Category: Academic
Tournament Tuesdays at CELOP: Spelling Bee
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.
Boston University Engineering Students and CELOP
The College of Engineering at Boston University, in collaboration with CELOP, is committed to developing the skills for success both as graduate students and future employees. The Global Engineering Career Readiness Program is a customized, four-week summer immersion program designed to prepare international students for success in the Masters’ program and their future careers.
Global Engineering Career Readiness Program is a collaborative effort of multiple staff, faculty, students and corporate partners. Watch the video to learn more about it.
"The English language instruction was really useful, but the information about American culture, humor, news and what to expect in the classroom was even more valuable. I feel better prepared for my classes in the fall."
Xiao - Master’s student in Materials Science and Engineering, People’s Republic of China
CELOP College Fair Appreciated by All
On Wednesday, October 7th, CELOP hosted its ninth College and University Fair. The Fair took place in the CELOP Lobby from 3 to 5 pm. CELOP prepares international students to enroll at Boston-area schools, including the New England Conservatory of Music and Wentworth Institute of Technology; and at BU schools and colleges, where students pursue degrees in fields including Economics, Engineering, Law, and many others. About 250 students from CELOP attended the Fair.
CELOP students learning about Bunker Hill Community College.
Many of the admissions representatives were surprised "at how many of the students had questions about graduate programs". One student from Saudi Arabia "enjoyed the opportunity to learn about schools offering (his) major in the area."
Students discussing options with MCPHS.
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 undergraduate and graduate programs in Boston and New England.
Over 200 students came to learn about 14 institutions from around New England.
International Education Week
International Education Week (IEW) is a joint initiative of the U.S. Departments of State and Education and is celebrated in more than 100 countries worldwide. IEW is meant to generate enthusiasm, broaden horizons, spark new dialogues, and encourage new ideas to expand international perspectives. Boston University's Global Programs celebrated IEW from November 12th through the 22nd by holding different events around campus.
On November 18th, BU Global Programs, CELOP, Study Abroad, ISSO and Marsh Chapel joined together to host the "Cultural Exchange: Ideas, Questions and Stories from Around the World" event. The event was well attended by many students and held in BU's George Sherman Union.
The event was a cross between an information fair and speed-dating. The activities were designed to introduce international exchange students, including CELOP students, here on campus to those who are preparing to study abroad or take part in an exchange program. Students walking into the event were treated to a language exchange from native speakers from Lebanon, Japan, China and Germany. Students then rotated from one table to the next in order to learn about the culture from the different countries represented at each table.
The cultural exchange was indeed a university-wide celebration of BU's global engagement.
Seventh Annual College and University Fair
CELOP recently held its Seventh Annual College and University Fair on October 22nd. A majority of the students that attend CELOP choose the "English for Academic Purposes" concentration. Many of these students hope to begin undergraduate or graduate programs in the Boston area. This fair offered students the opportunity to meet with representatives from a variety of local colleges and universities to help answer questions and determine if their school would be a good match.
Student who recently completed high school and others with a Bachelor’s degree from their home countries came out in high numbers. The fair was well attended and as many as 80 students filled the lobby, making sure to review information booklets and fill out information cards. Colleges and universities that offered both undergraduate and graduate programs sent representatives who helped answer questions about either degree.
All CELOP students have access to academic advising with a dedicated advisor. Faculty are also committed to helping students improve their English to meet their academic goals. The College and University Fair is just one example of how CELOP provides students with opportunities to further their academic career.
CELOP Welcomes Fall 2013 Students
CELOP welcomed hundreds of students from over 35 countries for the Fall 2013 Semester. A majority of the students checked-in over two days on September 18th and 19th. The check-in process started with the Admissions staff checking immigration information and making sure each students was registered for their preferred program. As students checked-in, they also met with CELOP faculty and advisors to get help and advice on their classes. However, it wasn't all about class as CELOP's Student Life Coordinator was there to tell students about exciting activities and tours around Boston and Boston University.
Many students also showed up for the Welcome Party on Friday, September 20th. There was food, music and even games. Students were given an "ice-breaker" game that encouraged them to introduce themselves and speak with someone they had not met yet. Prizes, including CELOP t-shirts, were given out to students that won the game.
CELOP welcomes all our new and continuing students and we hope you have a great fall semester!
CELOP Partners with BU College of Engineering
This summer, CELOP partnered with the Boston University College of Engineering to offer a Global Engineering Career Readiness Program. The customized, four-week program was designed to establish a foundation for both academic and workplace success for international Master of Engineering students through intensive English language and cultural immersion.
The program focused on oral and written communication in technology and product development, US and academic culture, skills for successful graduate study and a global career preparation, including job searching, resume writing and interviewing. CELOP faculty assessed students in the areas of listening, speaking, reading and writing and provided a comprehensive evaluation upon completion of the program.
Students visited Intuit and met with two managers and four engineers. They also had a company tour, product demo, and a question & answer session with the engineers.
Kirstie Miller, Director of Professional Education & Corporate Relations at the College of Engineering, worked collaboratively with CELOP to launch the program. She praised the success of the program and said, “The Global Engineering Career Readiness program was designed to support our growing population of international students as they acclimate to the English language, US culture, and academic and workplace expectations. As a result of the program, these students have acquired a set of communication skills and knowledge which will set them up for success, both while at BU and in their eventual professional careers. We are thrilled with the results and have no doubt this program is poised for growth.”
The students also completed course evaluations and expressed positive feedback. As one student wrote, “Yes I would recommend this program to other international engineering students because it helps with adjusting academically and socially and gives a great feel of the environment at BU.”
Conditionally Admitted Students Thrive at CELOP
This summer, approximately 83% of the conditionally admitted students at CELOP were fully admitted to Boston University for the fall 2013 semester.
The graduating class of 2017 saw a 39% increase in international applications, many from China, South Korea and India. Many more internationals students were given conditional admission to BU. Conditionally Admitted students are reconsidered for full admission, once they meet the TOEFL score requirements of their degree program. Conditionally admitted students are recommended to attend CELOP for intensive academic English language instruction.
The faculty at CELOP prepare these students by providing intensive English language instruction along with cultural and academic orientation. At the end of their CELOP program, students take the TOEFL ITP. The results of the TOEFL ITP and the evaluations from the CELOP classes, help BU International Admissions determine if these students should gain full admission to BU.
We congratulate these students and applaud all of their hard work and efforts. We wish them all the best as fully admitted students to Boston University's class of 2017.
The Madrid Teacher Training Program – Five years strong
Students come to CELOP to improve their English but teachers and educators also come to improve their skills.
For five years, CELOP has worked together with the Comunidad de Madrid to bring educators from Spain to CELOP's Intensive English Training Program for Educators. It's a four-week program that focuses on four areas: English for Academic Purposes, English for Classroom Teachers, New Ideas in Teaching, and Field Trips & Activities.
Madrid Educators at CELOP
The program is taught by a group of experienced CELOP teacher trainers, many of whom have worked with the Madrid teachers in previous years. Teaching practitioners from several Massachusetts public schools are also invited to share their experience and teaching ideas.
Striving to empower both students and teachers for the classroom - it's all part of our mission.
CELOP Welcomes Summer Students
The arrival of new CELOP students was celebrated at a welcome party, after the students participated in a hard but exhilarating scavenger hunt that helped them learn more about Boston University's campus. The party included food items like sushi, cheese, fruit, and sandwiches. Some CELOP faculty and staff were introduced to the students, and students got to know one another by playing a bingo game. "Do you speak more than three languages?" and "Do you have 20 cousins or more?" were some questions students asked of one another as they learned more about each other.
This activity and others like it can build a sense of "home away from home" for students. Jasim Alsaifi, a new CELOP student from Kuwait, talked about this. "It's friendly. I don't feel like I am away from my home. I feel like I am at home. Everyone cooperates with me and helps me - students, teachers, or staff. Everyone is happy with this activity." Judging from the comfortable smiles and laughter shared at the party, Jasim was right.
Students checked in to CELOP began their classes this week to start their 6 week and 12 week summer programs.
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