The Intensive English Program at Southeast Missouri State University was installed on campus to assist in learning the English language for those international students who are not yet fluent.

The department’s mission statement says: “The Intensive English Programs emphasize the linguistic skills, cultural awareness, and critical thinking skills necessary to succeed at an American university.”

They facilitate this goal by using a conversation partner program where American students serve as mentors to students from different countries.

“When people come to the U.S. they have a limitation on speaking the language (English),” said Liu Ying, a coordinator for the conversation partners program.

The program was created about 10 years ago to help aid the language barrier between international students and their education.

Not only do students practice speaking English, but also volunteers are expected to educate the international students on American culture and history. Aside from students, many members of the faculty also volunteer their time.

Chisato Oyama (left), an exchange student from Japan, talks with Morgan White (right), her conversation partner at the University Center.Photo by Kara Hartnett

There are currently 27 volunteers within the program, all of whom are expected to meet up with the international student they have been paired with at least one hour per week. Meetings generally are hosted on campus at first, but as time goes on and the relationship strengthens, they are encouraged to take them off campus and to dive into the cultural aspect.

The program is run semester-to-semester, but volunteers are encouraged to stay as long as they desire. At the end of the semester, each volunteer gets a certificate for their time and dedication.

“Every week they are social together and it’s very helpful,” said Ying.

IEP students do not have American students in their classes, so this program offers an opportunity to practice in a real-life setting. Undergraduate IEP courses are taught in five eight-week sessions and meet daily. Their classes include listening and speaking, reading, writing and grammar.

Students in the IEP program generally are ready to begin undergraduate studies within 18 to 24 months, depending on their former knowledge of the English language.