Good Example Of Western Michigan University – A Center Of Academic Wisdom And Great People Essay

CELCIS in a nutshell

I was born in Saudi Arabia I always thought that learning English is very challenging and tedious. However, when Western Michigan University warmly opened its arms, my opinion was changed completely. CELCIS (Center for English Language and Culture for International Students) program has been designed to provide instruction for non-native speakers, who will use English in their future academic and professional activities. My experience in Western Michigan University was virtually life-changing. Together with my multinational friends, I received not only a deep insight into English grammar, but also into the American way of living.

Problems and solutions

Having arrived in the country, I immediately realized that my future path would be full of hardships and obstacles, both academic and social. My greatest helper was CELCIS – it gave me new friends, their support and dedication, which were enormously helpful in an entirely new environment.
The first problem was the need to integrate into the American society.The Americans are more open, socially oriented and easily make new friends, while the people form Arabia are not so proactive socially. My socialization process was very hard; I had to get adapted to many new rules. Fortunately, my good friends Hussein and Ibrahim extended their generous helping hands to me, explaining the rules of acceptable behavior and invigorating me to be more open.
The second great difficulty were the problems with my academic life. During my enrollment test, the professors graded my level of English as "pre-elementary". My knowledge of English was similar to my knowledge of nuclear physics, i.e. I didn't have even a conceptual understanding of it. I was frustrated and had serious concerns about my future academic prospects in the USA, especially in the light of the fact that I was not especially gifted in linguistics. In Saudi Arabia, when you lag behind your classmates in the studies, becoming an object of humiliation and mockery is easy. The situation in the United States was completely different, when my instructors and my classmates always supported me, explained unclear or difficult topics several times, until I get full understanding. Professor Jenny Schlanter is a real teaching guru, who never gave up her attempts to explain the tiniest peculiarities of English grammar to me, although I was not the most talented student. She likes to repeat that anyone – virtually anyone- can master English language. As a result, gradually, my initial frustration and misgivings waned completely. I must admit, that I greatly disliked my first academic endeavors and could not have waited before a class was over. Now, I feel that one hour of English per week is definitely not enough for the future fluent English speakers. My attitude towards English language in particular, and to the entire academic life,ingeneral, has been fundamentally changed.
My story is not the only one. Qi Qi from China experienced similar problems when she arrived. Homesickness, frustration and misunderstanding are common symptoms among the first year students in WMU. Together my good friend from Iraq Qi Qi recommends spending as much time with the American community as possible. Visiting different campus activities is also a positive experience.
Supported by the friendssocially and instructed by the best professors in the world academically, the foreign students in WMU received almost complete insight into English grammar, stylistics and other components of this beautiful language. All we wholeheartedly admit, that without the involvement of these brilliant and professional people, we would have never reached the level I currently stay on.

New Opportunities

Today, I can confidently say that Western Michigan University and CELCIS changed my life completely.
Firstly, they opened America for me. Exploring America is both exhilarating and interesting. I have never imagined in the past how rich and eventful its social life and history may be.
Secondly, my participation in CELCIS is tremendously positive for my socialization in the USA. In other words, it helps me to understand how to how the American society lives, what values are important to the people here and what models of behavior are acceptable in this country. This knowledge is very useful for aharmonious stay here.Unlike many my compatriots, who do not like their studies and are obsessed with the idea of returning to Arabia as soon as possible, because of CELCIS my stay in the USA is both comfortable and enjoyable. Every day I explore something new and interesting.
Thirdly, my studies at Western Michigan University are vital for my future career. Although nowadays I can’t certainly say in what business segment I will be engagement, for sure, it will involve communication with the multinational teams. All business tycoons argue that English is critical in contemporary commercial dealings.
Finally, CELCIS opened not only America, but the entire world for me. English is the language of international communication. Whenever I go, I will be understood by my future business partners. It really presents unlimited opportunities for my growth and development.
Overall, CELCIS virtually opened a new chapter in my life. This program has been created to help all non-native speakers to overcome all difficult entry barriers, to socialize into the American Community and to become proficient in English. If consider studying English in the USA, trust my and my peers’ experience – there is no better place to do it, than in the Western Michigan University!

Annotated Bibliography

Jerry Malec, ESL program is one sum in degree equation for Chinese accounting major. Web. 24 February, 2015. Retrieved from http://wmich.edu/celcis/qiqispotlight
In his article Jerry Malec tells the story of a Chinese student, who arrived to the USA for studying accounting, and who takes a course in the Western Michigan University as a preparation for her future academic endeavors. Qi Qi tells about the difficulties she faced and shares advice with those, who consider coming to the USA
Center for English Language and Culture for International Students. Web.24 February, 2015. Retrieved from http://wmich.edu/celcis
A brief introduction to the program, explaining its mission, essentials and components. It is a “must” for all future students of the Western Michigan University
Curriculum Description. Western Michigan University. Web. 12 February, 2015.
The curriculum informs the reader about the academic program, subjects involved and the instructing professors. It also informs about the types of academic activities involved an many other essential aspects.