Boston University Responds to the Recent Executive Order

February 2nd, 2017 in Academic, Admissions, Alumni, Programs, Student Life 0 comments

The Center for English Language and Orientation Programs (CELOP) has been a part of Boston University for over 40 years. In that time, CELOP has welcomed thousands of students from around the world who wanted to improve their English and strive towards a degree program or advance in their professional career.

The president of Boston University, Robert Brown, recently published a letter addressing the recent Executive Order that impacts entry into the United States by individuals from Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen.

To quote President Brown:

“The new administration’s executive order to temporarily ban people from seven Muslim nations from entering the United States is fundamentally inconsistent with the values that are the bedrock of higher education, and indeed, of our pluralistic, welcoming society.”

We advise students to read this announcement by BU’s International Student and Scholar’s Office (ISSO) about the Executive Order. If you are a student or scholar from one of the above countries and currently in the United States in any non-immigrant status, (e.g., B, F, J, H, O, TN, etc.) the ISSO would advise against travel outside the United States.

CELOP fully supports President Brown and upholds the University’s long-standing commitment to international education and to the promotion of global understanding and goodwill.

CELOP will continue to welcome, educate, and support students from around the world.

If you have any questions or concerns about applying to CELOP, please email us at celop@bu.edu

Boston University students express their concerns about the Executive Order.

CELOP College and University Fair

November 1st, 2016 in Academic, Admissions 2 comments

On Wednesday, October 19th, CELOP hosted its tenth College and University Fair. The fair takes place every year and gives students the opportunity to speak with admissions representatives from universities around Boston and the Northeast.

Representatives from 13 Massachusetts and Rhode Island schools answered students’ questions about their graduate and undergraduate programs. Many CELOP students were interested in schools right in Boston and they also had a chance to find out about programs at Roger Williams University in Bristol, Rhode Island, Springfield College, and Western New England University. Over 100 students attended the fair. A student from Chile said, "The fair was very helpful and I learned more about the degree programs I'm interested in."

All CELOP students have access to our Academic Advisor who helps students with the university application process. The College and University Fair is one way we provide students with the opportunity to learn more about applying to universities in the U.S.

Summer Students at CELOP

May 29th, 2016 in Academic, Admissions, Student Life 0 comments

This May, CELOP admitted hundreds of students to our summer 1 programs.

We asked students during summer check-in how they heard about CELOP and their future plans. Watch the video below to meet students from Venezuela, Thailand, China, Japan, and Saudi Arabia and how they learned about CELOP.

"The people here (at CELOP) are really friendly and very kind. It's very nice to be here!"

CELOP Student Runner Up in Global Programs Photo Contest

April 19th, 2016 in Student Life 0 comments

Boston University Global Programs recently announced the winners of its 4th annual photo contest. CELOP was delighted to see that one of its own students, Shuo Wang, was named a runner up.

It’s no accident that Shuo can take a sophisticated photo. He studied art at a special high school that is affiliated with the Central Academy of Fine Art in Beijing. Not only is Shuo interested in photography, but he also draws, paints, does typography, art installations and graphic design. He is currently studying in CELOP's 12 week program in order to improve his English and be accepted to universities in the U.S. Shuo is sending his portfolio to some of the top art schools in the country: Rhode Island School of Design, The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, and California College of the Arts.

"I am interested in attending art school in the U.S. because I feels I would have more freedom (of expression) here." says Shuo Wang.

Shuo's photo, with its clean lines and simple design, seemed that it might have been taken in his home country of China. As a matter of fact, it was taken here in Boston near Symphony Hall. Shuo likes to explore the relationship between people and the spaces they inhabit, and most often shoots in black and white. With his camera always close at hand, he created a very compelling personal photo.

We congratulate Shuo on being a runner up in the photo contest and wish him all the best in pursuing his art degree!

Students from Kazakhstan Perform Concert at CELOP

March 31st, 2016 in Student Life 0 comments

CELOP students, faculty, and staff were treated to a delightful cultural experience when 17 students from the Nazerbayev Intellectual School in Kazakhstan visited to perform a dombra concert. Attired in traditional costumes from their country, the visiting high-schoolers performed a selection of traditional and modern pieces on the dombra, a long-necked, two-string lute that has a 1000-year history.

“The individual players surprised us with their virtuosity, and the sound of all the dombras being played together was just beautiful,” said Kim Beqari, CELOP Admissions Manager, who worked with colleagues from Kazakhstan to bring the group to CELOP.

Before the concert, the Kazakh students observed a CELOP class, and were treated to a delicious lunch at the University’s West Village dining hall.

Students were hosted by many Boston area American families who have adopted children born in Kazakhstan. "We want our kids to have connections with their country of birth", said Lisa LeRoy, one of the adoptive parents. Jerry Urdang, another adoptive parent, joyfully remarked "the recital was simply remarkable."

You can see all photos of the event on the CELOP Facebook page.

CELOP Alumnus Marcos Dos Santos Silva

January 12th, 2016 in Academic, Admissions, Alumni, Programs 0 comments

For 40 years, Boston University has helped thousands of international students improve their English, prepared them for academic study at a U.S. university, and helped them apply and get accepted to a degree program.

Read about the experience of one of our former students, Marcos Dos Santos Silva from Brazil, who studied at CELOP in 2013.
 

Marcos volunteering at the Harvard Museum of Natural History.

How was your CELOP experience?

When I arrived in the U.S., everything was new for me. It was my first time traveling internationally. I had excellent teachers at CELOP and I am forever thankful to them. They helped me a lot, and not just with English, but with information, tips, and things related to my future studies. My time at CELOP was really good and I will be forever thankful to my teachers, advisor, and Boston University.

How did your experience at CELOP help you achieve your goals?

When I came to CELOP, I didn't speak English well. But after studying a lot, and with my teachers helping me, now I am able to communicate well with anybody. After CELOP, I went to Metropolitan College at Boston University to study two semesters of Biology and I also volunteered at the Harvard Museum of Natural History. CELOP was really important in helping me achieve these goals.

What would you say to a future CELOP student?

I have one word for you: Enjoy! Time goes fast, and for me, two semesters went really quickly. Go to all your classes, do all your homework, travel, make friends, and enjoy. CELOP is amazing!
 

CELOP Students Celebrate Academic Success

December 17th, 2015 in Academic, Admissions 0 comments

At the end of every semester, CELOP celebrates students who have been admitted to universities across the country.

During the Fall 2015 semester-end pizza party, Colin Large, CELOP’s Associate Director, read out the names and universities of 17 students from six countries who have been successful in their applications to universities from Massachusetts to Arizona. The graduate and undergraduate degrees they will pursue include Biomedical Engineering, Financial Economics, and Education. You can see the complete list of successful students below.

Some of the students accepted to universities together with
CELOP Associate Director Colin Large.

After the party, Alanoud Alsubhi spoke about her decision to come to CELOP and the factors that have helped her succeed.

"I chose CELOP because it's on the Boston University campus. I studied at CELOP for three semesters. The first two semesters I took English for Academic Purposes but then I switched to English for Science & Technology. I really loved it because I'm interested in science and we read interesting articles that helped me think more broadly. My teachers really helped me improve my English skills and also helped me with my college application essay. Judy, the Academic Advisor, also helped me with my application. Thank you so much!"

Alanoud Alsubhi from Saudi Arabia.

Congratulations to all the students and we wish you all the best in pursuing your degree!

Students Enjoy Japanese Cultural Festival

December 9th, 2015 in Student Life 0 comments

On November 12th, Japanese students at CELOP held an event called "Matsuri: Experience Japan". The event featured some of the most popular aspects of Japanese art and culture including calligraphy, origami, martial arts, and Japanese food such as yakisoba, chirashi sushi, and karaage (fried chicken).

There were over 30 CELOP students who helped make the event happen, with some assistance from the BU Japanese Students Association. The event was the brainchild of three CELOP students: Miharu Katsuragi, Marino Shimofurutachi, and Megumi Takaku. Cultural events and festivals like this are proposed, planned, and executed by students with the the help of staff. CELOP supports students who want to celebrate their culture and heritage and events like this are held throughout the year.

The student organizers of the Japanese Cultural Festival, pictured left to right: Megumi Takaku, Miharu Katsuragi, Marino Shimofurutachi.

We interviewed the student organizers and asked them about organizing festival:

Q: Why did you organize this Matsuri event?

Miharu: I wanted to introduce Japanese culture to foreigners. That's why I came here to Boston. I'm interested in why foreigners like Japanese culture, and animation. I want to know why they are interested in them.

Megumi: I'm interested in cross-cultural communication, and then Miharu asked me if I can join to organize the event, and I helped her.

Marino: Since I came here, I have been impressed by different cultures more than different languages. And I feel Japanese culture is very original and introducing it to others. Besides, I wanted to have a different experience, not just study English here, but something more.

Students got their names written in Japanese calligraphy.

Q: What was your experience like organizing this event?

Marino: At first I was worrying if it would work or not, but finally, the event was very good, so I felt very satisfied.

Megumi: It was so fun, but it was sometimes so difficult for me to collect some Japanese cultural things like calligraphy tools, or origami, or Japanese ingredients.

Miharu: It was difficult to organize all the members. Fortunately or unfortunately there were 33 members. Of course each person has their opinions, we had conflict about some things. I think it is difficult to gather up their opinions, and make conclusions.

Students learned how to fold origami.

Q: What have you learned from this experience?

Marino: We first wondered what to introduce to other people. We don't know what's interesting for foreigners. I didn't expect that calligraphy and origami were popular. So I think Japanese culture is more interesting than I thought. I learned more about Japanese culture.

Megumi: We had difficulty deciding how the survey is done. Japanese people always answer surveys out of kindness.

Megumi: I learned the difficulty in cultural difference and how to overcome it. I thought it was so interesting and we learned a lot from it.

Miharu: Actually, I found how much foreigners like Japanese culture, but I didn't find out why. We introduced Japanese culture, like how to fold origami, or the taste of Japanese food. But next time, I want to introduce why origami is famous for Japan, or why Japanese taste is good, or how it's different from American taste.

Students enjoyed authentic Japanese food.

Author of “A Fort of Nine Towers” visits BU CELOP

November 24th, 2015 in Academic, Programs, Student Life 0 comments

Qais Akbar Omar, an Afghan-American writer and alumnus of Boston University, came to CELOP on November 10th to give a talk about his book: A Fort of Nine Towers. The book takes its name from the home Omar grew up in as a child. In his talk at CELOP, Omar showed photos of Kabul and his family as he elaborated on the story told in the book. Expressions of delight and surprise filled the room as they connected each photo with a character or place in his story.

Qais Akbar Omar signs books and engages students in conversation.

Students were clearly captivated by his talk. "The book he wrote was fabulous. I really enjoyed it," said Khalid, from Saudi Arabia. "Before I read the book, the only thing I knew about Afghanistan was from the news, and the only thing they mention in the news is the war. So when I read the book, I learned Afghanistan, many years ago, they were living a safe life." When asked about what it was like to meet the author of a book he had read, Khalid said, "I really want to thank Qais. I've never felt like this in my whole life."

Classmates echoed this sentiment. "It is very inspiring, funny, and sweet," said Janice, a student from China. "I didn't know a lot about Afghanistan because I'm from China. I read the book and when I Googled Afghanistan, I learned a lot. It let me know more about what matters in the world, and peace is more important."

Qais Akbar Omar gives a book talk to CELOP students.

Cheryl Pavlik, one of the teachers who assigned this book in her class for pleasure reading, shared her thoughts about the book and Qais' talk. "This is an incredible opportunity for all of these students, I mean, for me too: to read a memoir that is so personal, and so hair-raising in places, and then meet the person who went through those experiences, is quite incredible. I think for everyone, this will be something they remember. It really does tell you a lot about the depths to which human beings can fall, and the heights to which they can soar."

If you would like to read the book, you can find it here.

Qais Akbar Omar poses in a group photo with CELOP students.

Tournament Tuesdays at CELOP: Spelling Bee

November 16th, 2015 in Academic, Student Life 0 comments

This semester, CELOP launched a new lunchtime series for students called "Tournament Tuesdays". As part of the series, three competitions have been planned; "Spelling Bee", "Math Minds", and "Public Speaking Contest". The Spelling Bee took place on November 11th.

A Spelling Bee is a competition in which contestants are asked to spell a broad selection of words, usually with a varying degree of difficulty.

Twenty-five students from all levels participated and spelled vocabulary words used in their classes. The competition was very exciting, and students, faculty and staff came to support all of the contestants. In the end, Zhannat Bubekbayeva from level E and Minjin Jargalsaikhan from level B tied for first place. Congratulations to Zhannat, Minjin, and to all of the participants.

The students found the Spelling Bee to be irresistible & many participated.

There is no boundary for how great our students can spell.

The winners of the Spelling Bee, Zhannat and Minjin.