What students say about IEI
"I feel that The Intensive English Institute I is one of the most effective and worthwhile English programs in the country."
Around six years ago, I came to the USA with tons of expectations, illusions, goals, and of course fears that were all worthy because I was following a dream: Learn English to improve my professional career.
Coming to USA was a great idea that could have been a happy experience in any place, but coming to Champaign-Urbana and specifically to the IEI made it the best experience and it changed my life; it really did. There are different aspects of it that allow me to say that. One is the city and UIUC, another is the IEI itself and the last one is the people I met.
Champaign-Urbana is a city that gives you a friendly sample of what living in USA can be. C-U are two small cities with great restaurants, wonderful theaters with unique shows and plays, good shopping areas, cozy coffee shops, and very efficient transportation systems. Since I got there I knew I was in the right place. UIUC is a University with great programs which usually attract smart and dedicated teachers and students. The university is also known by the great diversity of its students. I met people from so many countries that I never even though I would be able to meet in my entire life.
Nowadays, after six years in USA and as a current language teacher, I feel that The Intensive English Institute I is one of the most effective and worthwhile English programs in the country. Not only because my own experience as a student who started from the lowest level ended up with a very happy ending, but also because of its teachers. They are always updated and use the most updated language teaching methodologies and techniques in the classrooms. Everybody at the IEI cares about you as a person as well. At the IEI, in addition of learning how to express myself better and communicate effectively, I learned how to appreciate other languages and cultures as well. At the IEI I met the most interesting, friendly and lovely people I couldn't had met anywhere else. They are still my best friends, believe it or not. Another crucial thing that the IEI gave me was all the necessary tools to be able to attend a graduate program in USA ; which I finished at UIUC in 2006.
With all the knowledge and skills I acquired at the IEI plus my MA studies in teaching a second language at UIUC I decided to try teaching my own language to English native speakers. This is how today I teach Spanish to high school teenagers. IEI have been so important to me that some times I try to remember some of my experiences at the IEI to use them for my own teaching. I also try to teach them about my culture as they did, while I keep learning about American culture as well.
I could not have been more fortunate: I am living in a place I like a lot, my network of people is bigger and better, my friends are friends for life, I enjoy what I do, it makes me happy! What else I can ask for…. And everything started at the IEI!!!!!
I am so lucky to have this opportunity to let the IEI know one more time how grateful I am to all of you that in any ways participated or contributed to help me being the person I am now… Thank you very much.
"IEI provides plenty of opportunities for all international students to take advantage of studying abroad both inside and outside classrooms."
I have numerous fond memories since I have been studying in the States. The best one is perhaps the very first time of my study attending in the Intensive English Institute (IEI) at the University of Illinois (UIUC). IEI provides plenty of opportunities for all international students to take advantage of studying abroad both inside and outside classrooms. In classes, since the ratio of teacher and students is quite low, all students have an opportunity to work closely with teachers. Meanwhile, students can learn from each other with different viewpoints. Outside classes, IEI has a special program called conversation partner, a one-by-one matchup with international students and local partners. I learned a lot about culture differences and American lifestyles. Practicing English, making new friends, and learning culture that is what IEI is all about. My goal was to get accepted in a business school in the US. I targeted the University of Illinois as the highest goal. My English proficiency increased surprisingly while I was attending in IEI. I gained more confidence using English in daily life and writing academically. Besides taking IEI classes, I had a chance to sit-in business lectures and doing some volunteer programs with UIUC students. No doubt, my fundamental language skills were built mainly from the course of training at IEI. I finally got accepted in the business school as I had hoped. I would not have reached to this point without attending in IEI.
"IEI was the gateway to my dream!"
It has been more than three years since I have left my Alma Mater (University of Illinois at Urbana- Champaign). I have come to the United States with a dream of getting my PhD.. The language was my great obstacle. I remember the frustration on my first day at Urbana-Champaign when I could not order a “pizza”, because I came with almost no English. I had chosen IEI (Intensive English Institute) among many English institutes just following my “Personal Legend”. I did not know that time why I chose it. I had no previous ideas about it, but, maybe, I was lucky. IEI was the gateway to my dream! From the first month in the IEI, I felt the improvement. I realized that, little by little, my dream was becoming a reality. The IEI program was even more than I expected. It was not limited to teaching English as a language, but from its friendly staff I learned a lot about different cultures. The horizon was expanded to meet different people from different parts of the world whom became my friends. I have stayed in touch with most of them! What I liked the most is the character of the IEI staff, their support, encouragement, hard effort to see their student succeed, and their kind care about their students even after their graduation. As a result of my study in the IEI, I got admission at UIUC and received my Master’s degree from its College of Business. Now I am a PhD candidate in Economics at Oklahoma State University. Truly, my time at the IEI was the best time in my life, and I am so honored to have had that chance.
"I'm glad I chose the IEI! "
For someone who seriously wants to learn and improve his or her English, I can't think of a better place than IEI. IEI is a great English Institute with experienced and friendly staff, who crave to provide their students the best available education. I started taking courses in IEI because I needed to improve my academic skills in English in order to study in a college in the US and I honestly believe that I made an impressive progress. Event though I took only one semester of academic English courses in IEI, it felt like I was all equipped to be a successful student in any US college. IEI courses and the instructors gave me the confidence and the knowledge that I needed to pursue my goal. I'm currently going to a college in the US and I'm doing very well along with all native English speaker students. I'm amazed to see that even the simplest tips that I learned in IEI classes are still playing a crucial role in my academic success. Thank you IEI!
"I appreciate IEI program so much."
When I came to the U.S., I had problems because I could not speak English well and could not understand differences in between Korean and American culture. However, during the IEI course, I found that my English ability is improved. For example, I do not fear talking to Americans anymore. I can talk to my landlord about my housing problems. In the IEI course I learned all about U.S. Especially, I was able to understand U.S culture. I think there are many differences from your national culture. If you come to the U.S for the first time, you may be confused from culture shock. But don't worry about that! IEI programs will help you!
"I firmly believe that the experience I had at the IEI was really helpful to my life."
I got a lot of help from the people of the IEI in many ways. They helped me to understand what I did not know before. At the beginning of the semester, they tried to find the right class which would help me improve my English skills best. During the semester, I improved not only my English but also my knowledge about American culture. The teachers of the IEI helped me whenever I had difficulty understanding what I had learned in class. The classes were not boring but were motivating and made me interested in English. Moreover I was able to make a number of foreign friends. There were many interesting students from various countries who can have fun together at the IEI. While I was having a good time with these students, we became close friends. Before I attended to the IEI, I thought that English was boring and difficult to learn. But now I know that I can have fun when I learn English. I think that the IEI helped me to discover this.
"I had a great time here. "
The day I registered at the IEI, I felt I didn't fit in. When I first saw the IEI building, it didn't seem like an institute as I thought, but I was wrong. Everybody at the IEI helped me a lot. And after several classes had passed, I soon realized that not only the people at the IEI but also all the people here, in Urbana-Champaign were really friendly and open-hearted.
I'd like to send special thanks to my teachers. I always felt comfortable when I was in their classes. I didn't hesitate to ask them if I had questions about my lessons or everything else outside our class, and they were very willing to help me. I think my English is much better.
I also want to thank the IEI because of the outside activities. These were really fun and helped me to learn a lot about American culture. I had great time here though I was here only one semester.
" I appreciate the IEI because they care about me and give me what I need and what I want. "
From placement test to choosing what classes I like, IEI did their best to put me in the level that was suitable for me. Even though it was hard for me in the beginning, teachers helped me patiently to overcome every difficulty both in school and in my new adopted environment. Because my teachers never hesitated to answer my all questions, I improve a lot, from a person who had difficult reading Toefl articles to a person who can read Time magazine; from a person who didn't really clearly understand daily conversation to a person who can understand a 50 minute lecture now. Also, they offered a lot of resources or held a lot of activities besides regular classes. In every activity, I not only learned English, made new friends, but also had lots of fun. There are always countless interesting activities waiting for me like the Valentine's Day and Halloween parties or game night every week. I appreciate the IEI because even they gave me more than my expectations. They help me make learning English fun this year.
"Choosing the IEI changes your life! It happened to me!"
After taking several semesters in the IEI, I have no doubt that IEI is a great choice because of its tradition, prestige, and quality of instruction. Classes are small and never boring, and teachers are very friendly. During my experience at the IEI, I improved my English and learned about life at an American campus. This year I obtained admission to the School of Architecture at UIUC, which was my dream! I am very grateful to the IEI as it helped me improve my English skills and reach my academic goals. Choosing the IEI changes your life! It happened to me!
"Thanks to the IEI teachers and staff who always made me feel at home"
“Being a part of the IEI has been one of the most interesting experiences in my life. At the IEI, I had the opportunity to improve my English and share experiences with students from different cultures. Above all, it was a very enjoyable learning experience thanks to the IEI teachers and staff who always made me feel at home.”
"The IEI experience has helped me tremendously in what I am doing in graduate school now."
Attending the language program at the University of Illinois Intensive English Institute helped me to improve not only my English skills but also my knowledge of the American academic culture and campus life. The IEI academic listening and speaking and pronunciation classes helped me a lot in the discussion classes I have later had in the graduate school. I could learn the academic American English communication styles that I could use. Although writing styles vary from one academic field of study to another, what I learned in the IEI academic reading and writing courses can be applied to any field. Besides, the academic reading and writing teacher cared about the academic area each student came from. I also was given the chance to take a special class at the University of Illinois, given in collaboration with the Intensive English Institute. This was my first course experience at an American university, and getting an A grade in that course helped me gain self-confidence. One of the services offered by the IEI is the Conversation Partners program. University of Illinois students volunteer to become conversation partners with IEI students. They get together and discuss various campus daily life topics. This way many students built good friendships with American students. My conversation partner is now a very nice friend of mine. I keep in touch with him, and we go out together and share many university experiences. The IEI experience has helped me tremendously in what I am doing in graduate school now. I really appreciate it and I am proud that I could attend the IEI!
"After this semester I can affirm that all my goals were reached."
When I arrived in U.S.A. I didn't know which course I should choose. I had always studied English in Brazil , and I was looking for something different I didn't want just to improve my English skills but also have a good time.
After this semester I can affirm that all my goals were reached. since the first day, I met a lot of different people from all around the world! It was a great experience, that I'll never forget.
Furthermore, I feel that my English improved a lot. The teachers are extremely dedicated to us and committed to our goals. They are always ready to help, in whatever we need. I have never had better teachers before, and I will always remember their kindness and dedication.
But what really impressed me in IEI is their commitment with the quality of their courses. they are always asking for feedback and trying to improve themselves. That is the reason why I can affirm that IEI is a great choice for everybody. So, If you want to improve your English and have a lot of fun, IEI is a choice that you'll never regret.
"I can say that I made the best choice by coming here."
I looked at lots of English courses before came to the IEI. However, I can say that I made the best choice by coming here. The IEI is the one of the best. When I came to USA I could not speak English well. It was a really bad situation for me, but when I took the IEI course I learnt so many things. It especially helped my speaking.
If you want to speak and learn English, you have to learn the culture, and the lifestyle of Americans. Everybody is very friendly, and gentle here. You can improve your English by speaking with local students that the IEI arranges for us. In general, we have lots of opportunities to improve our communication skill without being bored.
I was really surprised after the first week of the classes had passed, because I had thought that they might be boring sometimes. However, I immediately changed my mind, because we have lots of fun in the classes. This is the most important difference between other English courses and the IEI.
We also have lots of outside activities here. And the teachers are really good at teaching English. They have the patience that we need! Also, they are very creative in planning class activities, and lessons.
I am planning to attend a Master degree program at U of I. For that reason, I have to be really good at English. I got self-confidence about my English here. If you have a problem with English, or want to improve your English, the best place to take care of it is - the IEI! I suggest that you come here if you really want to learn English. You will really see the difference!!!
"I had so much fun and I improved my English a lot."
I will go back to Spain with really great memories of the IEI. At the beginning, I was a little scared because I had never done anything like this in my life. But I had so much fun and I improved my English a lot.
From the very first day, the people at the IEI were so kind and helpful; they made me feel very comfortable. That was very important for me because it was hard to leave my home and come here. They understood that and treated me with kindness and sympathy. Also they helped me in whatever I needed, not only with their program but also with life in Urbana-Champaign. They made it easy for everybody.
I think the program was great; the teachers were experienced, qualified, patient and respectful with everybody. They were very friendly and they were always ready to help us. I found the classes interesting, useful and a lot of fun. I made some really good friends there.
They also prepared extra activities so you can have a lot of fun visiting many different places, doing new things and passing the time with your friends at the IEI. I really liked this Institute and I'm very happy to have been there.
"I will remember 2004 as a special year because of my choice, the IEI."
I won't forget being in Champaign at the IEI. The year 2004 was an unforgettable year for me. Everything in my life changed this year, because I had to start everything new here. A new start can be hard, but it wasn’t hard for me. I will remember 2004 as a special year because of my choice, the IEI. It was in the IEI where I was able to meet friends from all around the world and to share their friendship like a family at home. Living in a small town, we could easily develop close relationships. The family-like atmosphere at the IEI made me feel comfortable. I won't forget the precious moments that I enjoyed with my international classmates and friends. Without my friends from the IEI, it would have been impossible for me to survive and live happily and vividly in peaceful Champaign.
There is one more thing that encouraged me to stay during both summer and fall semesters. When you first see the IEI building, it looks like a small house, rather than an institutional building. But don't be fooled by your first impression. Don't jump to conclusions. Everybody I met in the IEI had an open mind and tried to help me whenever I needed it. All the staff, including the teachers, were full of energy and enthusiasm towards the IEI students. Their warm welcome on the orientation day! Their continuous care and concern all through the semester! And the congratulations at the final reception! All these memories will remain in my mind as precious and significant. Thank you to everyone that I met in the IEI. I will miss you all the time.
"I will remember my experience here as one of the best of my life."
The first impression is always the most important of all impressions and I could not get a better one from the IEI here at the University of Illinois. Since I walked into the IEI on the first registration day, everything has worked so well. It gives you a feeling of trust, such a nice thing in a foreign country so far from home.
The academic experience has been great. Teachers are excellent and they really know how to handle their classes. Class culture is very relaxing but at the same time challenging. But everything is not just studying; meeting new friends from all around the world has been another interesting element of my experience. With all these new friends, I have shared nice moments in class and done some extra social activities like Convo Table and the Welcome Picnic.
Furthermore, this is not just the IEI and its academic and social activities; this is the University of Illinois. Its campus seems just huge to me. This great size includes an excellent variety of interests.
To summarize, I am very glad I came here to study because I really have learned a lot and I have met so many great people. I am sure that in the future I will remember my experience here as one of the best of my life.
"I am lucky because I chose the right place, IEI."
I will never forget the first day I came to IEI. The friendly staff and international students let me realize that I was in America. At that time, I was so afraid because every student could speak English very well, except me. After the summer semester, I knew that my English had improved. I can communicate with Americans, go to restaurants and order my meals, shop for everything that I need, and travel to other states with friends. I learned a lot at the IEI. The IEI taught me not just English skills. It also taught me what American culture is and how to live in America.
Now, I enjoy my life in this beautiful town. I like the weather of Urbana-Champaign. The four seasons are very clear and that is totally different from my country. I like to sit on the quad, look the broad sky and breath the fresh air. I can breathe the atmosphere of freedom. I like sitting in the coffee shops and chatting with my friends. I am lucky because I chose the right place, IEI.
"Urbana-Champaign is a clean, safe and beautiful city."
There are too many reasons why I liked the IEI to write in a paragraph, so let me pick some of them. I liked the IEI very much because of its excellent curriculum. What I learned in classes was practical and useful for my work in Japan as well as for academic preparation. The teachers in the IEI are professional, kind and friendly. I spent a lot of time with my teacher chatting after classes.
I also enjoyed the environment of the IEI and U of I. IEI students can use facilities at the U of I such as libraries and IMPE (athletic gym). I went to IMPE to swim in the summer and the Ice Arena to skate in the winter with my classmates. There is "Convo Table" twice a week after class and I could meet a lot of the IEI students from different classes, teachers and American students. It was really a good opportunity to make friends. There are many more fun activities in the IEI.
Urbana-Champaign, the city where the IEI is located, is a clean, safe and beautiful city. It is not very big but has got enough entertainment places such as movie theaters and shopping malls. I often spent my time walking around campus to enjoy the beautiful scenery. I especially like the fall season. It's really amazing! This is too short for me to express my feelings for the IEI, but I hope this helps you to understand why I enjoyed the IEI.
"I think IEI has been one of the best places to accomplish my goals."
No doubt about it, my experiences at the IEI (Intensive English Institute) have been tremendous. We are here to achieve our purposes such as studying English or preparing to go to a University. I think the IEI has been one of the best places for me to accomplish my goals. At the beginning of a semester, it was arduous to follow classes because there was a lot to do such as research, interviews, and preparing presentations. But it made me more confident and my English stronger. So now I have acquired many skills such as professional speaking, academic writing, listening and conversation. Also, I can't forget about my great classmates and teachers. If someone asks me when the happiest and worthiest time in my life was, I am going to answer that it is "IEI" without any hesitation.
"What impressed me most about the program was .... their commitment to see individuals succeed..."
I feel greatly honored to have this opportunity to acknowledge the enormous impact that the IEI has had on my ability to speak and write the English Language. Upon my arrival in the US, I could not engage in a conversation using the English language except for exchanging greetings. The IEI gradually removed a significant hurdle that I had ? inability to speak or write in English. This led to a considerable improvement on my TOEFL score, and I built confidence in using the English language to communicate. As a result of the progress that I was making, I was admitted as a graduate student at the University of Illinois. The excellence of the IEI program was proved by some impressive achievements which included my being offered an assistantship to teach an undergraduate level class.
What impressed me most about the program was the ambiance that existed in the whole IEI environment - the caring and supportive nature of the staff and their commitment to see individuals succeed and progress to other opportunities. The exposure to people from other cultures was a rewarding and comforting experience and it created a sense of community that encouraged us to support each other.
"I'm very happy to have had the experience in the IEI..."
I'm very happy to have had the experience in IEI last summer. I spent my time learning how to use English more appropriately, especially American English. As a European, I have always studied British English. This was my first time in the USA, so I realized the differences in pronunciation and speaking between American and British English. I found this interesting because it has strong connections to the culture. Through the activities the IEI organized in class, but also outside of class, I could see and understand more about the American lifestyle. I also found it interesting to speak with native speakers about their culture.
At the same time I had a lot of fun. I met a lot of people from around the world and everyday there was something new I could learn from one classmate or another. It was great! I still keep in touch with them and I hope this could be for ever.
It wasn't in my plan to come to the US to study in the future but after this experience I think I will apply for a master program there, because my English turned out to be good after the work on grammar and pronunciation I did in the IEI. So thanks to the IEI and to the teachers!
"Many good things came to my life after I attended the IEI."
Before I came study in the IEI, I was afraid to talk with Americans because of my poor English skills. But everything gradually changed and I felt comfortable talking to Americans and other international students after I started studying in the IEI.
I learned useful basic skills for both daily life and for higher level classes. I learned how to communicate effectively. I learned basic writing skills. Moreover, I attended other specific classes in the IEI such as English Through Business Communication Class and Images of America in Film and Fiction Class. I learned how to create business letters, to prepare business presentations. For Images of America Class, I learned the American culture. Many good things came to my life after I attended the IEI.
Champaign-Urbana (C-U) was another major reason why I chose to study English here. C-U is safe and a good place to live and study. There are many supermarkets, huge bookstores, some shopping areas, and some good restaurants. Moreover, C-U is located in the southwest of Chicago 120 miles. I could go to Chicago in two hours. This gave me many chances to visit Chicago, a really "BIG" city in the USA.
I would really like to thank the IEI and everyone in the IEI that gave me a good opportunities to learn English.
"I loved the friendly atmosphere at the U of I and IEI."
I liked the way they work here [at the IEI]. It was practical and efficient. All the teachers were so kind, helpful and thoughtful. During the course, I was trained to master the necessary skills which were very useful for my work in my native country. I had occasion to practice speaking and writing as much as I could.
I loved the friendly atmosphere at the U of I and IEI. I had the chance to make friends with a lot of international students coming from various parts of the world. We had a good relationship and worked well together. We often participated in various activities at Convo Table or at the Illini Union. Everyone here had a good way of behavior to others. I think it was the common attitude of a civilized and human society.
What also impressed me a lot was the good environment here. It was clean, green and safe. I often spent hours after class and even on weekends walking around the campus and the neighboring area to enjoy looking at everything. Four months of the Spring term at UI was just a short time but it was quite a significant part of my life.
"I feel fortunate to have chosen the IEI . . ."
I feel fortunate to have chosen the IEI at Urbana-Champaign to follow my ambitious goals of learning English and getting into a Master's program in the USA. I feel very happy about my progress with my English. Right now, I am able to attend classes along with English native speakers and do well.
I think the IEI is a great English institute. The teachers are very competent, and their teaching strategies are very effective. In general, I can say the IEI has a very positive learning environment; besides academic learning, they expose us to American culture by organizing trips, visits to museums, and restaurants, conversations with native speakers, and organized fun activities such as parties and potlucks. The IEI also encouraged us to interact with our classmates, and to get to know their cultures. I am not a current student of IEI, but I still stop by their offices and join their activities because I feel at home there. I considered the IEI to be right place to learn English when you are away from your country.