Thanks to the Center for Women's Intercultural Leadership (CWIL), women from around the world can improve their English language skills at Saint Mary's College.
The CWIL provides English language instruction through its English Language School for all degrees of English proficiency, from the beginner to advanced levels.
Terra Sniadecki, the director of the English Language School, said that the focus of the program is for participants to become proficient in English and to be prepared for higher education in the United States.
"It is important to us that the students not only become proficient academically at English but that they also become more comfortable with English socially," said Sniadecki.
Sniadecki said this goal is achieved by offering both traditional classroom-based lectures and electives that include service-based learning and university-level academic preparation.
The English Language School, now in its third year, has attracted students from Saudi Arabia, China, Costa Rica, Ethiopia, Zambia, India and Korea, Sniadecki said.
Students at the school have many opportunities to be part of the Saint Mary's College community and many live on campus with Saint Mary's students, she said.
Sniadecki said the rewarding interactions that the students of the school have with Saint Mary's students is another benefit of the program.
"Both education majors and those seeking their TSEOL (Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages) certification at Saint Mary's work with these students both for the hands on experience and for the benefits of interacting with others from different countries," said Sniadecki.
Sniadecki said The English Language School has certified many students who have gone on to become successful at the university level, including students who are now enrolled at Saint Mary's.
