Five students and their chaperone from Kazakhstan visited WSU Pullman and the Palouse this July for an English program at the Intensive American Language Center (IALC).
The program is a result of International Programs’ partnership with Kazakh Ablai Khan University of International Relations & World Languages in Almaty, Kazakhstan.
It marks a near return to pre-pandemic “normal” for IALC faculty, who typically teach two to eight English-as-a-second-language (ESL), cultural and knowledge immersion programs for students visiting during the summer. Kate Hellmann, director of International Student and Scholar Services, said, “This program showcases WSU as a welcoming place for future international students. It also affords a rich exchange of ideas for international teaching and research in WSU’s areas of expertise.”
This year’s cohort stayed in Honors Hall and attended high-intermediate level ESL classes. They also joined a Fourth of July gathering in Sunnyside Park hosted by the International Center, shopped the Farmer’s Market in Moscow, hiked Kamiak Butte, and participated in other place-based learning activities as part of the program.
Faculty from IALC and Kazakh Ablai Khan University collaborated on language teaching. Hellmann expects the IALC to continue expanding its programming during the coming academic year and repeat its summer program for visiting students in 2023.
In addition to customized programs, IALC offers Academic English, Undergraduate Foundation and International Master’s programs for international students who need to improve their proficiency in English to help them succeed in their studies and in acclimating to WSU and the U.S.
Check out a 3-minute video highlighting the students’ experience.
