IEP classmates visited other local universities as well to learn about international student services.
Intercultural communication was an important theme in the Intensive English Program’s (IEP) annual Summer Vacation Course, held July 26 – Aug. 20 at EMU. Twenty-eight students attended from eleven different countries, including China, Japan, Egypt, Mexico, and other countries in Europe and Latin America.
The focus on intercultural communication led to discussions with international students at EMU who shared their experiences of culture shock and their views on life in American culture. IEP students visited international programs offices at James Madison University in Harrisonburg and the University of Virginia at Charlottesville to discover how these universities work at internationalizing their programs.
Field trips during the four-week program included visits to Washington, D.C., Monticello, the home of Thomas Jefferson, 3rd president of the U.S., and Grand Caverns in Weyers Cave, Va.
Classes in listening and speaking, reading and writing, conversation, and intercultural communication were staffed by four highly qualified IEP instructors. One student commented about one of the teachers, “She is very patient and kind, and an exceptional speaker.” Another wrote, “Reading and writing was sometimes difficult for me, but I was inspired a lot, and I was very glad because the teacher always corrected my paper and gave me encouragement.”
For some of the students, the highlight of the program was the chance to stay with host families. As one student from China wrote: “My host parents are so kind, fervent, and considerate. They cooked various American foods for us and took us to visit several American families to let us know more American culture. Our host family impressed us as friendly and kindhearted. I was so lucky to live in their family.”
Get to know more about the IEP program by reading The IEP Times.