As Colombian industries grow and engage with the global economy, English skills are becoming increasingly valued in the job marketplace. Aware of the importance of such skills, COLFUTURO and Purdue reached an agreement that allows Colombians to take an immersive English Language Program (ELP) at Purdue University Northwest.
Colombian student Andrea Ríos took advantage of the language program in summer 2016. "The experience was amazing for me, not only because of my improved English skills but also because I had the opportunity to learn about different cultures," she says.
After Andrea completed the advanced level of the ELP course, the TOEFL test was not required to enroll in a graduate program at Purdue. "If students finish all their classes successfully, they can take what we call a 'graduate exit exam'. Passing the test serves as proof of their English language proficiency and they don't need to submit a separate TOEFL," explains Jennifer Rockafellow, Senior Program Manager of the Program. "Students still need to apply to the graduate school they are interested in - each program has their own requirements - but the English proficiency component can be covered by this test," she adds.
"I made friends from Japan, China, South Korea, India, Saudi Arabia, and the US, friends with whom I am still in contact." Andrea Ríos.
The ELP is complete, intensive, and accredited by the Commission on English Language Program Accreditation (CEA). It comprises four levels all of which focus on the four skills - reading, writing, listening, and speaking - and integrates grammar and vocabulary throughout the classes. Students get 21 hours of instruction per week from Monday to Thursday and weekly cultural and educational field trips on Fridays and some Saturdays. "The ELP had many activities where students could share outside the classroom, including trips to Chicago and the region," Andrea says. In addition to these experiences, the program includes elective courses like American Culture and Business Communication.
The ELP program is an excellent option for students who need to enhance their English skills before going into university classes. "Students in the advanced level of the ELP will have a great opportunity to fine-tune their English skills while preparing for the rigorous academic classes that await them," explains Rockafellow. "If they have high placement scores they only need to attend for one semester." In addition, if the students have taken the TOEFL before and are slightly below the required cutoff for direct admission, they can apply to join a new program called Pathway. The Pathway Program allows students to take academic courses and earn credits while they are part of the ELP. Program admission requirements include an official score of more than 500 on TOEFL PBT, 61 on iBT, or 5.5 on IELTS.
Students can join the program at four different times each year:
Andrea summarized her experience: "The ELP had a positive effect on how I speak and write. These improvements were possible because the classes were dynamic and I was speaking English all the time. They will now support my application into a doctoral degree! Furthermore, thanks to this experience, I found a job in Colombia where my English skills are a plus. I highly recommend this program!"
Purdue Northwest's accredited English Language Program includes educational and cultural trips to Chicago and the region at no additional cost.
COLFUTURO is a Colombian non-for-profit organization promoting higher education. They opened their language program in 1996 to support their popular "scholarship-loan" program, which helps students take on graduate studies overseas. "We support the students during all their studies and help them with legal procedures, including the visa process," says Manuelita Rojas, Director of COLFUTURO's Language Program. Andrea confirmed this. "COLFUTURO staff were really kind and helpful. They facilitated my visa process and arrival to Purdue and were in contact with me the entire time - from the time I got there to my return to Colombia," she says.
To learn more about this opportunity, visit Purdue Northwest ELP's website and Colfuturo Language Program's website.