Being raised in a language definitely has its advantages over learning a language and culture that is half a world away and very different. Students of Upper Iowa University’s ESL (English as a Second Language) Program brought some of their challenges to the attention of Oelwein High School students in a visit last week.

English as a second language classes have grown in size at Upper Iowa University as future college students from China, Japan and Mongolia work through the process of learning the English language and adapting to American culture.

The 17 ESL students divided into four groups and gave presentations in various classrooms at the high school. They talked about their families, culture, education and what brought them to enroll in the ESL Program at UIU. (more…)

English isn’t spoken much in her home, but Pomona Elementary third-grader Angeline Alcaraz has proven she has no trouble with her second language.

Angeline beat about 400 third-, fourth- and fifth-graders to be the youngest student ever from the Montrose County School District to qualify for the state spelling bee.

The 9-year-old will travel to Denver with her family March 6 to compete in The Denver Post 70th Annual Colorado State Spelling Bee.

Angeline Alcaraz, left, and her mother Claudia received a check for $120 from the Hispanic Parent Advisory Council to buy fuel for their trip to Denver. Alcaraz and her family will travel to Denver on March 6 to compete in The Denver Post 70th Annual Colorado State Spelling Bee. (Joel Blocker / Daily Press)

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Learning English as a Second Language is vital to Cecilia Jimenez, who has just completed eight months of study. “I learn pronunciation and grammar, and it’s very important to me to have my tutor,” Jimenez said Saturday.

“Before, I was scared whenever I talked, but now I’m more confident,” she said. Jimenez, who became a U.S. citizen in 2002, was part of a Saturday event honoring students and tutors of the ESL In-Home Program of Northern Nevada. Executive Director Florence Phillips said there are 75 tutor volunteers and 130 students. (more…)

The Oregon Department of Education continues to withhold a portion of federal funding from Portland Public Schools after state officials found the district still isn’t meeting federal standards for serving students learning English.

In a letter to Portland last month, officials said the district had only fixed some of the problems outlined in a 2009 audit. Furthermore, the state reported new problems with the program.

Some students still don’t have access to core classes such as algebra and history or are not receiving support in those courses. New findings reported that some students were exiting the English Language Learner program without evidence they had learned English. (more…)

Despite the culture shock and challenges with the language, international students do very well in American colleges.

Roberts said that Utica College, international students “raise the bar.” The same is said at other campuses. “We almost can’t give them enough to do,” HCCC Associate Dean of Student Services Janet Tamburrino said.

Some colleges offer specialized tutoring for the students and the community colleges offer English as a second language, referred to as ESL, courses to help with English. Despite the challenges, going to college here retains much allure for international students.

“Everyone wants to come to America to study,” Ankin Dhall of India said. He is enrolled in the marketing program at HCCC. “This is an opportunity.” (more…)