CELOP Current Student – Phung Luu, Vietnam
CELOP’s current student, Phung Luu
1. What is your name?
My name is Phung Luu.
2. Where are you from?
I’m from Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
3. What program are you currently enrolled in at CELOP?
I’ve just completed the Intensive English program at CELOP.
4. What’s your favorite place on campus at Boston University?
My favorite spot on campus at Boston University is Mugar Memorial Library because it has a vintage piano on the ground floor, where everyone can play when they pass by.
5. What do you like most about CELOP?
I love all teachers and staffs at CELOP, and it is so hard for me to find exactly an adjective which can express their friendliness, dedication, and inspiration for me to study English.
6. What is your favorite part of taking classes online?
Taking an online class gives me a chance to see and hear every member in my class with great attention. It’s embarrassing for the first time because you can see all eyes will be on you as you are speaking, but as long as you get used to it, your speaking and presentation skill will be improved as well.
7. Why did you choose CELOP?
CELOP has many good programs that are suitable for my study plan.
8. Do you think the skills acquired from utilizing virtual learning will help you in your future goals?
I do love when teachers put me to the break-out room in online classes. It gives me a chance to lead a group conversation. This skill is really important for my future job, which requires me to present my project in a professional manner, sometimes remotely.
9. Where did you attend college for your undergraduate degree? What was your major and when did you graduate?
I graduated from University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City with a degree in market research.
10. Tell us about what you want to do in the future. What is your dream job?
I want to get a marketing job in the U.S.
11. What is your favorite thing to do in Boston?
I love jogging around the Charles River whenever I have a free time.
12. What would you tell someone who is thinking about studying at CELOP but is unsure?
Don’t waste your time to look around, CELOP has the most effective and professional English learning environment. So, get excited and take a big leap on your English skills by becoming a student at CELOP :")
CELOP Alumni: Where Are They Now? Anton Starovoytov, Russia
CELOP Alum Anton Starovoytov
1. What is your name?
My name is Anton Starovoytov
2. Where are you from?
St. Petersburg, Russia
3. Where do you live now?
St. Petersburg, Russia
4. When and for how long did you study at CELOP?
3 weeks, from January 27 till February 14 2020.
5. Why did you choose CELOP?
Well, I didn’t choose, I was offered by my university’s internationalization office to improve my qualifications, because I am interested in implementing EMI (English as a Medium of Instruction)
6. What were some of the things you liked most about CELOP? Do you have a favorite memory?
I liked the positive and friendly atmosphere in CELOP. Well, my funniest memory is the small desks connected to the chairs in the classrooms.
7. In what ways did CELOP help you prepare for what you are doing now?
I was interested not only to learn EMI teaching methods, but also to look at real cultural differences in the educational system of USA in comparison with Russia. This helps me understand how we can internationalize education at ITMO University.
8. Where did you attend college for your undergraduate degree? What was your major and when did you graduate?
I received all my degrees, including PhD in optics (2011), at ITMO University.
9. Where are you working/studying now?
I’m working at ITMO University
10. Tell us about what you want to do in the future. What is your dream job?
I already have my dream job - working with students
11. What was your favorite thing to do in Boston?
I really enjoyed of cultural environment.
12. What was your favorite restaurant in Boston?
I loved the student cafeteria at the GSU, I felt like a student there again.
13. What would you tell someone who is thinking about studying at CELOP but is unsure?
I would definitely recommend EMI courses!
A moment with… Laura Dziuban
CELOP staff Laura Dziuban.
- What aspect of your role do you enjoy the most?
I enjoy the chances I get to meet CELOP students and learn their stories. It is so interesting to meet people from all over the world, and I enjoy learning about our students’ backgrounds, goals, and aspirations. It’s also really sweet to watch our students form friendships while they’re here and make connections that will last a long time.
- What did you do before working at CELOP?
Before working at CELOP, I worked for a study abroad program at Northeastern University, where college students studied in different places around the world for their first semester.
- Where are you from?
I grew up in a small town in Maryland called Forest Hill. It’s about an hour north of Baltimore and two hours north of Washington, D.C.
- Favorite thing to do in Boston?
It’s hard to choose just one thing because there is always so much to do in Boston! My favorite place to go for a walk or to sit outside and read is the Charles River Esplanade. It’s beautiful in all seasons because there are a lot of trees, and people go there for all sorts of activities, such as biking, picnicking, kayaking, outdoor movies, and concerts.
- If you had to eat one meal, every day for the rest of your life, what would it be?
It’s not technically a meal, but I love cheese and could probably eat all the different kinds of cheeses for the rest of my life!
- What’s your favorite TV Show?
My favorite TV shows are ones that aren’t on TV anymore: Gilmore Girls about a single mother and her daughter; the West Wing about a group of intelligent and moral White House staffers; and Friends, which was a super popular TV show about a group of young adults living in New York City. Even though they’re not on TV anymore, I love to watch the reruns and old episodes of these shows.
- What is the best destination you’ve travelled to?
One of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been to is New Zealand. It is so green and lush and vibrant! I also loved Cinque Terre along the Italian Riviera coastline. I’ve been lucky enough to spend time in multiple places in Italy, and would go back to the country in a heartbeat. The people, the food, the language – I love all of it.
- Favorite restaurant in Boston?
My go-to place for brunch is Trident Café, located on Newbury Street. It’s both a café and a bookstore, they display paintings or photographs by local artists, and they always have quirky little gifts that are fun to buy for other people. My favorite place for dinner in the North End is called Antico Forno, but you really can’t go wrong with any restaurant in the North End.
- What are your hobbies?
I’m a huge reader, so reading is definitely my main hobby when I’m not at work or in class. I’m in two book clubs and love to talk about books with anyone who will listen and provide recommendations. I consistently have books checked out from the library but also love to browse local bookstores. I’m starting to get into audiobooks, too, because I usually walk to and from work, which is about 45 minutes from where I live.
- What is your hidden talent?
When I was in college, I was really into photography and actually did a couple of weddings and portrait sessions. You can see some of my photos on my website: laurabrondphotography.com.
- What would people never guess you do in your role?
I do a lot of the “behind the scenes” work that supports CELOP’s programs that students don’t normally see. Students might also not know that we have a lot of group and professional programs that come to CELOP for shorter terms – those are the programs where I do most of my work.
CELOP Alumni: Where are they now? Abdulaziz Salem Basharahil, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
CELOP Alum Abdulaziz Salem Basharahil
1. What is your name?
My name is Abdulaziz Salem Basharahil
2. Where are you from?
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
3. Where do you live now?
I have been in Washington, DC since August 2017 to study law at Georgetown University Law Center.
4. When and for how long did you study at CELOP?
I had been at CELOP for almost 2 years starting from Fall 2015 till Spring 2017
5. Why did you choose CELOP?
I was advised by many of my friends who took their chance to study at CELOP. They recommended that I study there because of the improvement they noticed in their English. Eventually, I found most of their recommendation was true.
6. What were some of the things you liked most about CELOP? Do you have a favorite memory?
I liked CELOP’s community! The staff was friendly and kind. CELOP combined strong ways of teaching with participating in rich social activities. For example, I participated in a fundraising campaign to rescue Boston’s homeless. I was pleased to participate in this campaign.
7. In what ways did CELOP help you prepare for what you are doing now?
I was always looking for what made me prepared for my study now at Georgetown. As you may know, almost all of the US law schools care about enhancing students’ writing skills and how those students can use different styles while they write. For that reason, I was interested in learning as much writing techniques as I can. So, before starting each semester at CELOP, it was necessary to me to ask which instructors are the best in assisting me with this skill.
8. Where did you attend college for your undergraduate degree? What was your major and when did you graduate?
I graduated with a bachelor degree in general law from King Abdulaziz University, The Faculty of Law, in 2013.
9. Where are you working/studying now?
I am studying Law at Georgetown University Law Center in Washington DC.
10. Tell us about what you want to do in the future. What is your dream job?
I am dreaming of graduating from Georgetown University Law Center with a master’s degree in corporation law. Then, I plan to work for one of the big professional law firms in Saudi Arabia. Finally, I am dreaming of establishing a legal research center in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, that aims to work on two sides: providing legal consultation to non-specialist people and issuing scientific legal searches for lawyers, law professors, and legal consultants in Saudi Arabia.
11. What was your favorite thing to do in Boston?
Going to suburbs to enjoy being relaxed. I also liked to go to Boston Public Garden and Boston harbor. These places made me feel better!
12. What was your favorite restaurant in Boston?
Turkish, Middle Eastern, and Indian restaurants, such as Family restaurant (Turkish), The Maharaja (Indian), and Aceituna Grill (Middle Eastern).
13. What would you tell someone who is thinking about studying at CELOP but is unsure?
Studying English at CELOP is a promising opportunity! All you need is to benefit from the great teachers you may find there. However, remember that any English school cannot provide more than 30-40% of the knowledge. You need to complement this by making your best effort to enhance your English. What I found during my study at CELOP that CELOP helped me achieving my goals to study in a leading law school in the USA like Georgetown. If you show your passion for learning English, you will gain a lot!
CELOP Current Student – Apirat Kraisiridej, Thailand
CELOP current student Apirat Kraisiridej
1. What is your name?
Apirat Kraisiridej
2. Where are you from?
Thailand
3. What program are you currently enrolled in at CELOP?
Legal English & Foundations of the US Legal System
4. What’s your favorite place on campus at Boston University?
The BU Beach
5. What do you like most about CELOP?
I love how all the teachers paid so much attention to us. It was very lovely seeing their e-mail almost every day after classes. I am definitely going to miss that!!!
6. Why did you choose CELOP?
A former student at CELOP recommended this program to me.
7. Where did you attend college for your undergraduate degree? What was your major and when did you graduate?
I graduated with a LL.B. from Thammasat University, Thailand in 2009
8. Tell us about what you want to do in the future. What is your dream job?
Any job that could help as many people as I could.
9. What is your favorite thing to do in Boston?
My most favorite thing is to walk along the Charles River seeing cute kids and animals.
10. What is your favorite restaurant in Boston?
Warren Towers
11. What would you tell someone who is thinking about studying at CELOP but is unsure?
Definitely a must-attend program!!! I learned a lot from here, and all the teachers cared so much about us. I wish this program never ended…
CELOP Alumni: Where Are They Now? Aziza Kaisarbekova, Kazakhstan
CELOP Alumna Aziza Kaisarbekova
1. What is your name?
Aziza Kaisarbekova.
2. Where are you from?
Astana City, Kazakhstan.
3. Where do you live now?
Astana City, Kazakhstan.
4. When and for how long did you study at CELOP?
I studied in 2012 to December 2013, taking 4 semesters there.
5. Why did you choose CELOP?
I was recommended to choose it and also did my research and liked the program and the city, so I was excited to join it.
6. What were some of the things you liked most about CELOP? Do you have a favorite memory?
Do you have a favorite memory? So many :) I liked that CELOP arranged and supported a lot of engaging events. For example, in March, I along with other students from Kazakhstan arranged the Kazakh Spring Festival called “Nauryz” in Kazakh language. During the event, we shared our culture, demonstrated part of the Kazakh wedding and played the national games and music. Indeed, CELOP is awesome in supporting different cultures and diversity.
7. In what ways did CELOP help you prepare for what you are doing now?
CELOP advised a lot on CV review and essay writing in order to get into college, such tips help me in my current occupation. Nowadays, I work as Senior HR and do on campus recruitment where I review CVs and consults graduates on career.
8. Where did you attend college for your undergraduate degree? What was your major and when did you graduate?
After CELOP, I got into New York University where I studied Human Resource Management and Development in New York City. I graduated in 2016
9. Where are you working/studying now?
I’m currently working at one of the Big 4 firms - PriceWaterhouseCoopers LLP as a Senior Associate in Human Capital Department.
10. Tell us about what you want to do in the future. What is your dream job?
I’m planning to develop my career and become a strong expert in the field of global talent management and development.
11. What was your favorite thing to do in Boston?
I liked to attend various concerts and sport events. I liked to observe the fall season and go out with groupmates in the city.
12. What was your favorite restaurant in Boston?
Boston was the perfect place for foodies like me. I liked the Top of the Hub in Prudential Center, as it had a cozy atmosphere and the view was astonishing - perfect to relax and enjoy.
13. What would you tell someone who is thinking about studying at CELOP but is unsure?
If you aim to sharpen your English skills and meet international friends for life - CELOP is all yours for it. The faculty is caring and facilities are convenient. CELOP has a lot of opportunities for you to grow and develop yourself. It will prepare you for your future school and career.
CELOP Alumni: Where Are They Now? Andrea Robelo, Nicaragua
CELOP Alumni Andrea Robelo.
1. What is your name?
My name is Andrea Robelo.
2. Where are you from?
I am from Nicaragua.
3. Where do you live now?
I am currently living in Nicaragua, but in Fall I’ll move to Boston.
4. When and for how long did you study at CELOP?
I studied at CELOP during the Summer 1 of this year for a period of 6 weeks.
5. Why did you choose CELOP?
I chose CELOP because I read about the program and I found there exactly what I was looking for. Besides, it’s one of the best English programs and offers an intensive education.
6. What were some of the things you liked most about CELOP? Do you have a favorite memory?
What I liked the most about CELOP were three things:
1-How well prepared the teachers were. I enjoyed every single class I had. I remember my first week, I felt like I had studied there my whole life. I got used to the teachers and their teaching system so fast that was so comfortable being there. Each of them inspired me to put all my effort in every assignment, and that helped me improve my English skills. I’ll never forget when my Academic Writing teacher, Stephanie Ngom, used one of my essays as an example of students who did good in the semester. I was fulfilled and felt so grateful of everything she and the others professors taught me. One of the best things of working hard to learn, is when your teachers recognize your effort. All my teachers were like that, and that motivated me.
2-The CELOP Staff was so nice that I didn’t even feel like I was a new student. They made me feel that I belonged there so fast that it wasn’t hard for me at all starting that new incredible experience.
3-Getting to know new, amazing people. It’s incredible getting to know new people from different cultures and languages; it makes you grow as a person because you learn how everybody is different.
7. In what ways did CELOP help you prepare for what you are doing now?
In every way. I feel even more confident about going to a US University.
8. Where did you attend college for your undergraduate degree? What was your major and when did you graduate?
I’ll start my undergraduate program this Fall. I’ll be studying Business at Hult International Business School.
9. Where are you working/studying now?
Right now, I’m on vacation.
10. Tell us about what you want to do in the future. What is your dream job?
In the future, I want to become a business woman capable of understanding how the management, the relationship between workers, the way the leaders lead, the proper attitude from the whole team, and the effort in a business should be in order to function successfully.
Two Lucky CELOP Alumni Gain More than English Language Skills
Two CELOP alumni with a CELOP faculty member, reuniting in 2019 during a visit to Boston.
From left to right: Haru, Beth Fincke, and Mizuho
While studying abroad in the U.S., two CELOP students not only developed their English language skills but also a special relationship with one another. Haru and Mizuho, two students originally from Chuo University in Japan, bonded while enrolled in a 4-week CELOP program almost nine years ago.
Their unique program combined English language studies with volunteer experiences in the Greater Boston area. Haru chose the program after hearing about it on-campus at Chuo University and learning that it would help him gain greater understanding of the U.S. and improve his English.
Mizuho, a former Red Cross youth volunteer, was attracted to it because of its exciting community service element During the program, students prepared meals for people with chronic illnesses, helped with clean-up efforts for the Charles River that runs close to the Boston University campus, spent time with underserved children, and visited the Perkins School for the Blind to better understand how it feels to live with a disability.
Beth Fincke, a CELOP faculty member who served as the curriculum coordinator and program instructor, recalls that Haru’s and Mizuho’s class was particularly committed to serving the people of Boston. She remembers, “Haru and Mizuho were fearless as they practiced speaking English and connected with all different people from the community.”
Beyond the academic and cultural benefits of the course, Haru and Mizuho discovered something greater: a budding connection in their relationship, developed, in part, through the program’s focus on group projects and teamwork.
They recall their relationship being “already [something] special” just midway through the four-week program. After returning to Chuo, they both graduated, and in 2015 they married.
Reflecting on their experience at CELOP, Mizuho says, “CELOP classmates became best friends to me through this program… if I meet them again, we can easily go back such like we were before. I’m proud of them.” Haru added, “I think CELOP was a kind of the first place that I realized how English is important to me and how fun it is to communicate with foreign people in a different language. And this experience has accelerated me to study English.”
Today, Haru and Mizuho are based in Tennessee. Haru works for a Japanese company located there and is in charge of optimizing the production of car components. His goal is to launch a project focused on autonomous self-driving vehicles. Mizuho is continuing her English studies and works as an assistant designer for a wedding stationery company. They both continue to utilize the English language skills they developed at CELOP, and they returned to CELOP during a recent visit to Boston to spend time with the school they grew so fond of during their time here. Their former professor Beth Fincke was thrilled to visit with Haru and Mizuho during their trip to Boston and talk about how they’ve grown since being part of the CELOP program nine years ago.
From left to right: CELOP faculty member Beth Fincke, Haru, and classmates. Taken during the program nine years ago.
CELOP Alumni: Where are they now? – Selma Naimhwaka, Namibia
CELOP Alumni Selma Naimhwaka.
1. What is your name?
Selma Naimhwaka
2. Where are you from?
Namibia - Windhoek
3. Where do you live now?
Namibia - Windhoek
4. What were some of the things you liked most about CELOP? Do you have a favorite memory?
The pre-academic program I attended was very interesting and improved my English. We also had a very interesting lecturer / Professor who helped me understand the culture in the US. She took us to very interesting historical places, as well as interesting public health institutions.
5. In what ways did CELOP help you prepare for what you are doing now?
CELOP helped improve my communication skills, and the general academic setting in the US. It also assisted us understand the US’s health care setting or public health since our group was made up of public health students.
6. Where did you study after attending CELOP? What did you study there?
I proceeded to Tulane University – School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine where I completed a Masters’ Degree in International Health and Development in 2012.
7. What kind of work are you doing now?
I am currently working as Public Health Specialist – Mostly focusing on Monitoring and Evaluation of Health programs.
8. What was your favorite thing to do in Boston?
Hanging out with fellow students at the various restaurants. Boston has very interesting restaurants and food! And the trip we undertook with fellow students such as the sunset boat trip was awesome!
9. What would you tell someone who is thinking about studying at CELOP but is unsure?
CELOP is the best place to help you improve your English or communication skills. And the staff are very supportive and are always willing to go an extra mile to help international students settle in well.
CELOP Current Student – John Medina Vanegas, Colombia
CELOP Current Student John Medina Vanegas
1. What is your name?
John Medina Vanegas
2. Where are you from?
I’m originally from Medellin, Colombia but was raised in a little island in the Caribbean Sea (also belonging to Colombia) called San Andres.
3. What program are you currently enrolled in at CELOP?
I’m currently enrolled in the intensive 25 hours a week program. This program has been a great tool for me to improve my English as I spend most of my day practicing essential skills such as grammar or speaking constantly
4. What’s your favorite place on campus at Boston University?
The lobby here at CELOP is really comfy and friendly. You get to hear different stories from students all day long, making this place even more attractive.
5. What do you like most about CELOP?
CELOP is overall a complete experience for whoever is planning on coming You really get to evolve as an English speaker in this environment. CELOP also offers help for most of your needs. From the friendly staff to the students, it all feels welcoming.
6. Why did you choose CELOP?
My dad, cousins and sister have been here. Even if this was not the case, CELOP is a renowned and respected institution in Boston. Almost everyone that I speak to outside CELOP has something to say about it.
7. Where did you attend college for your undergraduate degree? What was your major and when did you graduate?
I just graduated high school and I am currently interested in the business program here at Boston University for next year.
8. Tell us about what you want to do in the future. What is your dream job?
In the future, I would like to be an example for the people on my island. Besides that, helping my community grow to be an example in environmental and entrepreneurial practices all around the world.
9. What is your favorite thing to do in Boston?
I love the Prudential Center. The environment is exquisite. Plus, you get to see many shops with exceptional quality and service to customers.
10.What is your favorite restaurant in Boston?
KAVA neo-taverna has been my favorite restaurant in Boston for some years now. Its delicious Greek cuisine is to die for. Plus, its location is newcomer friendly.
11. What would you tell someone who is thinking about studying at CELOP but is unsure?
Please do not hesitate! CELOP is all you need to improve your English level in all areas. As a student coming from a completely different environment than Boston, CELOP helped me gain confidence and be conscious that I have a place where I’m always going to feel welcomed.
Facebook
Instagram
YouTube