For Marie Josee Mbuyi, improving her English skills at UNH Manchester's Summer English Speakers of Other Languages program was more than just a way to get by in her day to day life. It was a critical step on the way to her goal.
"I was a physician in my country for 20 years in pediatrics," says Mbuyi, 50, who moved to Manchester last year from Congo, Africa. "Here, I would like to practice again. To go to college, to complete my instruction in Medicine. It's why I am here, to improve my English, writing, listening. This program is very important to me.”
This intensive summer course helps students who are speakers of other languages improve their academic English skills and introduces them to US college culture. The class is available to high school students age 16 and older, recent high school graduates, High School Equivalency Test (HiSET) candidates, transfer students, returning adult students, and others living in and around the Manchester area. These students dedicate four hours per day, four days per week for five weeks in the summer to finishing the program. A graduation for the most recent batch of students was held Aug. 6.
"A lot of them were professionals in their own countries," says Emily Kerr, instructor for summer ESOL program. "They were pediatricians and dentists and they are here to pursue better opportunities."
As part of the class, students get practice in academic reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
"I have many difficulty in listening in American English," Mbuyi says. "But now I can hear, I can listen, I can write, I can speak. And I can understand if, for example, you ask me a question, I have many ideas, I can organize my ideas and put something in writing. Before it was very difficult for me."
The students are also taught practical skills they will need in the workplace and further schooling like time management, learning-style maximization, applying to college, note-taking, test-taking, paying for college, and mathematics literacy. This was particularly helpful to Tojonianina Rasamoelison, 24. Originally from Madagascar, Rasamoelison says he's hoping to go to improve his English enough to go to college.
"I already have the information and everything because in this class they give us a lot of information about college," he says. "So it can help us with everything we need to go to college."
He says he's not only noticed a marked improvement in his speaking and writing skills, but the information his instructors handed out about colleges has alerted him to all that could be possible for his future.
Kerr says that the class also helped students build a sense of community, which in turn helps them learn English.
"They feel safe taking those risks with English," Kerr says. "They feel safe admitting areas they may not be as strong in and feel comfortable asking for help. …So many people's English is better than they believe it to be. But until they take those chances, they might not have the confidence to think that it's good."
Mbuyi says that was one of the biggest benefits for her in the class and where she noticed her biggest changes.
"Before I can't speak with people," Mbuyi says. "But now I am confident with myself, because I know other people new to America have the same problem. I know it will take a long time, but I will learn."
Since the Summer Program for ESOL Students began in 1997, over 350 students, originally from over 60 countries, have taken part. Many of these students have gone on to full-time or part-time studies at UNH campuses and at other colleges and universities, in New Hampshire and other states. Several have completed undergraduate and graduate degrees. Others have used their skills
gained in the program to advance in their professions or to make career changes.
