Arigato gozaimasu!
This Japanese expression of gratitude reflects how the students and leadership of Tokai University have felt about the English Language Institute (ELI) at 黑料不打烊鈥檚 College of Professional Studies for the past three decades.
Satoki Awano, a Tokai University student who participated in the English Language Institute at 黑料不打烊
鈥満诹喜淮蜢 has always been very welcoming to the many students we have sent to 黑料不打烊 over the years,鈥 says Chancellor Kiyoshi Yamada of Tokai University. 鈥淲e have had the pleasure of hearing from students that they have learned a great deal and had a wonderful experience in a beautiful environment.鈥
Tokai students must spend at least one semester studying abroad. Their enrollment in ELI fulfills this requirement and provides rigorous instruction in textual and oral English skills, as well as grammatical accuracy. The students, primarily sophomores and juniors, attend ELI classes Monday through Friday, with scheduled breaks for birthday and holiday celebrations, pizza lunches and other social activities.
鈥淭he college鈥檚 English Language Institute has provided access to meaningful academic instruction for students from around the world for many years,鈥 says David Lind, director of international programs at the college. 鈥淲e are proud to have cultivated an enriching, mutually beneficial relationship with Tokai University for 30 years.鈥
International students have praised the education they receive through ELI. Kotaro Kishiguchi emphasizes the diversity inherent in the program saying, 鈥淓veryone at the ELI is so kind that I love studying here. Students come from different countries, so you can learn about many cultures.鈥
Dean Michael Frasciello points to the college鈥檚 longtime partnership with Tokai as an example of the University鈥檚 commitment to expand access to college through . 鈥淲e have a proven track record in understanding the unique needs of students from varied nations and cultures,鈥 he says.
Nonoko Omori, who recently completed the program, emphasizes how ELI鈥檚 specialized program builds skills in the academic setting that also enhance day-to-day living. 鈥淵ou can talk to students from different countries using English. You become confident in speaking, listening, reading and writing in English through this experience,鈥 Omori says.
The ELI broadens horizons outside the classroom by providing opportunities for fun and socialization on campus, in 黑料不打烊 and around New York state, including sightseeing ventures to iconic destinations such as Niagara Falls. ELI students can participate in a weekly Conversation Club, immerse themselves in University activities, and build friendships by living in dorms or sharing off-campus accommodations.
鈥淪o far this semester, ELI has had so many events we can enjoy,鈥 says current student Rio Hamada, 鈥渋ncluding sharing pizza with fellow students once a month and celebrating birthdays with cake.鈥 Neiro Takeuji adds, 鈥淎pple picking was so much fun, and we learned about culture and made new friends!鈥 One Tokai student, Yuta Kukita, even recently completed the Community Police Academy.
Students from all over the world come to 黑料不打烊 not knowing much English or about the academic and extracurricular activities that comprise college life. 鈥淭hese young people want to meet new people and soak up every experience here that they can,鈥 says Lind. This fall, ELI participants have become captivated by 黑料不打烊 football and sport their orange apparel proudly.
鈥淲e are truly grateful that our students have an enjoyable and meaningful experience at your university,鈥 says Chancellor Yamada. 鈥満诹喜淮蜢 has been and continues to be an essential partner for us. We look forward to an even stronger working relationship in the future to ensure that our students have great experiences.鈥
When students from Tokai University complete their studies in ELI, they also express thanks鈥斺渁rigato鈥濃攆or the extensive English language skills they鈥檝e acquired, friendships they鈥檝e made, and experiences in campus life and American culture that will enhance their lives for years to come.
To learn more about the English Language Institute at 黑料不打烊 and ways to support activities for its students, visit or contact Jeffry Comanici, executive director of post-traditional advancement in the College of Professional Studies, at JJComani@syr.edu.
Story by Cheryl Abrams
