INTENSIVE ENGLISH LANGUAGE INSTITUTE

SPRING - SUMMER 2014

Established in 1977,
IELI is one of the
largest accredited
language programs
for learning academic
English in the U.S.

IELI Celebrates Great Global Citizens Month

Each April, IELI joins UNT in celebrating Great Global

Citizens Month. Students represent their home countries
in a flag parade, participate in competitive games and
cultural festivities, cook food for the International Food
Fair, and much more.

Womens SelfDefense Class/4

Food and Eating

Customs/9

Teacher
Appreciation/10

www.international.unt.edu/ieli

WWW.INTERNATIONAL.UNT.EDU/IELI

CONTENTS
My First Impression/2
Intensive English Language Institute
1155 Union Circle #311067
Denton, TX 76203-5017
University of North Texas
Sycamore Hall, 204
307 S. Ave B
Denton, TX 76203
http://www.international.unt.edu/ieli

Forever Friendship/3
Fight for Your Life/4
Great Global Citizens
Month/5
IELI Look Back/6-7
Giving Gifts / 8-9
Food and Eating
Customs/9
Teacher Appreciation/10
Dont Judge a Book by
Its Cover/11
Student of the Term/12

IELI STAR magazine is a

semesterly publication
showcasing IELI students
writing.

The Intensive English Language Institute is a division of UNT-International.

Editors-in-Chief
Grace Cowan
Raven Vincent
Logo Design
Dani Nicholson
Photographers
Hamza Al Jawi
Tariq Safrah
Grace Cowan
Raven Vincent
Proofreaders
Christal Brewster
Laurel Collins
Laura Rios

Director
Fernando Fleurquin
Assistant Director
Carol Ogden
Coordinator for Student Succsss
Christal Brewster
Special Projects Coordinator
Sabine Thepaut
Communication Curriculum
Coordinator
Donna Obenda
Writing Curriculum Coordinator
Laurel Collins

Supplemental Courses Coordinator

Wendy Jackson
Assessment Coordinator
Angela Landt
Student Services Coordinator
Grace Cowan
Lab Advisor
Evan Arnold
Office Manager
Stephani Biggs
Admissions Advisor
Brianne Faber
Administrative Assistant
Julie Morris

Stay in touch with IELI on Facebook!

Follow us at Unt Ieli or link to our profile
from http://www.ieli.unt.edu.

My First Impression About IELI

By Abdulmalik Alhassani Saudi Arabia Level 4 Writing, Summer Term

Prior to getting admission to IELI, I had to seek other admissions from different universities
to study abroad, so that I could have many choices in what and where I will study. In addition, I had
to make a bunch of relationships with anyone who studied at IELI and other language programs in
order to let me know how the program is going there. I talked to someone who studied at IELI who
told me that studying there is quite tough. Also, he said, The grade I need to pass the level is 70,
and I said, Its cool. Also, he said, You will fail and probably repeat the level if you dont spell words correctly, and I said,
What! Are you kidding me?!?

I was really frustrated at the beginning. However, when I came to IELI and began to study, I noticed that the more
you study, the more you learn. Indeed, studying at IELI is quite tough, but it all relies on if you work hard and if you use
your brain on the right path, you will definitely be successful.

To sum up, studying abroad is really quite a helpful experience. There is no one who can be an obstacle to your
ambitions and goals. Furthermore, do not pay attention to what people have said. You have to try it yourself!

IELI STAR

SUMMER 2014

Forever Friendship, Irreplaceable Kinship

By Jiajun Teng China Level 6 Communication, Spring 2 term

As an old saying goes: Blood is thicker than water. When we
came into this world, our parents give all their love to us, even our lives.
Meanwhile, a best friend plays an indispensable role in our lives. Its
obvious that people are surrounded by two kinds of love during their
whole life.

Love from parents will not change over time, but its not always true
with friends, even best friends, who may turn down your place in their
heart or gradually lose touch with you because of the changes of work
places, social circles and living conditions. Take my best friend for
example: we have been best friends since elementary school. We used
to promise to stay together forever. Unfortunately, the distance increased between us because of
the college entrance examination which dominates our choice for university and future. Having
come to the U.S., we do not share the happiness or sadness frequently any more, unlike formerly,
having lots to talk about. Maybe she also misses me in the quiet of the night, and still cares about
me, but how she cares for me is different now. After all, we are walking on totally different
tracks. She might go back to our hometown after graduating from university and get a job related
to her major which is Customs Management, while I might stay in the U.S. Nevertheless, for
me, she is my best friend and will be always, my closest friend in this world. No matter what she
does, I will understand, support, and help her.

A parents love is unconditional. They will always support, miss and love me wherever
I go. In their eyes, I am the No.1 forever no matter what I do, even when its something wrong.
Moreover, parental love is selfless but soundless. Parents can do everything for children without
return, and they always hope that children could be happier and more successful. Due to my
parents love and support, I got the opportunity to study in the U.S., in spite of the loneliness.
Several days ago I received a text from my mother
that woke me up, saying Baby, Mom is missing
you. I burst into tears without control. Maybe only
when someone is far away from me, could I know
how important she is. Children always are the most
vital and precious people to parents, like a shiny
crystal. I was always complaining about life, and even
sometimes blew off steam toward my parents, but now
Im getting to know how wrong I was when I did that.
Before coming to the U.S., I had not ever imagined I
would leave my parents to study in a foreign country,
looking after myself independently.

In the journey of
growth, we gain
different experiences
from the love we have for
family and friends...

In conclusion, we must cherish both of our relationships with friends and family. In the
journey of growth, we gain different experiences from the love we have for family and friends,
which helps us to become more independent and emotionally intelligent. Its not easy to maintain
long distance friendships but its also that distance that makes the friendship with your parents
grow.

WWW.INTERNATIONAL.UNT.EDU/IELI

The Womens Self-Defense Class: Fight for Your Life

in a safe & Controlled Environment!
In the Spring, students attended a fun and informative womens self-defense course hosted by the UNT Police
Department. They were given practical tools to prevent attacks and defend themselves against others.
By Li Jun China Level 5 Writing, Summer Term
Womens self-defense is
important because according
to statistics that all women
are good candidates to
become victims of violent
crime at any point in their
lives. When a womans

safety is in danger, defending
herself by fighting back is
the most conscientious decision that she can make.
On April 26th, I had an opportunity to learn pressure
point control tactics with IELI students, UNT students
and staff in the Mean Green Village volleyball
gym. The instructor, Corporal John DeLong, who
is an officer of UNT Police Department, told us
something about how to control our own fear, how
to develop a counter strategy, and how to control the
environment. At that class, John demonstrated five
tactical methodologies which can be used under the

most aggressive circumstances that women will be

righteous in reaction against a defensive counterstrike.
John insisted that women use techniques which are
blocking systems, brachial stuns, knee strikes, front
thrust kicks, and angle kicks to respond to aggression.
It is vital that women keep defending so that they
allow sufficient time to get away from the area.
I am in favor of the UNT womens self-defense
class, which was an activity promoted by IELI. We
shared a happy time with each other. In addition, I am
looking forward the next activity.

By Noura Afaris KSA Level 3 Writing, Summer Term

When I first saw the announcement about the self-defense class in our weekly memo, I was so excited to join
this course. I was one of the people who registered first. It was an amazing experience. Ive learned a lot, and
I would like to apply to participate again. This experience made me more aware of my surroundings and more
confident about myself. The most important thing that I learned from this course was how to protect myself
from attacks before they start, what should I do when I feel as if I may be under surveillance, and what are the
daily mistakes we do that could harm us, such as walking alone with headphones on. I would like to thank the
coaches for their time, expertise, and patience. Thank you, IELI, for giving me this opportunity.

The class ended with a chance to put their skills to the test in a simulated attack scenario with the instructor.
(No IELI students were harmed in the participation of the self-defense class.)

IELI STAR

SUMMER 2014

Celebrating GREAT GLOBAL CITIZENS MONTH

Each April, UNT International celebrates Great Global Citizens Month. IELI students participate by carrying
their home countrys flag in a parade, planning and performing at festivals, dancing, cooking cultural dishes,
and much more!

Bustin a move at the Basant Kite Festival

Making name tags for

passersby in their native
languages at Earthfest
Students shared their
cultural backgrounds at
Global Grounds Cafe
Students shared their
native cuisine at the
International Food
Fair
Ladies play dress up at the
Omani Festival

IELI students embraced the patriotic

spirit at the annual International
Native Dress and Flag Parade
Tug-o-war at the Global Interact Picnic

WWW.INTERNATIONAL.UNT.EDU/IELI

Students got their fill

of Texan culture at
the Fort Worth Rodeo

Spring I Term

{A Look Back at IELI Student Activities}

Setsubun celebration

IELI students brush up on speaking English

during Conversation Hour

Dallas Mavericks Game

During our
Spring and Summer terms,
IELI students
participated in
a variety of cultural
excursions and events.

Chickasaw Cultural Center

Japanese Spring Festival

Dallas Symphony Orchestra

Field Trip

Spring II Term
Grace and Raven join the IELI team

There are many ways to get around at the annual IELI Ranch Day

Ladies Group

IELI students representing Oman in the Flag

Parade

IELI STAR

SUMMER 2014

{A Look Back at IELI Student Activities}

Congratulaions, Spring 2014 graduates!

Friendship, fun & games at the International Ladies Group

Summer Term

Friendly competition at the World Cup

watching parties in Sycamore Hall

Texas Discovery Gardens

Butterfly House, enjoying the
State Fair of Texas

July 4th at
Fair Park

Keeping it cool at the

Fort Worth Zoo

Making friends of all shapes & sizes at the

Dallas Arts District Block Party

IELI students enjoying a fun tour of the Cowbys Stadium and visited a Texas Rangers baseball game

WWW.INTERNATIONAL.UNT.EDU/IELI

Giving Gifts
Lauras class in Communication Level 3 studied how cultural
customs and polite behavior can be different depending on
the country. They asked their American friends about many
things.

What advice do you have for

international students about giving
gifts in the US?
I am Marwah. I am a member in the gift group. I asked my friend about it. She said, In my culture, I give
gifts for someone if they get married.
Im Hassan. I made an interview with my roommate, and he said there are some differences between the
USA and my culture. He mentioned American people dont care about the time or occasion, and they can give
gifts any time. Also, there are similar ideas between us about graduation, weddings, etc.
My name is Victor. I hail from Nigeria. The outcome of my interview with an American citizen about presentation of gifts is stated below. She said that in the US that gifts are mostly presented on special days like
weddings, Mothers Day, Fathers Day, birthdays, and for graduation. In the US, the type of gift that seems to
look offensive are socks and underwear, especially if you present it to the opposite sex.

What advice about gifts do you have for someone visiting

your country?
Hassan Alahmed, Saudi Arabia:

Actually, gifts mean something very nice. In my country there are many beautiful occasions to give a gift.
For example, you can give the gift for a wedding, graduation, birthday, for patient people, etc. However,
there are some gifts considered inappropriate if there is no occasion. For example, if you give a gift to a
new person you know, that, I think, is inappropriate.

MEET GRACE: Our New IELI Student Services Coordinator

Grace Cowan can be found in Sycamore Hall planning the next fun
activity or field trip, advising students on their Health Insurance or introducing
students to their new American Conversation Partner.

Grace graduated from University of North Texas(Go Mean Green!). She
enjoys taking dance classes, practicing yoga, cooking healthy vegetarian food
and meeting students from around the world. She also loves to travel and learn
about different cultures. So far, she has visited 12 countries including China,
Costa Rica and Russia. If you havent met her yet, stop by Sycamore Hall(202) to
say, Hello!

IELI STAR

SUMMER 2014

Victor Okediji, Nigeria:

In my home country we give gifts on different occasions. One is during
festive periods like Christmas, New Years, and traditional festivals. Also, we
give gifts at a celebration like wedding ceremonies and birthdays. Gifts can also
be given to anyone at a visitation.

There are unusual gifts given to kings when they are newly installed to
the royal post. Anyone might decide to give his daughter to the king as a gift
because traditionally kings are permitted to have more than one wife. Also,
people present their daughter to the king because they want to be related to the
royal family. This fetches them good recognition in society.

Offensive gifts are common among youths when they present gifts to each other at a teen age.
An example is giving cards when under the age of 18, or high school students. Also, parents make
sure that their teenage children are restricted from this act because our parents count it as immoral for
underage children.
Marwah Abou Eissa, Saudi Arabia:

I give gifts for Eid, someones marriage, or someones graduation. I give gifts to my mother. I give
gifts to my family when I visit another country, when I visit my friends, when a baby is born, and
when someone gets a job, new car, or a new house.

Food and Eating Customs

What advice about food and eating customs do you have for someone visiting
your home country?
Amhad Alkhater, Saudi Arabia:

We eat on the ground. You should eat with your hand. You have to wait until the older person starts. Mostly
we eat together.
Ahmed Al Mukhaini, Oman:

You should wait for the older person to start eating. You have the choice of eating by spoon or hand, but
mainly we eat with our hands. You shouldnt make noise when you eat. You have to accept the offering of
food.
Mehrin Islam, Bangladesh:

In our country people can eat when they are hungry, but wasting food is really bad
manners in my country. You can eat with your hands and also a spoon. If you want to
visit my country you can eat whatever you want. In our country we have different kinds
of foods. Most people like to eat fish because our country is a river and sea-based
country.
In my country people like spices, so our food is spicy. So I advise you that if you
want to taste our food first you should think about it carefully, but its tasty.
In our country we also have different kinds of sweets and cakes. The sweets are
really tasty, and I know if you will eat it you will love it. One famous food is called
biryani, which is made with rice, chicken, cashew nuts, and almonds.

WWW.INTERNATIONAL.UNT.EDU/IELI

Teacher Appreciation
By Mohammad Alajlan Saudi Arabia Level 2 Writing, Summer
During Spring 2, in week 6, I attended a party at Lisa Hollingers
house. We had fun!! She invited some people from different classes
to her house in Frisco. For example, she invited her Level 3 Writing
studentsw, Sarahs Level 3 Writing students, and her own former Level
0 WR students. When we came, we brought some different foods and
drinks, like chocolate, Arabic food, Arabic coffee, and many cakes.
The party was great because the invitees were from many different
countries, such as Korea, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Brazil, and the UAE.
Also, she has awesome stuff at her house. Some students played
musical instruments, and some students watched videos in her media
room. Also, we spoke English and talked with her family, which
included her son, her daughter, and her husband. Actually, her son
played soccer with many different students in the backyard. Finally, we
took some pictures and danced in the backyard to hip hop music. This
party was a fun way to celebrate the end of the term at IELI!

Lamas Career in Teaching Art

Interview by Grace Cowan IELI Student Services Coordinator
1. Tell me a little bit about yourself and your
career as an art teacher.
Hi. My name is Lama A. Al Harkan. Im a
lecturer at King Saud University in the Art
Department. My career is a professor who
teaches about art. I teach on how to find the
beauty and look for details in this world.
Art is passion, and in order you be an artist,
you have to use your mind, your senses,
emotions, imagination, and muscle while you
are working. Teaching art is a difficult task. In fact, the Art field is not
easy. It depends on several factors, and the students must have specific
characteristics: such as creativity, imagination, talent, and innovation.

A portrait of IELI teacher Beth Matthews by

IELI student Hanan Alujuidan.

2. What are some positive experiences that youve had at IELI?

I have had positive experiences meeting some people from different
countries and learning about new culture here in IELI. Also, I have
learned some new experiences from teachers that will help me in the
future after I go back to the teaching field.
3. What are some goals that you have for your future?
Actually, I have many goals in future. First, I want to finish my PhD.
Then, I will launch my business. This is a big plan that I have worked
on for a long time.

10

IELI STAR

SUMMER 2014

At the Songkran Thai New Year celebration,

IELI student Noon Napaspayom Vorachat
demonstrates a tradition of honoring ones elders
by pouring water over IELI instructors hands.

Dont Judge a Book by Its Cover

By Safwat Palestine Level 4 Writing, Summer Term
When I lived in my home
country, I used to watch TV. It
was one of my main sources for
obtaining the news; what was
happening in the world with
war, peace and other cultures.
Many people made judgments
based on what they saw on TV,
read, or heard from other people.
However, is this smart?
Everyone knows of America,
but what do they really know about it? After surveying
IELI students, I found different preconceptions about
America. Someone said Its a racist society, another
said They wont respect my religion, and another said,
They wont respect my dress or style. All of those
preconceptions were based on TV, or what they heard
from others or someone who had lived with them. When
the students came to America, they found the opposite; all
of them said that Americans are lovely, and they respect
everyone, other religions and anything you wear.

Safwat also took a survey of his classmates at IELI:

What did you think about the

U.S. before traveling here? Did this
change when you arrived?

I expected people to be unfriendly, but I have

made several kind, welcoming American friends.
-Sami, age 24, Palestine

I thought the city would be bigger than what I

found. Mohammad, age 21, Saudi Arabia

I thought they are Islamophobic, but I didnt see

anything like that. Asmaa of Saudi Arabia

Life is so busy here. Jennifer, age 27

I thought that Americans would not accept my

traditional dress, but the people I meet like my
style. -Vandana from India

However, the same happens with Palestine on TV.

The news broadcasts lies, lies, lies and distorts the
truth, changing all the facts. I dont know exactly why
this happens. Is it due to political, financial or historical
reasons? For example, here in United States, TV shows
Palestinians as barbarians, uneducated, and uncultured.
However, the truth is the opposite. They are educated,
cultural, and they have good hospitality. Everyone who
visits Palestine knows that. In fact, Palestine has some of
the best universities in the Middle East even though they
have a hundreds of troubles every day.
These are just a few examples. We judge everything:
people, cultures, countries, books and even our family
members, without knowing anything about them, or doing
our research from honest sources or from both sides. If
someone judges you due to your style, where you are
from, or anything else without direct contact, you wont
be happy. Why should others accept that from you?
In conclusion, be careful about making an assumption
about anything. Believe not all that you see nor half what
you hear. It is smart to do your own research through
different resources such as TV or books from different
sides of the story before making your own assumptions.
As they say, Dont judge a book by its cover.

To kick off the summer, IELI students

attended the Scarborough Renaissance
Festival in Waxahachie, TX.

WWW.INTERNATIONAL.UNT.EDU/IELI

11

{IELI OUTSTANDING STUDENTS OF THE TERM }

12

Spring I

Spring II

Summer

Jujin Matsunari and Mika

Nakamura

Hadeel Alzuwaydi

Ka Yeon Ryu

Since moving from Japan and

starting at IELI last fall, Jujin and Mika
have worked very hard to improve their
English skills, and they can often be
seen participating in IELI activities and
events.
Mike Lioy said, Mika is a good
leader among peers, has outstanding
study skills, positive attitude, and a
warm and helpful personality, Mikas
Level 1 Writing teacher , Dan Buller,
added, Mika is very thoughtful with
her teachers and classmates. Shes
also vwery diligent in completing her
homework.
Communication instructor Pat
Bull, had this to say about Jujin. He
was never absent or tardy. He always
had his homework done. When he gave
his speaking presentation, he surpassed
anything I could have done. He was
thoroughly prepared, and he delivered
his presentation.

Hadeel has been a student at IELI

for three terms. She started IELI in the
Fall II 2013 term at Level 2 Writing
and Level 3 Communication. She was
nominated by five of her teachers for
her outstanding performance in the
classroom.
Daniel Buller says, Hadeel was
in my Communication class, and she
was an excellent student. She always
had a positive attitude and lightened
the mood in the room. She worked
hard and encouraged others to also
work hard.
Hadeel attended Barbara
Jones class, who says, I think she is
great! She is always well prepared and
completely engaged in whatever we
are doing in class. She is very cheerful
too!
Beth Matthews agrees, stating that she
is very participatory in class and in
IELI activities.

Ka Yeon Ryu(a.k.a. Lucy) has

stood out among the rest with
her friendly, cheerful personality.
She will begin her freshman year
studying Physics at UNT in the
Fall.
Holly Nelson says, Ka
Yeon Ru is an excellent
student and attends most IELI
activities. She also works with
classmates across cultures and
help explain the answers to
homework that their classmates
didnt understand. She is a
self-motivated high achiever
with excellent scores on her
classwork.Even when she
is making good grades, shes
always asking questions about
how to improve. Its obvious that
she cares a lot about her studies.
Shes also kind and helpful to all
of her classmates, and has never
complained about anything.
Ill miss having her in class! Sarah McIver

IELI STAR

SUMMER 2014