CELOP Celebrates 50 Years of Helping Students
Students from all corners of the globe have studied at CELOP
Started in 1975, BU’s Center for English Language and Orientation Programs (CELOP), has grown to become one of the top University-affiliated English language programs in the U.S. For five decades, in addition to helping students improve their English language skills, CELOP instructors have helped students from across the world gain a better understanding of American culture and higher education, with many going on to attend Boston University and other top-tier U.S. universities.
Stepping into the CELOP lobby means connecting with students from all corners of the world. Recently, nearly 60 different countries were represented by students at CELOP.
“The students at CELOP bring with them a rich tapestry of languages, cultures, and perspectives that deeply enhance the Boston University community,” says Maria Arruda, Managing Director of CELOP. “This diversity fosters an environment of global understanding and collaboration, preparing all students to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.”
From the beginning, the CELOP experience was designed to give students a launch pad for their careers – whether it be academic careers or professional endeavors – with increased English language skills, confidence, and communication skills. Over the years, many high-profile individuals – from Asian pop stars to prominent business leaders – have come to CELOP to improve their English under the guidance of talented, experienced instructors.
Dr. Pablo Aranibar (MET ’03), Vice President at Cerro de Pasco Resources Inc. in Peru, says he came to CELOP in 2002 to strengthen his academic and professional skills, improve his English, and immerse himself in a global learning community. “At CELOP, I enrolled in the Intensive English program,” Aranibar says. “Beyond language, I gained invaluable knowledge about cross-cultural communication, academic writing, and public speaking. The program gave me the confidence to participate in professional and academic discussions at an international level. Being part of the vibrant BU community allowed me to take part in student activities, explore Boston’s cultural life, and form friendships with people from all over the world. That sense of global community has stayed with me ever since.”
Many of CELOP’s alumni also talk about the thoughtfulness of the instructors and their high-quality teaching.
Saud Alrehaili came to CELOP in 2019 to participate in the Intensive English program and he still thinks about the positive influence CELOP had on his education and career path, saying the confidence he gained during his time at CELOP had a deep impact on him.
“The [CELOP] writing class has always stayed with me – not only because of the lessons but because of the way [instructor Michelle Smith] made learning enjoyable and meaningful,” Alrehaili says. “[Her] patience, encouragement, and teaching style left a deep impact on me, and I often think back to how much confidence I gained during that time.”
After finishing his program at CELOP, Alrehaili attended and graduated from Suffolk University with his undergraduate degree. He is currently finishing his master’s degree in global marketing management here at BU and plans to return to Saudi Arabia upon graduation.
Evolving to Meet Changing Needs
Just as student needs and the industry of Intensive English Language Programs have evolved over the past 50 years, so too has CELOP, to remain relevant. CELOP offers a wide range of programs for students of all ages. Some students come to CELOP looking for a part-time program to fit their busy schedule, while others take classes full-time and participate in professional English programs focused on business, entrepreneurship, or law.
According to Harvard LLM student, Cha Changezhen, “The [Legal English program] provided me with an opportunity to experience what law school life would be like and it made me well prepared for my studies at Harvard Law School.” She continues, “I think this program not only provided me with some academic knowledge but also a kind of personal care and love.”
Additionally, CELOP designs custom programs (online or in-person) for organizations looking for tailored solutions. In recent years, CELOP successfully launched the English for the Workplace program with Boston University’s Dining Services. The program has received high marks from both employees who participated and their managers. Mark Yates, Food Services Manager at Warren Towers, says “It’s been nothing but positive. [Dining Services employees] are excited to learn and feel proud about what they have accomplished. I am so happy to see this.”
What began as a pilot course for a small group of BU Dining Services employees has evolved into a thriving career development program, which now includes BU custodians through Campus Planning and Operations as well as medical professionals from Boston Medical Center. To date, CELOP has delivered training to over 100 BU and Boston Medical Center employees.
“We are thrilled to be in a position where we can provide English and career development training to BU employees and other local institutions,” Arruda says. “The dedication of the students in this program is truly inspirational. Some of these students work two jobs to make ends meet and have personal responsibilities, such as raising a family, yet they still make time to attend class because they know that becoming proficient in English is important for their lives and the lives of their families.”
Multigenerational Appreciation for CELOP
Given CELOP’s longstanding reputation as a top institution, many students have completed their studies at CELOP and then go on, many years later, to send their children to CELOP, knowing they will receive a top-tier education.
Leli Chen (COM ’04), who moved back to Shanghai after attending CELOP and earning her Master of Science in Public Relations, worked at the award-winning global public relations agency Edelman PR. Chen saw the benefits of her time spent at CELOP and BU and recently sent her daughter, Tangier, to CELOP.
CELOP Senior Lecturer Carol Piñeiro taught both Leli and Tangier, and though they participated in different programs, feels great pride in seeing students come to CELOP generation after generation, as Leli and Tangier have done.
“I have taught at CELOP for more than 40 years, and it’s gratifying to know that the students one teaches go on to become successful professionals, which means they’re eventually able to send their children to CELOP to study,” Piñeiro says. “Tangier is as motivated as her mother was when she came to Boston to do a graduate degree two decades ago.”
As CELOP celebrates its 50th anniversary, its legacy stands as a testament to Boston University’s global vision and commitment to cross-cultural understanding. What began in 1975 as a small English language program for international students has evolved into a dynamic center for academic preparation, professional development, and intercultural exchange. Over the decades, CELOP has adapted to changing student needs, global trends, and technologies—expanding its curriculum, forging partnerships with universities, governments, and corporations worldwide while embracing innovative teaching methods. Yet through all that change, its mission remains constant: to empower learners from around the world with the language skills, confidence, and community to succeed.