northeastern which will grant us permission to take and use various media types for SAELL. Students may opt out by not signing the waiver. Smoke-Free Policy Smoking is prohibited (not allowed) in all Northeastern university buildings and offices and on the entire El Centro campus except where signs are posted on the north edge of the campus. This area is the designated Smoking Area. Please take care to extinguish all cigarettes completely and to dispose of cigarette butts in the appropriate trash bins so that there is no litter. Transfer Policy* • Students cannot transfer to another institution before paying 25% deposit for the entire

semester. The 25% deposit is due between the date of the student receiving an I-20 and the first day of classes.

• Students cannot transfer to another institution after the first month of classes unless full tuition for the semester is paid.

• Continuing students cannot transfer to another institution less than a month before the beginning of their next semester at SAELL without paying the 25% deposit.

• Students cannot transfer to another institution without Assistant Director of SAELL receiving an admission letter and a completed Transfer Verification Form directly from the institution admitting the student.

• Students who wish to transfer to another institution must undergo an exit interview with the Assistant Director during a pre-scheduled appointment.

• Processing of transfer forms will be conducted by a DSO with the student in person, during a pre-scheduled appointment. Students are required to bring:

1) proof of payment of any outstanding balance and/or the 25% deposit 2) an admission letter form another institution 3) a completed Transfer Verification Form 4) proof of completed exit interview

NB: the admission letter and the Transfer Verification form must also be sent by another institution directly to the DSO. *Note: Conditional admission is "school specific”; a conditional admission to Northeastern Illinois University does not guarantee admission to another school and therefore it is not transferable.


Student Confidentiality Rights SAELL is committed to the privacy and security of our students. SAELL complies with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA), which establishes student rights and institutional responsibilities regarding the privacy of educational records. It further provides guidelines for maintaining the confidentiality of educational records and monitoring the release of information from those records. Student Records Student records include, but are not limited to, applications, grade reports, financial records. Educational Records Educational records are those records directly related to a student and maintained by the university or by a party acting for the university. Some examples are records of grades, course work, records indicating progress toward a degree, and student financial account records. Student Information The following information is considered public and is therefore not protected under FERPA.

• Full name • Mailing address and telephone number • Email address • Enrollment history • Enrollment status (full-time, part-time) • Major and minor • Dates of attendance • Degrees and awards • Total cumulative hours • Participation in school activities

Student Problem Solving/Complaint Process If students have a grievance, they can first approach their English Language Facilitator with the issue. In the case that the student does not feel comfortable taking his/her concern to the English Facilitator, the student can also go to the Assistant Director. The English Facilitator and/or the Assistant Director will attempt to resolve the concern and take appropriate action in an effort to do so.

Assistant Director addresses grievance

Student takes concern to English Facilitator OR Assistant Director

Student has an issue/concern


Immigration Documents and Responsibilities Passports Your passport is a government issued document that certifies your identity, citizenship, and authorization to travel internationally. Contact your country’s embassy or consulate in the U.S. for instructions on how to renew your passport at least 6 months before it expires. If you lose your passport or if it expires during your stay in the United States, you can apply for a new one through the embassy or the consulate general of your nation of citizenship. Visa Requirements SAELL and the Office of International Programs Designated School Official (DSO) will help you to understand any non-immigrant F-1 or J-1 visa issues. Please see a DSO on Northeastern’s main campus for any questions regarding your visa status. We will do our best to support you throughout your time studying at SAELL, but it is ultimately your responsibility to know and follow all U.S. regulations. Minimum Requirement to Maintain Student Visa Status In order to maintain your I-20 and visa status, you must maintain 80% program attendance. If you have lower than 80% program attendance at the end of a term, you will be placed on Academic Probation. An Attendance Probation Form will be issued to you with a copy also given to the Assistant Director. You may have to meet with the Assistant Director for attendance counseling. You must then present the signed attendance form to your English Language Facilitator to gain admission back into the class. The attendance form will then be archived in your student records. If you fall below the 80% attendance minimum during any subsequent term, you will be dismissed.


Tips for Being a Successful Language Learner At SAELL, we are here to support you as you develop your English language skills. We want you to succeed and to accomplish all of your academic and professional goals. But, ultimately, you are responsible for your own success! " Attend class. Coming to class every day is the most important thing you can do to succeed

in SAELL and in the American university system. Attendance is a part of your grade. Communicate with your English Facilitator if you will miss class, and make up the work immediately to keep up with your learning.

" Participate in the classroom. Learning English is an active process, and this means you must be an active participant in order to learn. SAELL is your opportunity to take risks and make mistakes. As a result, you will be more prepared for your future studies in your program, career, and in life.

" Ask for help. Ask your English Facilitator for help when you need it. Ask your classmates,

your friends, and neighbors, too. " Keep a vocabulary journal. Carry a small notebook with you at all times, write down new

words, look them up, and use them. " Use the new vocabulary, grammar, and writing skills learned in class when you speak

and write. " Speak English all of the time, even outside of class. " Accept that your English is not yet ‘perfect.’ ‘Mistakes’ are a normal and healthy part of

the learning process. You will make mistakes, but you must carry on. " Be kind and patient with yourself. You are intelligent and capable. You are learning a new

language, and by doing so you are growing and transforming your life. What you are doing is incredible. Remember this.

" Take care of yourself. Successful students take care of themselves and make their learning

a priority. This includes eating and sleeping well. Successful students attend class during the day and sleep at night. It is impossible be a successful student while staying up all night to Skype friends and family. Create boundaries for yourself so you can succeed academically.


Cultural Adjustment Moving to a new country to learn a new language and to study at the university can be the adventure of a lifetime, but it can also be challenging. Learning the cultural norms and standards of your new community will take time, but we are here to help you. We at SAELL are your first resource. The SAELL English Facilitators, directors, and staff are here to support you throughout your challenges and transition, so please do not hesitate to ask us for help or to share your current struggles with us. We will do our best to assist you in any way we can.

Suggestions for dealing with cultural stress & adjustment

Supporting yourself

emotionally

• Understand that adjustment is a process and takes time. • Identify what helps you manage stress and change. • Find ways to stay positive. • Be patient with yourself and others. • Try new things. You will learn as you explore your new community.

Your confidence will grow. • Remember to have a sense of humor.

Supporting a healthy body

• Create a daily routine and stick to it. • Exercise, eat well, and get enough sleep every night. • Avoid alcohol, sugar, and excessive caffeine. • Have a good supply of vitamins, medication, and natural remedies in

your home in case you need them. • Comfort yourself with things that remind you of home: a special

photo, a favorite piece of music, something that is familiar and brings you comfort.

Social support

• Get involved! Meet new friends. Try new activities. Have fun! • Set a schedule to call home, but don't let it interfere with your

studies or sleep time. • Develop a friendship with a native speaker while you are here. • Ask people for help when you need it, or ask people to repeat/clarify

what they are saying to you if you don't understand.


Staying Safe on Campus and in Chicago When you study in Chicago, you can take advantage of all of the wonderful opportunities that our large, cosmopolitan, and international city provides. However, we encourage our SAELL students to become aware of their surroundings and to understand that they need to be alert. These are some safety measures that are recommended for all SAELL and Northeastern students to follow.

At Northeastern Main Campus and El Centro

• Do not leave your things unattended • Ask University Police for an escort to your car or public transportation if necessary • Call 4100 from a campus telephone for help

In Chicago • Be aware and alert of your surroundings • Do not wear headphones • Do not talk on cell phone • Keep your wallet and valuables in closed purses or backpacks in front of your body


Northeastern and SAELL Community and Resources Language and Culture Interconnections (LCI) at Northeastern Language and Culture Interconnections is a group of students, educators, language lovers, and world travellers seeking to promote participation in their professional development and establish a stronger sense of community at Northeastern. LCI is an excellent student organization at Northeastern to join where you will be welcomed warmly and be able to get involved on campus while meeting like-minded people. There is a great chance you will meet new friends in LCI. This group hosts several interesting and worthwhile social and professional events a year, and we encourage you to attend and participate in LCI.

Albany Park Community Center

Chicago’s Beaches Chicago Public Libraries

Chicago Park District Visit one of Chicago’s great parks or pools, volunteer, take a fitness class, attend a free movie in the park, or watch a musical or dramatic performance.

Area Banks (Located near El Centro Campus) ATM @ Marathon Gas Station 3330 N Kimball Ave Chicago, IL 60618

Chase Bank & ATM 3225 W Addison St Chicago, IL 60618 www.chase.com

TCF Bank & ATM 3570 N Elston Ave Chicago, IL 60618 www.tcfbank.com


CHICAGO NEIGHBORHOOD GUIDES El Centro is part of the AVONDALE neighborhood.

Northeastern Main Campus is part of ALBANY PARK.

Devon Avenue is part of WEST RIDGE (the Indian and Pakistani communities).

CHINATOWN is located on the near South Side is

vibrant and exciting.

TimeOut Chicago Neighborhood Guide Choose Chicago Neighborhood Guide CHICAGO MUSEUMS Adler Planetarium Chicago History Museum Field Museum Museum of Science & Industry Shedd Aquarium FAMOUS CHICAGO DESTINATIONS John Hancock Observatory Lincoln Park Zoo Millennium Park Navy Pier Old Town School of Folk Music Second City Willis Tower Skydeck ONLINE RESOURCES Metromix Chicago Choose Chicago TimeOut Chicago


Campus Map Tours-El Centro & Northeastern Main Campus

The image below is a called a ThingLink. This image is a Google Map of both the El Centro and Northeastern Main Campuses. If you click on the image below, you will be led to the interactive version of this map, which includes several important links. These links include tours of both campuses and public transportation information such as the CTA bus and train lines that reach our campuses. You will be able to see how you can travel from our El Centro campus to the Main campus as well.


Chicago Area Map