A connected conference: ESL students host annual research event

For some of Dal’s more than 3,100 international students, adjusting to learning and studying in Canada might not be that big a deal. For others, though, it means huge changes — not just becoming comfortable in a second language, but also learning new ways of researching and presenting information.

Supporting and celebrating those students is part of the goal of the annual “International Perspectives on Science, Statistics and Economics” conference, hosted by the College of Continuing Education — and students themselves.

Held last Monday, April 4, the event brings together third-year Economics or Math/ Statistics students from both the joint 2+2 programs with Chinese universities and the Science Without Borders initiative with Brazil to share their perspectives on policy matters, international trade, sustainable development, consumer behaviour and other topics. The presentations are based on the coursework from ENSL0005, Academic Writing and Research Skills — a course specifically for international students to help develop and hone their academic writing and presentation abilities in English.

Among those presenting was Yi Shi, a third-year student from the 2+2 Program who presented on game theory. She believes the great connection between Dal and Shandong University of Finance and Economics makes it easier to adapt to the program, and credits the Writing Centre and her instructors as being instrumental to her studies.

“The professors of the English workshop really help us improve oral and writing skills,” she says. “When preparing for the conference, I knew more about academic writing, how to build a logical structure, which mistakes we should avoid and how to write references. These are different than what we do in China so it lets us be more confident next time we face a professional term paper.”

Sharing perspectives

Prior to their presentations, students heard from three guest speakers: Fiona Black (associate vice-president academic), Hong Gu (director of Statistics Division, Department of Mathematics and Statistics) and Kuan Xu (chair, Department of Economics).

Dr. Black congratulated students on their success thus far and discussed the importance of programs such as the 2+2 programs and Science Without Borders in contributing to diversity on campus.  

“I want to emphasize how privileged Dalhousie is to have you,” she said. “Your perspectives are important for a research university and they contribute strongly to what Dalhousie is and what it will continue to be.”

Dr. Gu thanked the students not only for their research contributions, but for always coming to class eager to learn and helping her feel that her teaching is always appreciated. Dr. Xu, a third time speaker at the conference, advised students to be critical about what they observe and read, and to always ask questions.

“If you want to swim, you have to be in the water. Right now, you’re in immersion. If you’re lucky enough to be in an English-speaking environment, you must take advantage of it,” he said. “Do not passively absorb knowledge, but actively contribute to it.”

Insightful presentations

After the opening ceremony, students split up into their groups and dispersed into four different rooms in the Mona Campbell Building to prepare for their presentations. In total, there were 26 presentations across the day-long event. Guests received evaluation forms for each session and were encouraged to provide feedback to help the students, as well as the instructors of the course, in identifying areas for improvement.

The topics were incredibly varied — from Zijie Cong (Albert) and Longxuan Xia’s (Aron) presentation on the impact of international students on Canada’s economy and culture to Zihan Li and Jinxin Wang (left) sharing their analysis of child policy reforms in light of China’s two-child policy.

Dal President Richard Florizone also made it out for a portion of the afternoon, his first time attending the conference. Among the sessions he attended was Zijie and Longxuan’s, to which the president responded with great enthusiasm, asking questions and sharing his own views on the important role international students play in Nova Scotia, Canada and beyond.

That sort enthusiasm was palatable from everyone in attendance.

“I hope to see many of you crossing the stage at convocation,” said Dr. Black. “And I’ll be cheering you on when you do.”