Bear Essentials

The Newsletter for Alumni & Friends of Harcum College ✯ SPRING 2010

BEAR

Essentials

English Language Academy Celebrates Silver Anniversary

T

he English Language Academy, part of Harcum’s Center for International Programs (CIP) designed to foster the cultural adjustment and academic success of international students, has just celebrated 25 years of service to Harcum and the community. One of three components of the CIP,The English Language Academy (ELA) offers non-credit English as a Second Language courses to students from all countries. International Student

Advising and the Au Pair Program complete the center’s services which include immigration advising, activities, homestays and short-term host family arrangements.Au pairs may enroll in ELA courses while auditing other college courses. Students in the CIP come from all ends of the globe.This semester, the program is hosting students from Albania,Argentina, Austria, Brazil, Canada, China, Colombia, Germany, Holland, Iran, Italy, Japan, Korea, Liberia, Mexico, Puerto Rico (US), Poland, Saudi Arabia, Sweden,Turkey and Vietnam!

“When I think about the hundreds—maybe thousands—of students who have passed through the English Language Academy, I am amazed by how big, yet how small the world is.” Debra Young-Yassine, Program Director for the Center for International Studies Debra Young-Yassine, Program Director for the Center for International Studies, creates a welcoming environment and helps ELA students integrate into the Harcum community. “I have truly enjoyed working at the English Language Academy for almost 18 years,” says Young-Yassine.“I’ve had the opportunity to interact with students from around the world, to learn about their cultures, their families, and for some, the obstacles that they overcame to study in the U.S.When I think about the hundreds—maybe thousands—of students who have passed through the English Language Academy, I am amazed by how big, yet how small the world is.” “Students carry the experiences and friendships that were developed here,” Young-Yassine continues,“we’ve had students from countries at war with each other become best friends by meeting at Harcum.”

Harcum student Neslihan Demirtus from Turkey, celebrating at the ELA 25th Anniversary Party in November