Special Programs
In addition to serving individual students enrolled in regular classes throughout the calendar year, ELI welcomed several groups of students, teachers and professionals from Algeria, Colombia, Japan, Korea and Russia. ELI faculty also trained international teaching assistants from around the world. Coordinating these programs were faculty members Walt Babich, Deborah Detzel, Janet Louise and Grant Wolf, orientation assistant Christine Hathway and assistant director Joe Matterer.
International teaching assistants
More than 100 graduate students from 26 countries participated in training programs to prepare them to teach in 19 departments across campus. This year, 12 participants underwent a two-week training session in January, while 90 others attended four weeks of classes in July and August. Teaching the culture, pedagogy and oral intelligibility classes were Heidi Altman, David Cassling, Leslie Criston, Cheryl Ernst, Stella Hall, Ken Hyde, Kim McGrath, Sandy Nickel and Sarah Petersen.
Colfuturo
Through the auspices of the Fundacion Para el Futuro de Colombia (Colfuturo), 17 Colombian professionals studied at ELI for varied lengths of time during the year. Their presence marks the eighth consecutive year that the agency has sent Colombian nationals to the Institute.
Teachers from Incheon and Ulsan, South Korea
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ELI instructor Walt Babich (right) coaches teachers from Incheon,
South Korea on a group project |
The English Language Institute provided shortterm English teacher training in 2003 to two distinguished groups of Korean teachers sponsored by their local school districts. The first group, arriving in January, consisted of 30 carefully selected teachers from Incheon. Despite one of the snowiest winters on record, the Incheon group impressed everyone with their unflagging dedication and energy. The second group of 18 teachers, who arrived in July from the port city of Ulsan, was joined by one teacher from Colombia and two teachers from Japan. Those participants were equally memorable in terms of both their academic excellence and their extraordinary good will. Both groups successfully managed the extremely intensive four-week schedule of English classes, teacher training seminars, school visits, and cultural trips to New York,Washington, Philadelphia and other nearby attractions. “The ELI faculty and staff congratulates all the participants in both programs,” said academic coordinator Grant Wolf. “We are certain that their unwavering commitment to the teaching profession will continue to ensure their own personal success as well as the success of their students.”
Algerian teachers
Thirteen faculty members from the University of Algiers studied language teaching pedagogy at ELI during March and April under a program sponsored by the U.S. Department of State. (See the cover story.)
Kobe Shoin Women’s University
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Kobe Shoin Women's University students and academic
coordinator Janet Louise (right) |
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Two study groups from Kobe Shoin Women’s University in Kobe, Japan, came to Delaware in 2003, doubling the normal frequency for the group and extending the length of their stay over previous years from three to four weeks. In March, the first group of 10 students arrived accompanied by faculty escort Mark Smith, while the second group of 19 students, along with faculty escort Noriko Shibatani, came in late August. The students learned about American lifestyles by living with local families. During the first week, both groups studied American culture and spoken English with ELI academic coordinator Janet Louise. Then they joined the full ELI program for three weeks of intensive English language training supplemented by visits to the Newark Senior Center,West Park Place Elementary School, the Hope Dining Room and a university Japanese class. In addition, they visited Philadelphia,Washington, DC and New York City.
Japanese Ministry of Education
For the fifth consecutive year, ELI provided intensive English instruction for English teachers sponsored by the Japanese Ministry of Education. Four teachers arrived on June 16, attending classes with other ELI students, living with American families and participating in special activities designed to familiarize them with U.S. culture and campus life. After their eight-week stay in Delaware, the group traveled to California for the second half of their training program. “These teachers proved to be excellent students,” said academic coordinator Walt Babich. “They inspired their fellow ELI students and teachers with their dedication.”
Russian high school students
Linguistic Gymnasium 91 in Ufa, Russia, once again sponsored a group of students at ELI for one month. Escorted by their teacher,Ms. Inna Fenina, the six high schoolers arrived in Newark in August after about 30 hours of travel. “They’re exhausted but happy,” Fenina said the first week. “For them, even eating in Rodney Dining Hall is an exciting cultural experience.”
Hankuk University of Foreign Studies
A large group of Hankuk University students attended ELI for seven weeks during July and August. The 64 students were escorted by Mr. Jung Hyo Suh and Mr. Sun-Woong Park. “The escorts did a wonderful job with the group, and they were also a tremendous asset throughout the entire summer,” said Deborah Detzel, academic coordinator. Along with their program of language study, the Hankuk students traveled to Philadelphia, New York and Washington, DC, where they visited many sites of historical significance and other places of interest. “Hankuk University students are always a great addition to ELI,” said Detzel, “and the ones who spent the summer of 2003 are still missed by many of us here in Newark.We look forward to future Hankuk students at ELI.”
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Shoin students explored the Amish culture in Lancaster, Pa with host families |