Meet our Current Students:
Camila Gomez, Colombia

December 14th, 2017 in Highlight.

Current CELOP student Camila Gomez, with one of her favorite books, Little Women.

When Camila Gomez first came to CELOP in Summer 2017, she was initially planning on staying for only 6 weeks. “I wasn’t going to come back after the summer, but after I studied here for 6 weeks, I liked it so much that I convinced my parents to let me come back to study more.”

Now studying in CELOP’s 12-week Part-Time 10 program, Camila credits both her classmates and teachers for making her experience so impactful. “During summer it was incredible. I think my proficiency really changed. The level of my classmates was incredible. It was a very, very good group. It really helped me. Also, my teachers were incredible—they are incredible human beings.”

Camila, who is originally from Bogota, Colombia, has had a particularly meaningful experience at CELOP this Fall, being so inspired by her teachers that she is now planning on becoming a teacher herself.

“I am 24, and after working with my teacher Pam Steeves, now I know how to read. I knew how to read before, but Pam taught me how to really understand what I am reading. I got very good grades in university and in my first master’s degree, but I think that if I had Pam first before all of that, I would have enjoyed reading much more. My other teacher Michelle Smith, every time I go to her class, I realize that teaching is what I want to do with my life.”

When asked what her favorite memory at CELOP has been, Camila described a major accomplishment she reached—finishing The Great Gatsby in English. “This summer I lived in front of Boston Museum of Fine Arts. I would sit outside the museum this summer and read The Great Gatsby. My Dad gave me the book a while ago, but I never finished it. I wasn’t understanding what I was reading. But after coming to CELOP, it helped me be able to read this book. When I read the last line, which reads: So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past, I said to myself, ‘This is so huge in life—being able to read this.’ I was so grateful that after 6 weeks, I was able to read this book in English. This is one of my favorite memories, being able to read this.”

Camila, who is finishing up her thesis for her Master’s in Children’s Literature from a university in Spain, is currently applying for a Master’s of Arts in English, hoping to eventually return home to Colombia to teach. “I see my teachers doing their work with so much happiness and responsibility. It inspires me. After CELOP, everything changed. My dream job now is to be a teacher.”

Staff Spotlight: A moment with…
Ketan Gajria

December 6th, 2017 in Highlight.

CELOP’s Associate Director, Business Development takes a moment for a brief interview.

1. What aspect of your role do you enjoy the most?

I’m naturally curious and enjoy meeting students and education professionals from other cultures. Spending a week at BU can be like taking a trip around the world given the diversity of learners here.

2. What did you do before working at CELOP?

I had two amazing experiences that I can share with you. First, I studied the Arabic language for six years and spent two and half years living in the Middle East. Second, I was a founding member of a company that helped American high schools develop international student programs to increase their diversity. These experiences took me around the world and taught me valuable lessons about what is required for a person to study abroad and adapt to unfamiliar circumstances.

3. Where are you from?

I am an Indian-American born in Boston and I grew up in a small town in the Greater Boston area.

4. Favorite thing to do in Boston?

Hands down, visiting Arnold Arboretum. It’s the place to be!

5. If you had to eat one meal, every day for the rest of your life, what would it be?

I’ve been making a peanut butter, banana, and milk smoothie for breakfast since the Clinton Administration and have yet to tire of it.

6. What’s your favorite TV Show?

Is it weird if I say I don’t watch much TV? I prefer movies, so I’ll give you one of those. Go see Kore-eda Hirokazu’s “Like Father, Like Son.” After that you’ll be hooked and want to see his other films as well.

7. What is the best destination you’ve travelled to?

There are two national parks in China that I highly recommend: Jiuzhaigou Valley and Zhangye Danxia Geopark. The diversity of landscapes you will find within each park is incredible.

8. Favorite restaurant in Boston?

S&I Thai in Allston. I think I’ve tried half of the dishes on their menu. Their menu has 162 dishes. I counted them.

9. What are your hobbies?

I’m a serious photographer and maintain my own website. I also love hiking. These two hobbies tend to dovetail nicely.

10. What is your hidden talent?

Why would I hide any of my talents?

11. What would people never guess you do in your role?

I am the official taste-tester for the free food that my colleagues bring it to share.

CELOP Alumni: Where are They Now?
Rui Wang, China

December 6th, 2017 in Highlight.

CELOP alumna Rui Wang on campus at Boston University.

1. What is your name?

My name is Wang Rui. Rui is my given name, Wang is family name. Rui in Chinese means brave and smart, my parents wished I would be a brave and smart girl.

2. Where are you from?

I am from a northeast city Harbin, China. The climate there is very similar as Boston. I feel comfortable with everything here.

3. Where do you live now?

I live in an old house with two roommates in Allston. There are three floors in the house, and 3 Indian boys live in the 2^nd floor. Communicating with those Indian boys make me keep practicing English all the time.

4. When and for how long did you study at CELOP?

I started to study English at CELOP during July and August 2017 for 4weeks. It was a short study period. But it helped me a lot.

5. Why did you choose CELOP?

Boston University Metropolitan College sent me a conditional offer in June. The advisor suggested me to choose CELOP.

6. What were some of the things you liked most about CELOP? Do you have a favorite memory?

I liked the learning method of combining theory and practice. Stephanie Ngom is my favorite English trainer. She taught us the basic vocabulary and grammar, made us understand how to use them through situational conversation and some debates. There were many research tasks before personal and group presentations for us to prepare. I learned American culture a lot, including education, medical care policy and marriage, etc. Practice courses on every Friday were our favorite experiences. We went to Freedom Trail, Tea Party Museum to learn the history of USA. Cambridge innovation tour made us understand a lot of technical companies. What’s more, we practiced listening and speaking with the local people.

Fortunately, my last sore of TOEFL test speaking section was improved from 18 to 23. Finally, I reached the requirements for taking the core courses at MET in time. Even the course which I chose was not about the test preparing, but my score and English skill was improved indeed.

7. In what ways did CELOP help you prepare for what you are doing now?

I have worked in Beijing for 7 years before I came here. From my past experiences, I think the two most important things for career are communication and confidence. CELOP helped me a lot in this two aspects.

First, we discussed several topics with different partners. Utilizing appropriate words, grammar and sentences to express our opinions was very important for students from all over the world. My communication skill was improved during that 4-week course.

In addition, for I studied and worked in my country before this July, I did not use English often. I felt nervous and unsure of myself before English presentation. Stephanie helped us and encouraged us. I imitated her natural intonation, body language and the method of eye contacting with audiences. Finally, I did the presentation in front of many classmates naturally. It’s helpful for my future career.

8. Where did you attend college for your undergraduate degree? What was your major and when did you graduate?

I graduated from Northeast Agriculture University in China, majored in Food Quality and Safety in 2010. But I did not do the same industry as my major in the past 7 years. My first job was a market analyst in a Chinese liquor company. I tried every position in marketing area and became a director of brand promotion department.

9. Where are you working/studying now?

I am studying financial management in BU MET. I like my major very much. Making contact with numbers, financial statements, and ratios is so interesting that I could study more than 12 hours every day. At first I read the textbook slowly almost 1 hour for just 1 page. After practicing reading, I could read and understand the details in the textbook in a short time.

10. Tell us about what you want to do in the future. What is your dream job?

I think I am the appropriate person to work as a financial analyst. For I learned the basic method of market survey and data analysis from my first job. And kept working on brand research in the following years. My merit is I have led a team and worked as a management position, I could consider a problem in all its aspect, and I have a strong analytical and problem solving ability.

11. What is your favorite thing to do in Boston?

I love Charles River very much. I usually run along both sides of Charles River. The scenery of along the river is very different from summer to autumn. In early winter it brings new view to my eyes as well. I took photos and sent them to my family, they all loved Charles River very much, even they had been here. Luckily, when I study in library of Law, I could enjoy the scenery of Charles.

12. What is your favorite restaurant in Boston?

To be honest, Chinese food is my favorite food. Chinatown is a good place to taste Chinese food. Do in Rome as Rome does. I tried American food many times, and it is great too. Eastern Standard located in Kenmore is great. I had a good experience there due to the great taste food, good service attitude and the appropriate price.

13. What would you tell someone who is thinking about studying at CELOP but is unsure?

In my opinion, maybe 4-weeks course is short for learning comprehensive English skills. It is so helpful that I think 10-weeks or 12-weeks course would be great.

Faculty Spotlight: A moment with…Catherine Mazur-Jefferies

November 30th, 2017 in Highlight.

CELOP faculty member Catherine Mazur-Jefferies takes a moment for a brief interview.

1. What aspect of your role do you enjoy the most?

There are so many parts of my job that I enjoy! I love the challenge of creating interesting, engaging, and fun lessons that best use students’ time. When this works well, there’s a special buzz around a classroom as students work together. That is the absolute best! Watching people of many different nationalities and language backgrounds, happily collaborating or discussing an issue – I love it! Of course, I also love getting to know students individually – every day I get to speak with amazing people from around the world, which is so cool.

2. What did you do before working at CELOP?

I taught in Poland and Portugal, and at a number of colleges in the Boston area. I also wrote materials for textbooks –I even worked on some of the books that we use at CELOP! I’m most proud of Reading and Vocabulary Focus 4, which was published through National Geographic Learning. I read hundreds of National Geographic articles to choose what I wanted to include in the book! Now that I’m at CELOP, I still do a bit of writing. For example, I just finished writing the teacher’s guide for a book in the Pathways series. I like writing textbooks, but I really love being in the classroom!

3. Where are you from?

I’m from a very small town in Vermont, which is a state north of Massachusetts. It’s beautiful! When I was growing up, there were only 500 people in my hometown. I still think of it as ‘home’.

4. Favorite thing to do in Boston?

Teach classes at CELOP, of course! I also really like meeting friends in the courtyard of the Boston Public Library. The courtyard has a fountain and tables and you feel as if you are in a European city.

5. If you had to eat one meal, every day for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Hmmm. If I had to just eat one food, it would be chocolate. For a whole meal… probably a chicken curry with rice and vegetables, followed by ice cream for dessert.

6. What’s your favorite TV Show?

I love shows about time travel. The show Timeless was great. Lately, I’ve been watching Doctor Who with my son, which is fun, too.

7. What is the best destination you’ve travelled to?

I’ve been lucky enough to travel to a lot of amazing places, and many have a special place in my heart. I think my all-time favorite might be Greece. It’s incredibly beautiful, and I’m fascinated by its history. It also has delicious food, gorgeous beaches, and friendly people.

8. Favorite restaurant in Boston?

I love the café Tatte, which has amazing pastries and Middle Eastern food. And it’s pretty close to CELOP…

9. What are your hobbies?

I love, love, love reading a good book or watching a good movie. I really enjoy baking and traveling, too. I like skiing, figure skating and sledding in the winter - I’m kind of looking forward to the snow!

10. What is your hidden talent?

Hmmm. I don’t know if this counts, but I’m very good at decorating cakes. I love decorating cakes and cupcakes for my kids’ birthdays and other special occasions, too! My favorites are ones where each cupcake looks like one of the guests. I’ve also designed larger cakes to look like a polar bear, a whale, a dog, a flamingo, flip flops, a soccer jersey, and Charlie Brown, just to name a few.

Some examples of Catherine’s impressive cake decorating skills.

11. What would people never guess you do in your role?

Hmmm. Maybe people would be surprised to know that teachers are all on different committees, which work together to help CELOP run well. I’m on the Curriculum Committee this year. We review the learning objectives to make sure students are learning the appropriate skills for each course and level. There are a lot of great teachers at CELOP, and it’s good to have the opportunity to work together!

Meet Our Current Students: Hussam Sindi, Saudi Arabia

November 30th, 2017 in Highlight.

Current CELOP student Hussam Sindi.

Hailing from Makkah, Saudi Arabia, current student Hussam Sindi began his studies at CELOP starting in Spring 2017. When choosing his ESL program, Hussam first decided on the city, then did research, asked friends, and looked at different programs’ websites. While he came to Boston initially as part of a different ESL program, Hussam came to CELOP because he felt like he wanted to have a more intensive program. “I chose CELOP because it has good strategy and good program courses to support students to improve a variety of skills, like writing, reading and listening.”

Hussam received his Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture from King Abdulaziz University in Saudi Arabia. He worked for one year at a consulting company in his hometown after he graduated, before receiving a scholarship from the Saudi Arabian Cultural Mission (SACM) to study English in the U.S. After his three semesters at CELOP, Hussam intends to earn his Master’s in Engineering Management. He has applied to three universities so far, and is eagerly waiting to hear back. “I’d like to be an architect, which has benefits from engineering management to improve my abilities. Architecture is my true passion.”

That passion stems from influences like the work of Norman Foster, Hussam’s favorite architect, who has many projects in the Middle East. Hussam’s preferred style is post-modern, with a focus on movement.

In preparing his graduate school applications, Hussam cited CELOP’s Academic Advisor, Judy Di Leo, as very helpful during the process. “She really helped me work through the application process—always guiding me.”

When asked what he would tell a student who is thinking about studying at CELOP but is unsure, Hussam shared, “It’s a good chance to improve your academic language. Good materials, subjects, and resources. You feel comfortable in your setting and life.”

CELOP Alumni: Where are They Now? Sachino Taki, Japan

November 30th, 2017 in Highlight.

Sachino Taki in front of a sign for her current employer, Japan External Trade Organization, based in Tokyo.

1. What is your name?

Sachino Taki

2. Where are you from?

Tokyo, Japan

3. Where do you live now?

Tokyo, Japan

4. When and for how long did you study at CELOP?

September 2014 to December 2014

5. Why did you choose CELOP?

I wanted to study in Boston since Boston is well known as an academic city where many prestigious universities are integrated. My friend who studied at BU strongly recommended me to study at BU because of the great environment and the diversity. Studying at CELOP for half a year was included as an exchange program between Waseda University and Boston University to prepare studying at the classes in BU.

6. What were some of the things you liked most about CELOP? Do you have a favorite memory?

The best part I liked about CELOP was that I got to know people from all over the world and from different ages. For example, people from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Kazakhstan, Venezuela, the countries, which I have never met in my life as well as people from China, Korea, the close countries from Japan. Also I met people of different ages from me. Some people were still high school students preparing for their dream universities in the US, and others were older people than me who already experienced working and even married couple attending the class together. This diversity has broadened my world.

7. In what ways did CELOP help you prepare for what you are doing now?

CELOP help me prepare for communicating with people from various back ground. My organization is global and we have more than 70 overseas offices and 40 domestic offices. To organize an event abroad, I have to communicate with many different people such as staff at my domestic and oversea offices, local government and speakers from foreign companies. I have to be a good communicator to carry out the project smoothly. The most important thing that I learned at CELOP is to listen to others with respect even if the way of thinking is different from yours and to express your own idea. The only way to make good relationship with others is to have good communication by respecting each other.

8. Where did you attend college? What was your major and when did you graduate?

It was a 1 year exchange program so after I studied at CELOP for half a year, I took some classes from CAS and MET at BU. After I finished my 1 year program, I went back to Japan and graduated from Waseda University in 2015. I was majoring Media Communication and had strong interest in Public Relations.

9. Where are you working now?

I work for a governmental organization based in Japan. My organization helps to promote mutual trading and investment between Japan and foreign countries.

10. Tell us about what you do for your job.

I am in Invest Japan Department and my job is to promote Japan as an investment destination for foreign companies. We promote the attraction of doing business in Japan by organizing Invest Japan Seminars abroad and by creating PR materials. I was in charge of revising PR brochures and also wrote many articles based on interview to CEO of foreign companies who successfully expanded their business in Japan. Also I went on business trips to Korea, Taiwan and India so far to organize events to send a message that Japan is welcoming foreign companies.

11. What was your favorite thing to do in Boston?

I just simply enjoyed studying with my friends at a library or at a study room in my dorm. College environment in the US was so different from Japan. Many college students in Japan commute from their hometown even if it’s far away from their college instead of staying in a dorm near college and I was also the student who commutes from my hometown, taking about 4 hours for round trip. Therefore I was surprised with the perfect environment for college students here such as confortable dorms, cafeterias, gym, hospitals etc…

Also I loved walking the city especially Newbury Street where there are many shopping places and my favorite cupcake shop. I enjoyed taking a lot of pretty photos in Boston. Public garden and Boston Common are my favorite places to chill out and I cannot forget that I had photo-shooting there with my best friends.

12. What was your favorite restaurant in Boston?

A seafood restaurant called “No Name Restaurant”. My mentor, who is a president of Japanese community in Boston took me there to welcome me with a huge LOBSTER when I arrived at Boston. Since we had a great conversation and the foods and the atmosphere of the restaurant was amazing, this restaurant became an unforgettable place for me. When I saw the photos of John F. Kennedy at the restaurant, I felt the history and good reputation of the restaurant.

13. What would you tell someone who is thinking about studying at CELOP but is unsure?

CELOP is the best place for not only to improve your English but also to get to know people from all over the world. Teachers and coordinators at CELOP were very kind and supportive. Without studying at CELOP, I couldn’t achieve what I have now.

The types of events Sachino attends in her current role at Japan External Trade Organization.

CELOP Alumni: Where are they now? Jose Alberto Galarza Villasenor, Mexico

November 21st, 2017 in Highlight.

CELOP alumnus Jose Alberto Galarza Villasenor comes back to CELOP for a visit this Fall.

Jose Alberto Galarza Villasenor dreams big. He is currently preparing to apply to Master’s Degree programs in both the U.S. and UK—including programs at Harvard, Tufts, Oxford, and Cambridge to name a few. Galarza Villasenor, who goes by Alberto, plans to focus on political philosophy and leadership studies in graduate school. “My goals are broad, but my dream is to have a space to make change in policies, politics, education—all the areas that make a country work. I want to effect change—that’s my dream. I don’t see it in any one position, but I want to make changes.”

Along the road to achieving his goals, Alberto decided to enroll at CELOP at Boston University in Spring and Summer of 2017 to prepare for his TOEFL exam. When asked why he chose CELOP, Alberto asserted, “Because it was the best English school that everyone back home in Mexico recommended. I spoke to my teachers at the University of Guadalajara and told them I wanted to study at a good school to learn very good English to prepare for the TOEFL. That’s how my journey to CELOP came to life.”

Alberto received a Law Degree from the University of Guadalajara in Guadalajara, Mexico—his home country. He served as the president of the Federation of University Students, a role to which he was elected in 2013. This student organization represents the interests of university alumni, and is largely focused on social justice issues. He arrived in Boston to study at CELOP in January 2017. When asked what some of his favorite memories at CELOP were, Alberto responded, “Most definitely the teachers. All my teachers knew about every student’s development. So the thing that I liked about CELOP is that the teachers have good communication with students—they have a very personable approach to the program that reaches students, and they are very great teachers.” When recollecting a few specific memories, Alberto shared about an experience after he first arrived when he got sick with a fever. His teacher, Renee Delatizky, stepped up and helped him to navigate the pharmacy. “When you feel sick, you also feel homesick. When someone has empathy for you, you feel like you have a connection, and that really makes a difference. You feel like you’re not alone.”

Alberto, who currently resides in Boston, is preparing to take the GRE ahead of his applications to graduate school. When asked how CELOP helped him prepare for where he’s at today, he responded, “In all the ways. If I didn’t study here for 8 months, I couldn’t even apply to a Master’s Degree—it made all the difference to allow me to pursue my goals.”

Student Experience: Current CELOP Student, Yasmin Almousa, shares her experience at Old Sturbridge Village

November 21st, 2017 in Highlight.

By Yasmin Almousa

CELOP Student Yasmin Almousa, second from the right, with her classmates and teacher Olivia Szabo at Old Sturbridge Village.

On the first week of November, my classmates and I were told that we were going to go on a trip the coming Friday to Old Sturbridge Village. I could describe myself as somewhat into history; however, I was not elated at the idea of taking a 1-hour bus ride to a remake of an American town from the 1800s. On the 3rd of November at 9:30am, my classmates and I rode the bus down to Sturbridge. The moment we reached our destination, I immediately sensed an aura of quietness. We were no longer in the city, and I loved it.

We were met with perfect weather and the fresh air swayed through my nostrils. As we entered, I noticed how huge the village was and how many displays there were for us to visit. The atmosphere was very lively yet calming, and there were many visitors; however, the area was big enough to allow us to roam around as we liked. There were many places to visit, and they all told a different story. We began to explore the area and the distractions within, starting at the Oliver Wight Tavern and continuing all the way to the Blacksmith Shop and Freeman Farmhouse.

I truly felt like I was walking through a town in New England during the 1830s. The people in the houses who told the stories of those who lived there, also explained that the buildings were all authentic and had to be brought in piece by piece. I have never experienced anything like that before, as in museums you do not really get to interact with the artifacts, while at Old Sturbridge Village we were.

This trip was not only interesting, but it also taught me a lot about the way of life and culture of New England in the 1830s and I would love to go back!

Yasmin Almousa, center right, with her classmates at Old Sturbridge Village.

CELOP Hosts Annual Halloween Party

November 17th, 2017 in Highlight.

CELOP celebrated its annual Halloween party on Tuesday, October 31st. Students, faculty, and staff all helped to set up the main lobby to prepare for the event. Over 35 students participated in the costume contest, with several faculty and staff who joined in. The event also marked the official launch of the CELOP Instagram. Follow us today @bucelop!

Student Experience: CELOP Students Reflect on Recent Trip to Old Sturbridge Village

November 17th, 2017 in Highlight.

“Before I visited Old Sturbridge Village, I have never known about USA’s traditional culture and history. But after I visited there, I could know their old lifestyles and differences between our country and USA. And more, I can understand this day’s culture in USA. This experience makes me know a lot of information about USA. And I really want to go again and try to do many things.”

• Hyung Joon Kim
  Korea

“Last Friday we went to the Old Sturbridge Village where we could see the people and culture from 300 hundreds years ago. In this village I saw many people who played a role as the people lived 300 years ago, and I also saw many old buildings. The life is quite different from now. This period maybe people’s life was not as convenient as nowadays, and people had to work very hard to earn a little money, and faced a lot of problem like poor, illness and low-level education. But people still faced all these troubles with a very positive attitude. In this trip I liked the Salem Towne’s house best. When I came into the house, there was only another 2 people here, and we all walked very quietly. As I went upstairs and looked into a room, there was some sunshine through the window illuminated every corner of the room, I felt like there were still someone who lived here and they just went outside to feed their cows and would come back very soon. I felt a kind of peace and happiness in these few minutes. If I had the chance, I really hope I could go back to that period as a trip, to learn and feel their lives, it should be an amazing experience.”

• Jingyi Mao
  China