CELE Viewbook

Join us at Northwest University Your American Life Starts Here

CELE at Northwest University Discover Your American Life

Contact Us! Web: northwestu.edu/cele Emailďźš cele@northwestu.edu /CELEatNU

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Field TripsOur Students!

Hear From The Center for English Language Education (CELE) at Northwest University (NU) provides intensive academic English instruction to students from around the world with the goal of developing scholars, leaders, and international professionals. Students can enroll as a full-time CELE student or they can register for individual CELE courses based on their needs. Not only will students receive a top notch ESL education, but they will be welcomed into the caring community of Northwest University. All CELE students live on campus, participate in dorm and campus activities, and are known by their teachers and fellow NU students.

We consider culture to be a vital part of language. Each month students get out of the classroom and experience English among native speakers and learn about the American culture and traditions. Students enjoy trips into Seattle, Bellevue, and other towns to visit parks, museums, sporting events and much more!

Lake Washington Boat Cruise

“I like that the University makes these activities.”- Laura

Just a few weeks after their arrival, students saw the beauty of Lake Washington during a historic boat cruise. They were truly in awe of the clear water, wonderful beaches, and beautiful homes-- especially the home of the founder of Microsoft—Bill Gates.

Students had the opportunity to become closer to each other, our staff and faculty, and a few NU students— mostly by taking many, many photos together.

“I want to go again if I have a chance!” - Jenny

“On campus I've met many very nice and friendly students. I am sure that the CELE program is one of a kind because it has the best teachers and university atmosphere.”

-Darya

Visit Pike Place Market! Seattle’s first farmer’s market, established in 1907.

Play Ball!

Students were introduced to the great American pastime of baseball and watched the Seattle Mariners play at Safeco Field. Students sampled stadium food, and ate garlic fries, cotton candy, and pizza! Conversation Buddies also attended the game, so the evening was filled with laughter, pictures, and of course cheering for the Seattle Mariners.

We want each student to be successful both academically and socially during their time at NU. The small “I have seen how our teachers and size of Northwest University allows students to get to staff go above and beyond to help know their teachers. Our teachers are often found in students. Students do not only retheir office meeting with students to explain material ceive an amazing education, but learned in class and answer questions. The campus life staff plans fun activities for all students and cares Take in th they know are cared for.” e ocea n air anthey d the sea bree ze on the coas for any social or emotional need a student may have. t!

- Kristen

The Pacific Northwest One of the great things about being a student at Northwest University is the natural beauty that surrounds us. The Pacific Northwest provides an amazing backdrop for learning, friendship and fun.

Hear From Our Students!

“The teachers are kind and the students are friendly. It is easy to make friends.”

- Tao “I really enjoy coming to school everyday to see my friends and teachers, the

Kirkland is a suburb of Seattle, located just 15 minutes away from the city. This safe community offers everything a student needs. Grocery stores, coffee shops, and restaurants are near by. There are many beautiful parks along Lake Washington which students love to jog around. Public transportation allows students to easily visit the surrounding towns of Bellevue, Redmond, and Seattle.

CELE program is like family to me .” -Dasha “I learned so many things. I have learned not only English language but also American culture.” -Nara

“NU students are very kind Visit Pike Place Market! Seattle’s first farmer’s market, established in 1907.

and cool at the same time. I like the fact that they are very open to meet new people and get to know each other.”

- Jackson “One way in which the Northwest community has

pumpkins fall to pick e th in s local farm ve to visit Students lo

“I like this city because it has fresh air and nice weather!!”- Jonghyuk

changed me is that I have beTake in the oc ean air and th e sea breeze on the coast!

come much more considerate of others.” -Jenny

NU Activities Meet Our Teachers

Orientation Excitement, anxiety, and anticipation often accompany starting a new school, not to mention a school in a new country! It is our goal at NU to provide a caring and supportive environment for students. We want each student to have a smooth transition into their new home at NU.

Photo: Heather, Kristen W, Autumn, Kristin R, Annette, Sharon, Suzan

Our instructors love teaching because they love students! Both language skills and happy memories will grow in these friendly classrooms. … but they are not just your friends, they are also professionals with years of experience and top academic credentials.

DR. AUTUMN WITT, DIRECTOR Autumn spent 3 years teaching English and training teachers in northern Japan before coming back to the US to teach ESL at universities. Autumn completed her MA in English Linguistics and her Ph.D. in Second Language Acquisition.

DR. SUZAN KOBASHIGAWA, INSTRUCTOR Suzan has been in the field of English language education for over 20 years. Suzan has taught abroad in Japan, Mexico, and Chile. Suzan holds an MA in TESOL and a Ph.D. in Composition and TESOL. DR. HEATHER POINDEXTER, INSTRUCTOR Heather has a diverse background, teaching ESL to professionals in the Netherlands for 15 years, and participating in Archeological research. Her Ph.D. is in Classical Languages.

SHARON HAMAR, INSTRUCTOR Sharon has been an educator and educational leader for approximately 20 years. Sharon holds M.Ed. degrees in Education Administration and ESL. Sharon taught in the CELE TESOL certificate program in Indonesia.

KRISTIN WEBSTER, INSTRUCTOR Kristin lived in France to study French, and later earner her MATESOL. She understands what it is like to live in another country to study and relates well to her students.

KRISTEN ROSS, ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Kristin has an international enthusiasm, and recently lived in Vietnam and Thailand. She will make you feel welcome in the CELE program, and facilitate cultural exchange opportunities.

“Because Northwest University is small, professors and students can spend much more one-on-one time than at bigger Universities.”-Soojin

“I made many friends during orientation!” Da-Yea

From the minute students land in Seattle, our CELE Staff is there to welcome them at the airport.

Students spend their first few days setting up their dorm and acclimating to the new culture. We make sure every student has the essentials and take them shopping and assist them in setting up a bank account. Students get to know each other through fun games.

“I love living on campus. This city is very peaceful.”- HanJin

“Orientation was perfect!”-Behnam

CELE students participate in an orientation fully integrated with NU students. Orientation is a time of fun, games, and friends! Students certainly love the traditions that come with orientation. Nara loved to have her face painted with NU’s school colors—blue and yellow. Jenny liked the scavenger hunt around Kirkland with free ice cream at the finish line. Marie enjoyed the American BBQ at the soccer field. Laura loved the team games.

NU Activities

Education

Talent Show!

CELE and Exchange students from all across the globe, from different cultures and languages, worked together to practice and perfect the dance to Gangnam Style and performed it at the NU talent show last year. As the team took the stage and the music began, the audiences’ clap and scream thundered through the room. By the time our students struck their final pose, it was clear that the crowd was impressed. The audience loudly cheered for several minutes afterwards and our students performed the dance one more time. Our CELE and Exchange students won the Talent show, and also became celebrities for the night as everyone in the crowd wanted a picture with the new stars.

Classroom Experience: Students enrolled in our intensive English program typically take classes from 8am to 3pm with a lunch and study break. There are a total of 15-20 weekly class hours. During class time, our talented teachers engage the students through lectures, group discussions, projects, and games. Students say you have to be ready to study hard, but they are thrilled at how their English improves.

We offer classes focusing on Grammar, Vocabulary and Pronunciation, Writing, Speaking, and Listening.

“The Talent show was the best

“There is an opportunity to talk with

experience!”

professors. This is a merit of the NU.”

-Soojin

- Nara

“The intensity of the program resulted in significant progress in a very short time.”

- Sakurako Screaming Eagles!

At the start of our second semester, the campus dorms compete in many games and competitions during Screaming Eagles Week. There is a Dodgeball tournament, a Scavenger Hunt, a Film Festival, Olympics, and more all to compete for the prized “stump”.

American Traditions!

Here at Northwest, students get to celebrate American holidays such as Halloween and Christmas!

Conversation Buddies: The room was overflowing with chatter, laughter, and friendly faces. NU Students eagerly waited in anticipation to hear who their International Conversation Buddy would be for the semester. Cheers and clapping erupted as names were revealed and the NU students met their international buddy.

“I have an awesome buddy! She’s a really sweet person and warm hearted. It has been helpful because now I feel more comfortable talking to her and other students.” -Alex, Korea

This was the scene in early September at the “Conversation Buddy Unveiled” event. The Conversation Buddy program pairs NU students with our international students with the purpose to practice conversational English, learn about American culture, and assist in integrating international students into the NU community.

“It’s a mutual exchange. NU Students share about American culture while our CELE Students give valuable insight into their culture.” Kristen Ross, Program Coordinator.

Buddies meet at least once a week and participate field trips around Seattle. Buddies will go to a baseball game at Safeco Field- an iconic Seattle landmark and experience American holidays of Halloween and Thanksgiving together.

Campus Life

The Caf:

At Northwest University, CELE students gain much more than just an academic experience, they become part of the NU community. Students live in the dorms, eat in the Caf, and participate in many fun activities offered on campus and in the surrounding area.

Most students eat in the cafeteria on campus.

There is a salad bar, a grill, a sandwich station, a personalized meal section managed by a cook, and much more!

Q: What do you like about the Caf?

A Day in the Life of Rea! Rea is a student from Korea. She is a Sophomore and is majoring in Urban Environment Engineering. This year, she is looking forward to meeting people from diverse cultures. Read about Rea’s life here at NU.

A. Food from the Caf is fantastic! There is a wide variety of food. My favorite food is grilled cheese sandwiches with tomato soup. Especially on a cold day, it is so good!

Q: How was adjusting to American food?

A. I worried about liking American food. However, I like the food in America!

Dorm Life: Dorm Life is available to all NU students. It is a great place to make new friends quickly and to create lasting relationships.

Each dorm comes furnished with a bed (mattress included), desk, drawers, closet, shelves, and chairs. Bathrooms are located on both sides of a floor and each student has access to a washer and dryer.

Activities around Campus Northwest University provides a small, close-knit community. The university hosts many activities throughout the week, from movie nights to concerts.

Q: What do you like about living in the dorms?

A: My floor mates and I are like siblings. We often watch movies in a lounge and go to have coffee and ice cream together.

Q: Can you tell us about your roommate?

A. Her name is Paige, and she is a basketball player. She is always nice to me, and has an interest in Asian culture. I introduced her to Korean food, which made me very happy!

Q: What do you like to do in your free time?

“I have learned how to live with

A: I work out in the gym or go running with my friend. Sometimes, I go to Seattle and other towns. Also, I go to the Houghton Beach which is very close to school. I just read a book and watch people playing under the sun. It is so nice!

another person. My roommate is such a blessing!”- Marie

Q: What campus activities do you participate in?

A: The activity that I like the most is life group time.

We gather once a week for at least one hour and share about our lives and care for people who are in difficult situations.

Q: What advice would you give to a student thinking about coming to NU?

Academics:

A: NU has a really good and safe atmosphere. You can feel free to share your thoughts and belief with friends here.

Q: What do you enjoy about your classes A. We do group activities a lot, so you can share your ideas and thoughts with classmates, which is really awesome! Also, Professor Suzan brings snacks often, which makes me happy. Above all, professors are very kind and warm hearted. They always care about CELE students.

Our goal of culture exchange is a two way process. CELE students are encouraged to both participate in NU culture and to share their culture with the NU community.