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I N T E N S I V E E N G L I S H L A N G U AG E I N S T I T U T E S P R I N G - S U M M E R 2014

Established in 1977, IELI is one of the

largest accredited language programs

for learning academic English in the U.S.

www.international.unt.edu/ieli

IELI Celebrates Great Global Citizens Month

Womens Self-Defense Class/4

Food and Eating Customs/9

Teacher Appreciation/10

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.

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My First Impression/2

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

CONTENTS

IELI STAR magazine is a semesterly publication

showcasing IELI students writing.

Intensive English Language Institute1155 Union Circle #311067

Denton, TX 76203-5017University of North Texas

Sycamore Hall, 204307 S. Ave B

Denton, TX 76203http://www.international.unt.edu/ieli

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

Editors-in-ChiefGrace CowanRaven VincentLogo Design

Dani NicholsonPhotographersHamza Al Jawi

Tariq SafrahGrace CowanRaven VincentProofreaders

Christal BrewsterLaurel Collins

Laura Rios

DirectorFernando FleurquinAssistant Director

Carol Ogden Coordinator for Student Succsss

Christal BrewsterSpecial Projects Coordinator

Sabine ThepautCommunication Curriculum

CoordinatorDonna Obenda

Writing Curriculum CoordinatorLaurel Collins

Supplemental Courses CoordinatorWendy Jackson

Assessment CoordinatorAngela Landt

Student Services CoordinatorGrace CowanLab AdvisorEvan Arnold

Office ManagerStephani Biggs

Admissions AdvisorBrianne Faber

Administrative AssistantJulie Morris

Stay in touch with IELI on Facebook! Follow us at Unt Ieli or link to our profile

from http://www.ieli.unt.edu.

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!

My First Impression About IELIBy Abdulmalik Alhassani Saudi Arabia Level 4 Writing, Summer Term

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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 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.

Forever Friendship, Irreplaceable KinshipBy Jiajun Teng China Level 6 Communication, Spring 2 term

In the journey of growth, we gain

different experiences from the love we have for

family and friends...

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Womens self-defense is important because according to statistics that all women are good candidates tobecome victims of violentcrime 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.

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.

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.

By Noura Afaris KSA Level 3 Writing, Summer Term

By Li Jun China Level 5 Writing, Summer Term

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.)

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Celebrating GREAT GLOBAL CITIZENS MONTHEach 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

Tug-o-war at the Global Interact Picnic

Students shared their native cuisine at the International Food

Fair

IELI students embraced the patriotic spirit at the annual International

Native Dress and Flag Parade

Ladies play dress up at the Omani Festival

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During our Spring and Summer terms,

IELI students participated in

a variety of cultural excursions and events.

Spring I Term

Spring II Term

Dallas Mavericks Game

Grace and Raven join the IELI team

Chickasaw Cultural Center

Setsubun celebration

Dallas Symphony Orchestra Field Trip

Ladies Group

{A Look Back at IELI Student Activities}

IELI students brush up on speaking English during Conversation Hour

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

Japanese Spring Festival

IELI students representing Oman in the Flag Parade

Students got their fill of Texan culture at

the Fort Worth Rodeo

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Summer Term

Making friends of all shapes & sizes at the Dallas Arts District Block Party

Texas Discovery Gardens Butterfly House, enjoying the

State Fair of Texas

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

{A Look Back at IELI Student Activities}

Friendship, fun & games at the International Ladies Group

July 4th at Fair Park

Friendly competition at the World Cup watching parties in Sycamore Hall

Keeping it cool at the Fort Worth Zoo

Congratulaions, Spring 2014 graduates!

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IamMarwah.Iamamemberinthegiftgroup.Iaskedmyfriendaboutit.Shesaid,In my culture, I give gifts for someone if they get married.

ImHassan.Imadeaninterviewwithmyroommate,andhesaidthere aresomedifferencesbetweentheUSAandmyculture.HementionedAmericanpeopledontcareaboutthetimeoroccasion,andtheycangivegiftsanytime.Also,therearesimilarideasbetweenusaboutgraduation,weddings,etc.

MynameisVictor.IhailfromNigeria.TheoutcomeofmyinterviewwithanAmericancitizenaboutpre-sentationofgiftsisstatedbelow.ShesaidthatintheUSthatgiftsaremostlypresentedonspecialdayslikeweddings,MothersDay,FathersDay,birthdays,andforgraduation.IntheUS,thetypeofgiftthatseemstolookoffensivearesocksandunderwear, especially if you present it to the opposite sex.

Giving GiftsLauras 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.

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!

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.

What advice do you have for international students about giving gifts in the US?

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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.

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.

Food and Eating Customs

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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!

By Mohammad Alajlan Saudi Arabia Level 2 Writing, Summer

A portrait of IELI teacher Beth Matthews by IELI student Hanan Alujuidan.

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.

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.

Lamas Career in Teaching ArtInterview by Grace Cowan IELI Student Services Coordinator

Teacher Appreciation

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.

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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.

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.

Dont Judge a Book by Its Cover

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 havemadeseveralkind,welcomingAmericanfriends. -Sami,age24,Palestine

I thought the citywould be bigger thanwhat Ifound.Mohammad,age21,SaudiArabia

IthoughttheyareIslamophobic,butIdidntseeanythinglikethat.AsmaaofSaudiArabia

Lifeissobusyhere.Jennifer,age27

I thought thatAmericanswould not acceptmytraditionaldress,butthepeopleImeetlikemy style.-VandanafromIndia

Safwat also took a survey of his classmates at IELI:

To kick off the summer, IELI students attended the Scarborough Renaissance

Festival in Waxahachie, TX.

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{IELI OUTSTANDING STUDENTS OF THE TERM }Spring I

Jujin Matsunari and Mika Nakamura

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.

Spring II

Hadeel Alzuwaydi

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.

Summer

Ka Yeon Ryu

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