ELI welcomed students from 15 different nationalities

ELI welcomed students from 15 different nationalities

The Fall term at the English Language Institute (ELI) at the College of Staten Island/CUNY started with a large group. ELI has always welcomed students from different regions, and this time, a great diversity showed that many students want to learn English for different purposes such as degree-seeking goals, work opportunities, or the experience of learning English in an exciting city like New York.

The first exercise in class was standing up and asking their classmates what their hobbies were and where they were from. ELI teachers, David Bridston and Thomas Speirs, started their session with an ice-break exercise in order to meet each other. It was exciting to see students from complete different regions or culture talk to each other -and we know, they will become friends for ever. A student from Colombia talking to his new friend from Guinea and a student from Jordan with a new classmate from Guatemala made the classes fun and interesting since they spoke about their favorite typical dishes or the city where they were born.

English classes started August 24 with a placement test and orientation session, explaining which facilities they could use at the largest CUNY campus, which has 204 acres, with a large collection of books at its library and large green areas with sports facilities around. Students also have free loop and shuttle ferry buses at their service if they want to go to another building or go to Manhattan with the free Staten Island Ferry ride. 

ELI teachers

ELI has one big secret for its success: ELI teachers. Students just love them. Gail Hernandez, David Bridston, Thomas Speirs, and Drew Bostinto, are experienced and certified teachers who love teaching, and especially, taking care of their students' success. Classes are intensive with 18 hours per week, but they make sure students have fun, smile, play and learn, and have a great experience with field trips and extra activities that let them learn English in a fun setting. 

Many ELI students want to apply to the College of Staten Island and its more than 80 majors or other CUNY schools while other students come for one semester to improve their English skills (speaking, writing, reading, and listening) and return to their home countries to continue with their studies. They meet with other students who are Staten Island or New York residents looking for job opportunities. Overall, the goals are diverse and our teachers make everybody learn in a useful and fun way.

Great diversity

This group started with almost thirty students, but they will meet 40 Mexican students in a couple of months when the 100,000 Strong in the Americas Proyecta program starts in November at the English Language Institute. The diversity that will take place at ELI classes will be exciting since this Fall term ELI welcomed students from Afghanistan, Albania, China, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Guatemala, Guinea, Japan, Jordan, Mexico, Peru, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Turkey, and Yemen. 

The English Language Institute belongs to the Center for Global Engagement, which is the international office at the College of Staten Island (CSI)/The City University of New York (CUNY), and it has expanded the number of students with its Intensive English Program where students spend between 18 and 22 hours per week learning English. However, learning English at CSI adds the campus experience since they have access to university life with conferences, lectures, sports activities, student clubs, and more.

New students can still join this group since ELI welcomes students every week. Classes will be available until December 14, and we are sure you will be able to learn or improve your English in a quiet area like Staten Island but still close to Manhattan. 

Have a great semester!

English Language Institute

College of Staten Island/CUNY