Here's what our students say about ELI

"I enjoy studying English in ELI because I’ve met a lot of people who came from different countries. I like to know different things such as language, tradition, etc. They have many good characteristics. I hope I become a person who has good characteristics of each different country." (On the right: Naomi Okada, Japan)

"If you have any opportunity to study in USA you have to do it. It‘s a completely different kind of education than what you have had in your country. You get a great experience talking with new friends and your E.L.I. teachers. It is an unforgettable experience." (On the left: Tatiana Pryakhina, Russia)

"The teachers are kind and friendly. The classes are small, so I have more chance to talk." (Ju Hye Kwak, Korea)

"The system is serious, it's tough. I can learn very well here." (Mohammad AlGhamdi, Saudi Arabia)

"When I came to ELI, I didn't speak English. I like the teachers, who were like parents to me. They helped me feel comfortable. ELI was like my family. Now I have many friends from here... In level 10, when we made a skit for the graduation party, it was really fun. It's great idea to make skits because it makes students close together... It's important what we did in the language lab. I improved a lot. We watched TV a lot and listened to a lot of news. It was good listening practice for us. Now I'm studying International Business at the University of Bridgeport" (Elena Boulitch, Russia)

"When we came to new country it's a difficult situation. We don't know how to speak. ELI teachers try to understand when we speak and patiently help students improve.... The trips — to New York City and other places — are good for students because we can learn a lot. Now I'm an MBA student. After I graduate, I want to start a business in my country." (Kamalaporn Sirisornchai, Thailand) 

"I like the free style of class, like you can talk and give your opinion. The teachers are interested to learn our cultures. And they like to teach about American culture. They always try to make us feel comfortable. They are friendly.... In writing class, we can learn to write a different style of writing. In grammar class, we have lots of time to practice and speak." (Fernanda Batagin, Brazil)

"At first I was very nervous because I didn't know what to say. But teachers are very kind and wait patiently for me.... Speaking class is very good because we have interesting topics and we all have different opinions which we can talk about. The system is very connected. For example, I learn grammar and very soon I can use it in other classes. My English skills have improved, so this system is very good. I'm very happy because this experience is very good." (Eiji Kanemitsu, Japan).

"The teachers are very comfortable. They listen very carefully to our opinions.... I like the curriculum system. In Korea I learned English 6 years. But here I have learned maybe 10 times that much. When I return to Korea, I will study Mass Communication, and then I will transfer back here, hopefully." (Won Rea Hwang, Korea)

"I improved English very much in a short time. It's interesting. We had a lot of homework, but I didn't feel any pressure. I was happy to do it. Now I'm an MBA student. After I graduate, I will return to my country and find or create a job, if I have opportunity." (Shu Ching Lai, Taiwan)

The Sun and Moon---a class poem written by Level 6A (December, 2007)

Parents are lighthouses which can light ships up in the dark sea. They let children find direction.

One star is mom, One star is Dad. Two stars sparkle lightly in my mind's sky.

Love is rhythm of heart. My parent is Rhythm of my heart.

If the time's gone With the wind in the fall, Yesterday would not be once anymore.

A leaf falling down without power from tree, Like a weak baby.

You are my sun. You are my moon. The love is deep as the sea.

How many people hope the world is peaceful forever and hope people's faces are as a peaceful river?

This land makes me always feel good, like a fragrance in the wood.  Like I am close as much as a rose.

Time flies, everything changes as quickly as the subway operating in the peak hours, And only memory like a recorded movie hides in the deep heart.

Every period in my life is like a trip.  Family will always be my last stop.

Contributing students: Si-ho Ahn, Wenbin Fan, Liang Huang, Jigarkumar Khamar, Yoonsun Lee, Guoyu Lin, Yi-Yin Lin, Jayeshkumar Mistry, Chirag Patel, Nipa Patel, Yan Ling Wen, Hye Won Yoon, and Quibin Zhao; advised by Instructor W. White.

ELI Students Comment on Meeting American Sociology Students

"Thank you for giving us this chance, not just to meet American students but to speak with a deaf person. I realized that we should speak to him, not around him." Mr. Muho Lee, Korea

"ELI students can practice speaking English. This is a very good chance to communicate with people our own age." Jason Zhang and Elva Ma, China 

"ELI students get the chance to learn more about the culture of their classmates." Jason Zhang, China

"I had a great time doing this and look forward to the idea of talking with students like this again." Mike Lockshier, American Sociology student.