Fifty undergraduate students from Shanghai University and Wuhan University took part in a “Summer Language and Culture Program” earlier this month at the English Language Institute.

The students participated in morning classes that emphasized spoken English and awareness of cultural differences in the U.S. The curriculum included homework that required them to observe social interactions on campus and in Knoxville.

They also visited several places of interest, including a visit to Cades Cove in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Ocoee River, where they enjoyed whitewater rafting.

A group of college students from South America will arrive July 12 at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, for a month-long immersion into American culture.

UT’s English Language Institute is hosting 18 students from Colombia, Ecuador, and Venezuela as part of a program called “Study of the United States Institutes for Foreign Leaders.”

ELI received a grant worth more than $300,000 to host the program, which is administered by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs in the U.S. Department of State.

“The students who participate in this program are outstanding,” said Dr. Jim Hamrick, ELI director. “They are outstanding academically and they have outstanding leadership potential. We are glad to have them on campus and introduce them to UT faculty, staff, and the East Tennessee community.

The students will learn about how values, events, and conflicts of the past have shaped American culture, politics, and soceity. They also will have sessions on developing their leadership skills and participate in several community service activities.

The group will leave the UT campus on August 4 for a study tour that includes travel to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Atlanta, New York, and Washington, D.C.

Several UT faculty and staff will help teach the classes. They include Ron Foresta, geography; Jon Shefner, sociology; Cheryl Barksdale, Center for Executive Education; Marva Rudolph, Office of Equity and Diversity (OED); Jenny Richter, OED associate director; and Tony Moses and Anwar Accawi of ELI.

Li Tianfu (right) of Sichuan University in China presents a token of friendship to Dr. Jim Hamrick, director of the University of Tennessee’s English Language Institute.

Tianfu and 11 colleagues are participating in a short-term language and culture program at UT through June 22.

Twelve faculty and staff members from China are participating in a short-term language and culture program at the English Language Institute.

The group from Sichuan University of Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China, arrived at UT on June 7 and will stay on campus through June 22.

The members will spend weekday mornings participating in an English language course taught by ELI and other UT faculty.

“None of this group has traveled to the United States before, so this is UT’s chance to make a positive first impression of both Tennessee and the U.S.,” says Dr. Jim Hamrick, ELI director.

Also while in Knoxville, the group will visit area attractions such as Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Museum of Appalachia, Tennessee Smokies professional baseball, Knoxville Museum of Art, and take a day trip to Nashville.

UT and Sichuan signed a linkage agreement in November 2004 to promote the exchange of students, the exchange of faculty members, and collaboration on research.

Andreina Brandt heard so much about her father Andre’s experience at the English Language Institute that she decided to try it for herself.

 “My father really just wanted to be in a small town like Knoxville, and he absolutely loved it,” says the 26-year-old Venezuelan, who studied at ELI this spring and equally enjoyed it.

 Brandt says one of her favorite things is learning about new cultures.

“There are so many different cultures represented in ELI and I love learning all of (them),” Brandt says. “I learn something new every day.”

 Brandt is pursuing a master’s degree in human resources.

By Yoshie Yokoyama

Japanese people can live anywhere in the USA, but sometimes we need some Japanese necessities: Japanese food, kotatsu, and a bathtub.

I like American food like hamburgers, french fries, and pizza, but I need to eat Japanese food because it’s necessary in my life.

Rice is the best main food in our Japanese dinner. When I eat something salty, I want to eat rice with it. Of course, I bought a bottle of soy sauce in the supermarket. Whatever I put soy sauce on, it tastes Japanese.

Second, we need a kotatsu in winter. Kotatsu is traditional furniture like a table which is with a blanket and heater.

We put our feet into the blanket and under the table. Once we are in the kotatsu, (I) don’t want to get out from (under) it because it’s very warm.

The family puts their feet into it and talks to each other. It’s also a traditional communication style.

Third, I have missed taking a bath since I came to the USA. Taking a bath is also a traditional Japanese custom.

Now I only take a shower every day.

In conclusion, these Japanese things are necessities: Japanese food, the traditional heater kotatsu, and hot baths. We can live anywhere outside of Japan, but we miss (these things if they’re not available).

Yoshie Yokoyama of Japan studied at the University of Tennessee’s English Language Institute in the Fall II 2008 term.

The English Language Institute will officially welcome a group of Brazilian undergraduates to the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, during a reception on Monday, January 26.

UT faculty/staff and students are invited to the reception, which is set for 5-7 p.m. in the University Center’s executive dining room.

Twenty undergraduates from Brazil will participate in a five-week institute at UT to experience and learn about the United States and its culture. The institute dates are Jan. 24 through Feb. 28.

In addition to classes at UT, the students will participate in a variety of campus and community activities as well as study tours in Atlanta, New York City and Washington, D.C.

By Yukari Yoshino

I have a lot of friends in Japan and the U.S.

All of my friends are important to me. I can learn various things from them, and I have a good time with them.

My best friend lives in Tokyo, Japan. I sometimes call her and talk, and consequently, it makes me very relaxed. I don’t know what’s happening in Japan because I’m in the U.S. now. I can get some information about Japan from her.

I also have a good time with friends in the English Language Institute (ELI). Before I came to ELI, I wasn’t interested in Asian countries, even (though) Japan is also Asia.

However, after I made some friends in ELI, I’m interested in Asian countries. I want to learn Chinese, Korean, and Arabic, and I want to know their culture because they are at hand. In addition, I practice my English by talking to them.

Next, I have a lot of things to learn from my American roommates. I can know their culture and ideas by living with them. My two roommates are Americans, so their English is perfect.

Other native American friends also help my English. They speak English fast, so I can train my listening skill. Sometimes they teach my new vocabularies, phrases, and slang. I enjoy talking with them.

I have a lot of friends and all of them are very important to me. I can learn something new from them. I want to cherish them and make new friends.

Yukari Yoshino of Japan studied at the University of Tennessee’s English Language Institute in fall 2008.

A group of undergraduates from Brazil will participate in a five-week institute at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, to experience and learn about the United States and its culture.

The English Language Institute (ELI) is hosting 20 students from Jan. 24 to Feb. 28.

In addition to classes at UT, the students will participate in a variety of campus and community activities as well as study tours in Atlanta, New York City and Washington, D.C.

ELI won a $342,000 grant to host students through a program called “Study of the United States Institutes for Student Leaders.” The program is administered by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs in the U.S. Department of State.

ELI director Jim Hamrick is the administrative director for the institute, while Nancy Schurr, lecturer in UT’s Department of History, will serve as academic coordinator.

ELI, which began in 1978, is a part of UT’s University Outreach and Continuing Education division. ELI offers programs to students and professionals to help improve their English and teach them about American life. Many students are sent to the U.S. by their employers to learn to speak English more proficiently. Other students are trying to improve their English before enrolling in an American university.

The Brazilian visit is a special program, emphasizing U.S. culture instead of learning English.

By Miyuki Mitsubiki

Everybody has a favorite place, and my favorite one is the living room in my dormitory.

I have three roommates; one of them is Japanese, like me, and two of them are American. It is pretty international, so I sometimes experience “culture shock,” and I feel it’s interesting.

Though our room is not sophisticated, fashionable or beautiful, I like spending time with my friends and roommates here. 

When I spend time in the living room alone, I can relax very much. The clock ticks loudly because the room is very quiet.

I read a book on the couch with a cup of coffee. I feel comfortable. Sometimes I take a nap there.

However, it is completely different when I am with my roommates. The room is very noisy because of the television and our talking.

On the carpet or the couch, we talk a lot and enjoy spending time together. I can learn something every day through talking.

Besides, the room is very exciting when some friends gather. We keep talking and laughing. Though we don’t do special things, I enjoy that time.

To conclude, this room has some different aspects each time, and I like both being alone and spending the time with my roommates and friends. One room gives me precious time and experience.

That’s why this living room is my favorite place.

Miyuki Mitsubiki of Japan studied at the University of Tennessee’s English Language Insitute in the Fall II 2008 term.