Krima Patel
Major: Sport and Exercise Science
Home Country: India
Academic Year: 2015-2020
"When I entered Gannon I did not
want to take ESL, but once I began my classes, I actually started
liking it. The teaching here was so different compared to my
country.
Soon I saw a lot of changes in my
English overall in reading, writing and speaking. I made friends
from different countries like Saudi Arabia, Syria and China.
Moreover, being in ESL helped me to
grow and step out of my comfort zone; it helped me to make more
American friends. All of this just brought me a step closer to
adjust to life in the United States. I am so happy to be a part of
Gannon University."
Ahmed Marer
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Home Country: Saudi Arabia
Academic Year: 2015-2017
"ESL is not only the center where I learned English, but it was
also one of the most beautiful periods in my life. I found kindness
and serious work, both from the teachers and staff. They were all
very excited to show the best of academic, culture and friendship
for all students.
While I am happy to start my academic studies, I am sad that I
will miss these smiling and welcoming teachers each morning. This
program will always have a place in my life and my heart. They are
my family and I thank them forever."
Tenger Batjargal
Major: Electrical Engineering
Home Country: Mongolia
Academic Year: 2014-2019
"At Gannon I feel I've found exactly what I needed. From the
very first class it felt definitely different from my expectations.
It was the interaction and the international atmosphere. I sat down
and introduced myself and we looked at each other. We are friends
from Saudi Arabia, Iraq, from India, China, Korea and Japan, which
I never experienced before. I was really shocked, because of the
cultural diversity, the nuance, which was very nice.
After two weeks, I realized those [speaking and listening]
courses are extremely important for me and necessary for me. The
way they are teaching is very different. The details they are
teaching us are very different. I am extremely happy now that I
have had this option to experience."
Hoda Alfahmi'16
Major: Masters of Public Administration
Home Country: Saudi Arabia
"The experiences I have had in the ESL program at Gannon
University were full of lessons and joy. I learned a lot and I'm
still learning. All you have to do to enjoy this whole experience
is to have an open mind to a new culture and new people. My
motto is, 'No matter what happens, keep moving forward.'"
Milan Soni
Major: Computer Science
Home Country: India
Academic Year: 2015-2017
"I'm really glad that I decided to do
the ESL program, as it has given me renewed enthusiasm toward my
academic study. ESL helped to improve my writing, reading and
special topics in computer science field.
I have to write many research papers, articles and descriptions
in my academic studies, which requires proper format, and the ESL
writing classes helped me to learn how to write proper research
papers.
The other ESL classes taught me how to develop presentation
skills and to use academic statements with advanced
vocabulary. The ESL teachers are friendly, respect your genuine
requests, focus on your doubts, and sharpen your English language,
skills which is so necessary in the USA."
Norma Orio '17
Major: English as a Second Language
Home Country: Mexico
"What I like about Gannon's ESL program is that it is intensive,
and that is good, because the objective is to learn and improve. I
think the program reaches that goal.
The quality of the instructors is very good.
What I like most about the program is that it makes you feel very
comfortable. It is a healthy environment; they respect your
culture, they respect your maturity, they don't make you feel
"different." On the contrary, they make you feel like you are part
of a team of learning."
Ekkachai, Exchange Scholar 2015
Home Country: Thailand
"I think Gannon University is a very, very good university. I
learned many techniques in the ESL program, and I want to use these
techniques to help my students in Thailand improve, because we need
it.
I want to understand my students' feelings. I want to know their
feelings while they are studying with me."
Daliyah Qasem
Major: Master of Public Administration
Home Country: Saudi Arabia
Academic Year: 2015-2017
"When I arrived at Gannon University, I knew only two words in
the English language: yes and no. And everything was different.
From people, food, language, weather and even the smells; they all
presented new, exciting opportunities for me.
Gannon University is where I began learning. I was lucky to be
one of the ESL students. The teachers were very helpful, kind and
supportive. They have always tried their best to make the learning
environment comfortable and successful.
While in the program, I felt that I was with my family. I am
grateful to the people who believed in me and supported me. Here, I
achieved one of my dreams - to learn the English language."
Jin Ling '16
Major: Master of Business Administration
Home Country: China
"I'm really glad that I decided to do the ESL program, as it
opened the door of my learning a second language and made my
academic study easier.
The most unforgettable in ESL is that the learning process was
not dull learning English from test books, there are a lot of
interesting activities. I met many new friends and I got more
chances to practice and know more new and interesting things.
ESL teachers are very friendly, respect your genuine requests,
focus on your doubts and sharpen your English language skills,
which is so necessary in the USA. I was pleased that I spent such a good time here."