When you walk into Arthur Samy Language Learning Centre (ASLLC) at The Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK) this fall, you will see a few new faces next to the signature graffiti glass at the entrance. They are this year’s International Tutors, from Mexico, Morocco, Sweden and the US, who are here to help create a fun learning environment at the University for students to improve their English, and to enrich their cultural sensitivity and understanding.

Among the six, Marcus Karl Ivar Bennevall from Sweden returned as Senior International Tutor and A'Jacia Janai Wash, from the US, is a new tutor. Two more International Tutors are expected to join the team next month.

“To me, being an International Tutor is challenging yet rewarding, as we are here to motivate and support students to enhance their English skills,” said Marcus. “I feel fulfilled witnessing their hard work pay off. This is why I returned this year to take on more responsibilities in a new position. With my past experience, I understand how to help students learn and improve more effectively by getting them deeply involved in a project.”

Marcus will lead a new “student enrichment programme” with the team this year, to help students plan their own English-learning activities. Students can suggest any ideas, with a proposed budget and posters, and the supervisors will review their plans and assign International Tutors as their advisors to help throughout the planning and execution phases. The kick-off event was the ‘CLE fun karaoke night’, held last week, in which all the participants enjoyed singing their favourite English songs. “I strongly encourage students to take part in the programme, because it helps them learn through practice, while also developing their organisational and communication skills.” he said.

A'Jacia, a new member of the team, believes that learning English through play and group activities has a greater impact, especially when the topics are related to the participants’ daily lives. “Students are influenced and encouraged by their peers when they learn together,” she said. “One of the upcoming activities is ‘Hocus Pocus: A Spooktacular Witchy Event’ Halloween party on 31 October, featuring a watermelon-carving competition and a night party with a costume contest to add to the excitement. We’ll talk about witches and Halloween traditions in different places for students to learn more about the Halloween culture.“

In addition to cultural events, International Tutors will provide a wide range of writing, reading, listening and speaking activities, including a buddy scheme, English Cafés, IELTS preparation, language workshops, and walk-in and online consultations, to cater for the needs of different types of students to learn via different channels at their own pace.

More activities and clubs will be coming soon, such as TEDxEdUHK, Art Club, Movie Club, Debate Club and Food Talk. If you would like to meet the tutors or look for opportunities to improve your language skills, please visit the ASLLC at B3-G/F-05. For more information about the tutors and language-enhancement activities, please go to this website.

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International tutors this year (from left): A’Jacia Janai Wash and Lillian Francesca Massaro, from the US; Maria Belhaddad, from Morocco; Viviana Haydee Gonzalez Lobato, from Mexico; Marcus Karl Ivar Bennevall, from Sweden; and Sylvia Guan, from the US

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When asked what they like about Hong Kong, A’Jacia (left) said she likes dim sum, especially BBQ pork buns and noodles; while Marcus (right) enjoys winter most

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Participants had a lot of fun at the “CLE fun karaoke night”

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