Larissa Pontes: from CELOP to MET to iGEM

April 11th, 2016 in Academic, Alumni, Programs.

Larissa Queiroz Pontes is a biotechnology undergraduate from Brazil’s Federal University of Ceará. She studied at CELOP in 2013 in order to improve her English and prepare for academic study at Boston University's Metropolitan College. We caught up with her recently and here's what she said.

Q: How was your CELOP experience?

I had a delightful experience at CELOP studying English for my TOEFL test and I was in contact with so many other cultures and made great friends. I learned a lot and improved my English. I improved my vocabulary and my listening, and obviously my speaking got stronger.

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

I had to take TOEFL to get into BU Metropolitan College to take my academic courses, and I succeeded because of CELOP. When I studied at Metropolitan College, people could understand me and I understood them well.

Q: What would you say to a future CELOP student?

Enjoy your time at CELOP, go to meetings, fit in to conversation groups. Get into the American culture.

Currently Larissa is part of a team of students from her university, including other former CELOP students Daniel Carlos and Marcus Rafael, that will come to Boston this October to compete in iGEM, an annual world wide synthetic biology competition. Their team (pictured below) is planning to genetically modify micro-algae so that they produce a protein that is lethal to Aedes aegypti larvae, the species responsible for transmitting yellow fever and other serious diseases. Larissa explains "The curious thing about this protein is that it is toxic just to the mosquito larvae, not for humans or any other species."

Participation in the iGEM competition requires their own funding. Anybody interested in supporting their team can make a donation to their crowdfunding campaign.

We wish Larissa and her team the very best in the competition, and the best in all of her future endeavors!

Students from Kazakhstan Perform Concert at CELOP

March 31st, 2016 in Student Life.

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.

Daughter of CELOP Alumnus

March 10th, 2016 in Academic, Admissions, Alumni, Programs, Student Life.

Eva Haoa is the daughter of Nicolas Haoa, an alumnus of CELOP who studied here 35 years ago. We recently posted an interview of the father-daughter duo on our CELOP YouTube channel.

We caught up with Eva Haoa in week 6 of her 12-week Spring program, right before the spring break and asked her a few questions:

Q: What do you like the most about being at CELOP?
Eva: The teachers. They are very kind.  I learn a lot because of them.

Q: Your father gave you advice to make friends from all over the world. Have you done that?
Eva: Yes! I have made friends from Colombia and Venezuela. And I met one friend from China too. It is good because I speak English with her.

Q: Where are you going for spring break?
Eva: I will stay here in Boston.  There is a lot to do in Boston!

Eva plans to continue studying at CELOP this summer semester.

Right: Eva poses for a photo with her friend Shuning Yin from China.  Eva joined Student Life Coordinator Shelley Bertolino and 14 other CELOP students to volunteer at the local Cradles to Crayons organization.

Below: Eva has a conversation with John Kopec, her father’s teacher at CELOP 35 years ago. She was surprised to learn that her father was placed in the same level as her. John tells Eva about the day Nicolas and his classmates celebrated John’s birthday. As seen in the old photos in the video, they got him a birthday cake, and took a class photo outside the CAS building.

CELOP Launches New Summer Programs

February 18th, 2016 in Academic, Admissions, Programs, Student Life.

CELOP launched two exciting new programs this week, designed to prepare students for success in their academic and professional careers: the University Readiness Program and the English for Engineering Program.

The 3-week University Readiness program is designed to help students adapt to life in the U.S. and to develop skills for academic and social interactions. There are three start dates in August to choose from so that students can enroll in the program that ends right before their university or college coursework begins.

The English for Engineering program is a 4-week program that develops the English language skills of aspiring engineers, and prepares them to enter the engineering job market. This program starts on July 25th and ends on August 19th.

Alan Broomhead, Managing Director of CELOP, explained the reason for launching these two new programs:

"Many international students are coming to the U.S. to study for degrees in the STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) fields, and need to be able to communicate their ideas clearly in English. And many international students find that even though they have attained a good score on the TOEFL, they are not fully prepared for the demands of degree-level studies here in the U.S. Our new programs address these students' needs."

You can learn more about each program by visiting their webpages:

University Readiness

English for Engineering

Climbing Lesson at FitRec Caps Off Spring 2016 Check-In

January 25th, 2016 in Student Life.

Last week, hundreds of students from around the world checked in for the CELOP Spring 2016 semester. In addition to learning and improving their English, many come with goals of applying and being admitted to undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Others wish to equip themselves with better confidence and vocabulary for the workplace.  And still others come for the experience of immersion in English language and American culture.

Whatever their goals, BU CELOP has the faculty and staff, and the resources and facilities to help. One fun example of this happened last Friday when Shelley Bertolino, the Student Life Coordinator, brought a group of new students to the Fitness and Recreation Center (FitRec) for a tour and a climbing lesson.

The instructors were Boston University students hired and certified by the FitRec to belay and instruct climbers. They were on hand to explain safe and proper climbing technique, to coach students at every challenging turn, and to encourage and push students to realize their potential. Nancy, a new CELOP student from China, said "When I got to the top, I felt like I'm the best in the world! But it's a challenge. I did it three times. The last time, I almost couldn't finish. I didn't have power anymore.  But my teacher, Gabby, she encouraged me: 'keep working, you can do it!' So after I did it, I was very appreciative!"

Other students agreed. When asked if he was glad we included this activity in our orientation activities, Roland, a student from Hong Kong, responded "Yes, definitely, because I think we had better arrange more out of classroom activities to have more fun with each other, especially with people out there in Boston University."

Roland won't be disappointed.  There are plenty of out of classroom activities at CELOP, and at Boston University.  CELOP activities are published on the CELOP Calendar.  As for Boston University, there are plenty of student groups and clubs to get involved in!

CELOP Alumnus Marcos Dos Santos Silva

January 12th, 2016 in Academic, Admissions, Alumni, Programs.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.