My experience

Learning English at Hartford ELI is a privilege. I believe that it can ease my path towards a brighter future. Studying the English language for one year has been one great and enjoyable experience for me. English is being spoken as the world’s second language. It has become an international language that anyone who knows how to speak it becomes more competent and communicably advanced. Learning and traveling is a lot more fun by learning how to speak English.

Looking back on my previous experiences when I was not yet capable of speaking English, I feel humiliated and frustrated. Whenever I ordered food at an English restaurant, the attendants found it hard to understand what I wanted to order because I could not speak English well. Watching movies and television shows in English also pushed me to learn the language more so that I can enjoy watching those shows.

Although I wanted to befriend the foreigners, I was ashamed to introduce myself to them and start a conversation since I didn’t know what language they can understand. My problem then was solved when I received a scholarship from the UAE government which allowed me to continue my school in the U.S. Thus, I didn’t hesitate to grab this special opportunity to study English in the U.S.

The English Language Institute (ELI) at the University of Hartford gave me a comprehensive academic program designed for international students like me whose primary language is not English. The program really improved my overall by working towards a greater proficiency in understanding, reading, writing, and speaking English. ELI also strengthened my confidence in speaking English. It also offers wider academic resources and opportunities that will deepen my expertise and broaden my perspectives. Moreover, professors who are also language experts are continuously helping me hone my communication skills.

Education at its best is offered by ELI Hartford. The facilities are conducive to learning and the people are friendly. University of Hartford ID card is issued to all student to gain access to all university facilities. There are computer facilities and personal e-mail accounts created to make communication and sharing of information convenient. There is also a university health clinic to ensure the needs of medical attention to students who will get sick while taking classes. Dedicated and professional employees are seen in the vicinity to serve students who seek to learn English. There is also an audio/visual resource center where film viewing and recordings can be viewed to teach students.

Interacting with the other international students is the most enjoyable part of being an ELI Hartford student. There are field trips and social activities that helped me to communicate with other students who speak a different language. If we have something in common, that would be our eagerness to learn how to speak good English.

There is a huge difference between my native language and the English language. The English intonation, words, expressions, and the characters used for writing are world apart from my own language. Thus, English was a difficult language to learn. Still, I was able to learn the basics of the language easily because of the tutorial sessions and the computer-assisted language learning.

The lessons emphasized more on oral/aural skills, reading comprehension, vocabulary development, grammar usage, and writing skills development. These lessons have proven to be an excellent transition for me in studying one’s native language to full-time academic work in English. In addition to my improved language skills, I was able to learn about the United States academic protocols and American culture. This gave me more realizations and tips in dealing with other people while using the English language.

As an ELI student, I was able to participate in a variety of activities. In order to learn English faster, I used the language actively.  I believe that attending ELI program has eased the path towards reaching my goals. I have become more competent and confident in dealing with people from all walks of life by learning, loving, and never quitting to learn the English language.