IEI Student Success Stories – Intensive English Institute

Earn-A-Bike Program

ssoler — Fri, 14 Jul 2023 13:53:39 +0000

Each year multilingual English language learners attend the Intensive English Institute (IEI), housed within 91��, to build their English language skills. This Summer, IEI students from Democratic Republic of Congo, Dominican Republic, Chile, Ivory Coast, China, Japan, and Russia participated in the recently developed put on by the Bicycle Coalition of Maine. Recognizing that English language learning extends beyond the confines of the classroom, IEI strives to offer its students a comprehensive experience that includes experiential learning, community building, and integration.

Under facilitator Erik daSilva’s guidance, IEI students were able to foster meaningful connections with their peers and the community while learning valuable skills. Students learned first-hand how to repair and maintain bicycles and received comprehensive instruction on traffic safety rules and regulations, equipping them with the necessary knowledge to navigate the roads responsibly. Upon completing this free program, students were rewarded for their hard work and dedication with a fully refurbished bicycle, a new helmet, bike-lock, safety lights, and an at-home repair kit.

By combining language learning, bicycle mechanics, and traffic safety, the Earn-a-Bike program serves as a catalyst for personal growth and community integration. Through this initiative, the Bicycle Coalition of Maine and Erik daSilva have made a lasting impact on the lives of these multilingual learners, empowering them to explore their surroundings, foster healthy habits, and embrace the joys of cycling while ensuring their safety on the road.

The Intensive English Institute stands as an esteemed English language program. While numerous multilingual learners enroll in IEI with aspirations of pursuing a 91�� degree, the institute also welcomes exchange students from 91��’s sister universities, individuals who have transferred from other educational institutions, spouses and family members of faculty and visiting scholars, and community members eager to enhance their English language proficiency. This summer additionally welcomed new Mainers who attend the Community English program and have recently emigrated to the area.

IEI Online Program Interview: Maiwand Kakar

ssoler — Fri, 10 Jun 2022 16:23:07 +0000

The Intensive English Institute (IEI) is a program at the University of Maine that accepts and welcomes students from various countries around the world. The program strives to challenge and engage students in the English language, helping to improve fluency and accuracy in both spoken and written mediums.

Students who attend, and pass their courses, are able to either matriculate as a student of the University of Maine through the Maine Bridge program or, like the student interviewed below, transfer to a different university for further study in their preferred field. Whichever path the student may choose, IEI is here to help them further their individual educational pursuits while supporting them professionally, academically, and socially.

Maiwand Kakar enrolled in the Intensive English institute program for the 2021-2022 academic year as an online student based in Turkey. He was recommended for participation by his mentor and virtual language tutor Peter Collins from Blue Hill, Maine. Peter, who had completed the TESOL Certificate at the 91�� IEI in 2016, reached out to 91�� IEI to recommend Maiwand as a bright and motivated student who needed to improve his English to qualify for graduate school admission.

Maiwand was a very dedicated student who didn’t allow distance and technology to impede his learning. He attended regularly, participated in class virtually and greatly improved his English proficiency. In April 2022, he successfully passed the Duolingo English test and was elated to be offered admission in the master’s program in Construction Engineering and Management at Concordia University in Canada. Maiwand also received a generous offer of personal financial assistance up to C$60,000 to fund two years of study, including tuition, housing, and other living expenses.

Cheryl Robertson, one of Maiwand’s IEI teachers shared that one of the joys of teaching and working with international students at IEI is getting a chance to know the challenges and personal journeys many students bring to the program. Cheryl shared: “Maiwand’s story is one of the crises many of us are watching unfold in Ukraine, but also of dedication and rising above that crisis in ways that are amazing, thoughtful and thought provoking. It has been, and continues to be, a pleasure to work with Maiwand. At only 22, his positivity and commitment to learning and growing in not only English but also to his career, is unparalleled. My own mentor once said to me, “people are in your life for a reason, a season or a life-time.” This young man, who is so appreciative of the people in his life, is a “life-time.” It is a pleasure to know Maiwand, and I’m reminded that his genuine gratitude, even in the face of being a refugee for most of his young life, shows that human resilience can overcome even the most difficult of times.”

Maiwand Kakar

LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/maiwand-kakar/

Tell us a bit about yourself?

I am Maiwand Kakar from Afghanistan. However, I am living in Turkey for six-years with Conditional refugee status. I finished my last year of high school in Turkey, and after that, I applied for university. I successfully graduated from University last year with a civil engineering degree.

When did you move to Turkey? Tell us a bit about your life currently

We moved to Turkey because of the unstable situation in Afghanistan. Furthermore, I have already completed 3 short internships in Construction Engineering in Turkey during my undergraduate studies. I also worked onsite at a large apartment complex project for 3 months. In addition, I am currently volunteering my time at PMI (Project Management Institute) as an Assistant Project Manager for their English Language Academy and continuing English Language Intensive Program from Umaine.

Why is Civil Engineering of interest to you? What are your career goals?

One day, when I was in high school, I saw a photo of the Burj Khalifa, in Dubai. When I saw it, I was very curious about how a human could build such a structure, and how the engineers and architects could find the solution to construct a building so tall. In addition, I have seen the poor state of roads, buildings, and bridges in my native Afghanistan. I see that our country will need to rebuild someday, and I hope to participate in that eventually.

My goal is to become a renowned Building Construction Manager. In order to accomplish this, I would like to continue my education at Concordia University in Quebec, Canada, in their famous Master’s program in Construction Engineering and Management.

How did you connect with Peter? What support did he offer?

I have known Peter, [my mentor and English tutor], for more than 2 years. He has helped me first with general English, then with English proficiency tests, and finally with applying to master’s programs in Canada. Moreover, I met Peter by using a learning language app where Peter volunteers his time.

Tell us about your experience at IEI

The English Language Intensive program at 91�� really helped me to improve my English skills to the next level. I have had a chance to meet students from around the world, and I learned about their country’s cultures which was fascinating for me. Throughout the Program, my dear teachers, Erin-Kate Sousa and Cheryl Robertson, were very supportive. Last but not least, Orlina Boteva, the Director of the Office of International Programs (OIP) at the University of Maine, awarded me a full OIP tuition scholarship opportunity to take the IEI which I am really grateful for.

Hirosaki Short-Term Program

ssoler — Fri, 10 Jun 2022 12:37:46 +0000

91�� IEI hosts English language program with Japanese partner for 23 consecutive years

The 91�� Intensive English Institute (IEI) hosted a virtual English language program for students from Hirosaki University in Japan from Feb. 26–March 9, 2023. Tokuji Noro, professor in the Department of English, faculty of Education at Hirosaki University, recruited the students and organized the program again this year.

During the program this year, students participated in daily lessons with Hirosaki program instructors Cheryl Robertson and Gwyneth Esty-Kendall. The Hirosaki students joined the English program from 9 a.m.–noon Monday–Friday for two weeks during their vacation between their fall and spring semesters. The 91�� instructors offered the classes from 7–10 each night due to the time difference.

“Working with Hirosaki University students and this program through IEI is always an honor,” said Robertson. “At the beginning of the program, my students share with me their trepidation at speaking English out loud. By the end of the two weeks (that’s all!), they have had a myriad of experiences with me, their host families and conversation partners, and each other. This community building on an international level is what I love about working with the Hirosaki program, and that initial fear of speaking English is gone.”

Esty-Kendall noted that she is grateful to be in her third year of working with Hirosaki University students. “Every year it is such a joy to teach students while also learning about their cultural experiences,” she said. “I appreciate the opportunity to witness students build confidence in their English skills and to see the positive impact this program has on each of them in such a short time!”

The classes were a success and the students were able to engage with the English language through both written and spoken communication. Students participated in a presentation about the IMRC lab at 91�� with Drew Hooke during the first week of the program. The following week, Adriana Cavalcanti, IEI administrative staff member, offered a presentation on Maine Indigenous culture by introducing a video published on the Emergence Magazine about tree migration and the impacts on the Passamaquoddy traditional knowledge on basket making.

“The goal of the program is two-fold: that is, improving English skills and deepening cross-cultural understanding,” said Tokuji Noro, professor of English at Hirosaki University. “For the last three years with the COVID-19 pandemic, we were left with no choice but to change it into a virtual program by remote learning. We thought we would have to discard the cultural learning part, but thanks to the enthusiasm and sincere dedication of those involved, especially host families, we were able to enjoy as much success as we did in the regular on-site programs”

On Mondays and Wednesdays, Hirosaki students participated in conversation activities with current students of the University of Maine, many of whom were part of the Japanese language classes taught on the university campus. “The conversation partner’s activity has been the core part of the program since the beginning of this program,” Noro said. “Students engage in authentic communication in English with 91�� students, which they can hardly experience back in their home country. The online format of activity seemed to enhance the interactions among students, probably because it ‘fits’ in their communication style.”

“This program has been something that I’ve found truly rewarding and exciting as a previous student who studied in Japan. It was great being able to speak with and teach the students more about English as a second language,” said Shania Soler, a conversation partner participant.

A vital part of the program calls for students to have a host family. When the program was held in-person, students would stay with their families and learn more about the culture and the language; however, IEI still strived to keep a similar dynamic for students to have the best experience possible during their program. As such, IEI implemented a virtual host family aspect. Students were connected with families in the community and were able to interact with them via email, messaging, and video calls on platforms such as Zoom and Skype. Many were initially worried if the virtual homestay experience would contribute as much or even a similar amount as that of an in-person experience.

“In the past regular on-site programs, students always enjoyed and learned a great deal from their homestay experience, but we were afraid that the virtual program might not contribute much to their learning. However, as the saying goes, ‘an attempt is sometimes easier than expected,’ and voila, the Zoom sessions suddenly became places of such rich cultural exchanges,” Noro said. “Both the students and host families were able to deepen their cross-cultural understanding mutually.”

In 2021 and 2022, John and Ginger Hwalek were virtual host parents to Eimi Kasai and Ayane Oshima, two students studying education at Hirosaki University. Eimi and Ayane planned to participate in the Hirosaki Program in Maine this year, but the 2023 in-person program was canceled and switched to virtual due to the pandemic situation. Kasai and Oshima were determined to come to Maine, so they worked with Noro and 91�� IEI to have an abbreviated
study abroad experience during their winter break. John and Ginger gladly hosted them.

Each morning they joined IEI language classes to work on their English skills. They experienced campus life including basketball and hockey games, a concert at Minsky Hall and exercising at the New Balance Student Recreation Center. Off campus, they saw a live production of “The Secret Garden,” went tubing at Hermon Mountain and visited Acadia National Park. They also got to spend a day at Mary Snow School in Bangor observing classes and even taught the students how to count to ten in Japanese.

“Imagine them teaching Japanese to American students in English! What an experience for these future teachers,” the Hwaleks said. “At home we shared our cultures. We cooked both American and Japanese meals, watched Ghibli movies and American classics and read children’s books in English and Japanese. One lasting impact of this is that Ginger is now a natto addict.”

Kristina Weaver and her children from 91��, volunteered as a host family for the program. “Our family has been participating in the program for three years, all remotely,” Weaver said. “We decided to participate as a way to experience different viewpoints and share our love for Maine. It is a great opportunity to both help others learn, and learn ourselves. We particularly value the chance to show our kids how things are both different and the same in other places. The remote program has also given us more confidence about opening our home. We look forward to when we can host a student in person!”

The virtual program IEI hosts each year bolsters an international connection with a university and students that are thousands of miles away. It opens up a bridge between two cultures and allows a joint learning to take place; a feat that has been proven stronger than any type of pandemic thanks to the continued motivation and support of not just the educators and community members, but the students as well, both international and local to 91��.

“It’s a model that I have enjoyed, on site, and even on Zoom for the last three years. All folks involved with this program are to be commended for their sincere appreciation for teaching and working with all the students” said Cheryl Robertson, Hirosaki program instructor.

This program creates a link between two universities and two communities. May 25, 1994, the state of Maine created a sister state connection with Aomori province in Japan. Aomori province is the region where Hirosaki University is located. Students from Hirosaki University can participate in this short program, and then pursue a semester or full year study abroad at the University of Maine.

Kaho Ikeda made such a choice. She participated in the 2021 Hirosaki virtual English program and arrived at 91�� on March 18 to join the IEI program in person. Ikeda will spend the next 10 months in Maine improving her English language skills, traveling around the state, taking university classes and making new friends.

“I had wanted to study abroad since entering the university, however due to the COVID-19, I was not sure when I would be able to go abroad,” said Ikeda. “That is when I came across the Maine Program. This 91�� virtual program gave me meaningful experiences. Even if it was online, I was able to communicate with my host family, students, and teachers. Also they took us [virtually] to the museum, taught us how to bake blueberry muffins, and we even danced Zumba together! It was virtual but the experiences were real.”

Orlina Boteva, director of the Office of International Programs at 91��, is very happy to see a partnership that started with 91�� participating in a state of Maine Governor’s mission to Japan, organized by the Maine International Trade Center in 2001, create such a lasting legacy.

“The program began in February-March, 2001 and continued every February–March until the year 2020, after which we had to do it online for three consecutive years in 2021, 2022, and this year, that is, 2023. The total number of participants counts 372 including this year!” said Noro, who has been at HIrosaki University since the beginning of the collaboration with 91��.

IEI plans to continue this program for the coming years and hope to offer the program in person in 2024.

Guanyu Jiang: 91��’s ‘vitality’ enriches international student experience

mleclair — Fri, 18 Dec 2020 18:26:55 +0000

Harbin, China is a world away from Orono. In spite of the distance and the obvious differences between his Northern China birthplace and his current home at the University of Maine, Guanyu Jiang appreciates the similarities.

“The dimensions of my hometown are almost the same as Maine. The climate, vegetation, and scenery are all similar,” says Guanyu, who enjoys Maine’s rural character. “Compared to the city, I prefer to live in nature.”

But before enrolling at the University of Maine, Guanyu also considered first-hand reports about the campus, the culture and the academic atmosphere. A high school teacher in China recommended 91�� to him after spending a year as a Black Bear through an international exchange program. Guanyu took his mentor’s advice to heart, and couldn’t be happier with his choice.

“Every time I walk on campus I see many passersby smiling. Professors, students and staff all love what they do, and are full of motivation,” he says. “Sometimes I think the University of Maine is more like a vibrant amusement park than an academic research institution.”

Guanyu enrolled in the Intensive English Institute (IEI) when he arrived on campus in summer 2016, focusing exclusively on enhancing his English skills. A little more than a year later, he joined IEI’s Maine Bridge Program and began accumulating credits toward a degree while continuing to develop proficiencies in English. In spring 2018, he matriculated in the International Affairs program with a minor in philosophy.

During his time at 91��, Guanyu has excelled academically, receiving the merit-based International Flagship and Roger D. Cooper Scholarships from the Office of International Programs (OIP) and the School of Economics, respectively, and was a Dean’s List student. In addition, Guanyu was invited to join Phi Sigma Tau, the international honor society for philosophers.

“The academic atmosphere (at 91��) is great, especially the time professors spend with undergraduates” he says, citing faculty patience and willingness to help, along with other critical resources such as the writing center, tutors, student recitation sessions, and even his fellow students. “Many classes require group work, and classmates share opinions with each other and are willing to help each other with the work.”

But Guanyu reserves the highest praise for OIP.

“OIP is the best. 91�� OIP is always open to international students. The staff in OIP are very patient and willing to help,” he says. “Moreover, there are many international student organizations and many activities which enrich international students’ lives.”

After completing his undergraduate degree this month, Guanyu will pursue a master’s degree in applied economics at Johns Hopkins University, confident that his time at 91�� has prepared him well for graduate studies.

“The theoretical knowledge I have gained at 91�� gives me a solid foundation for my master’s classes, and I have also developed a good learning style and studying abilities.”

Thinking beyond his academic accomplishments, Guanyu is certain that his undergraduate experience has prepared him to integrate into American society.

“91�� made me become an independent person. I know more clearly what I want, and what things are important to me.”

Contact: Joan Perkins; joan.perkins@maine.edu

Juliana Tavora: Graduate student from Brazil thrives on support, opportunities at 91��

ckelly — Fri, 11 Oct 2019 13:44:28 +0000

When Juliana Tavora came to the University of Maine from her native Brazil, one of her first stops on campus was the Intensive English Institute (IEI). The staff and instructors at IEI helped guide her through the challenges and complexities of taking classes in English for the first time.

“Everyone at IEI was excited to help me learn and grow. They have a team of super mentors, and for that I am grateful,” Tavora says.

As an undergrad in 91��’s School of Marine Sciences, Tavora received a 2014 summer research and creative activities fellowship through the Center for Undergraduate Research. That project, “Satellite-measured bio-optical measurements of Lagoa dos Patos, Brazil,” became her capstone research, parts of which were published.

Tovora is back at 91��, working toward a master’s degree in Oceanography in the School of Marine Sciences. She hopes to one day earn a Ph.D., and says 91�� has given her plenty of backing and experience to achieve that goal.

“91�� is the place I learned a second language, where I got my first research proposal granted, and the institution where I returned for my master’s degree,” she says. “91�� is very important for my academic career.”

Hometown/Country:
Rio Grande, Brazil

Major and year in school:
Master’s student in Oceanography, School of Marine Sciences

Why 91�� and the IEI?
As an undergrad in Brazil, I got a scholarship to study abroad. My sponsor chose 91�� because of its excellent ESL department (IEI) and undergrad program in Marine Sciences.

What do you like about Maine/the area?
The area is safe, and people are friendly and willing to help. Maine is a very outdoorsy state with many options in any season.

How would you describe the academic atmosphere at 91��?
It is great. There is a fascinating work/personal life balance at 91��. You are motivated to work hard and to take time for yourself and what is important for you.

Have you worked with any professors or mentors who have made your 91�� experience better? If so, who and how?
My first contact with a mentor in the campus was at IEI. Everyone at IEI was very excited to share its experience with us, students. Becki Rand, Jim McCarthy, Erin-Kate Souza, Erin Wight, Chris Mares, Eleanor Kipping, and Gwen. Later in the School of Marine Science program, Dr. Andrew Thomas and I worked on a research proposal for a summer fellowship sponsored by the CUGR in 2014. Our project got funded and led to my capstone research and a journal publication. Currently, Dr. Emmanuel Boss is my mentor. I have been diving deep into ocean optics under his supervision and learning to become a more independent researcher.

How has your 91�� experience changed or shaped the way you see the world either academically or socially?
Other than showing the way to keep a good work/personal life balance, the relationship advisor-students and the collaboration/partnership among students are aspects of an academic environment I will take with me to the places I end up working.

Describe 91�� in one word.
Fulfilling

What do you hope to do after graduation, and how has 91�� helped you reach those goals?
In the near future, I am aiming for a Ph.D. in Oceanography. A little later in life, I hope to be teaching in academia. 91�� gave and me the tools to develop more skills, both teaching lectures and doing research.

What is the most interesting, engaging, or helpful class you’ve taken at 91��?
It is so hard to choose only one class. If I can choose one undergraduate level class and one graduate-level class I would say: Academic writing taught by Jim McCarthy and the Ocean Optics Class at the Darling Marine Center taught by a group of mentors from many places (NASA, 91��, Bowdoin College, University of Florida and others)

Have you gained any hands-on or real-world experience through your coursework? If so, tell us about it:
Most classes I took were based on hands-on experience and lectures. That type of coursework is essential from my point of view, and it makes things more fun and exciting.

What difference has 91�� made in your life?
At 91��, I have developed incredible professional relationships, networked with other departments with overlapping research, had the chance to interact with exceptional researchers, and gained skills I will be able to use in my personal and professional life. Most of the people became good friends; this is priceless. Sounds cheesy, but 91�� is, in fact, the college of our hearts.