Academics & Research

UH Language and Culture Center celebrates 35th anniversary

International students from more than 40 countries come to UH yearly with their bags packed and their eyes on the future.

For 35 years, the UH Language and Culture Center has been providing these students with substantial coursework to help them learn English as a second language.

“Many campuses are seeking bright and talented international students. Often these students are very proficient in their fields of study — but not yet proficient enough in English,” LCC Director Joy Tesh said. “The Intensive English Program of the Language and Culture Center provides an opportunity for students to improve their proficiency while preparing to enter the university.”

Even after so many years, the program still draws in crowds. More than 20,000 international students have participated and completed the program.

Tesh said that on Sept. 8, the first day of registration, a record 400 international students registered for the program.

Students who apply to the program are normally prospective students hoping to enhance their knowledge in English.

“LCC students apply to UH just as any other international student would,” LCC said. “LCC students can apply to the university at any time, but those who successfully complete level six do not need to present a (Test of English Foreign Language) score to UH.”

The program holds six levels, and each student must take the Michigan English Placement Test, an oral interview and a half-hour long writing sample so they can be placed into their respective levels.

“Students at every level learn to listen, take notes and give presentations. Listening, speaking, reading and writing are woven into four hours of instructions daily,” Tesh said.

“Intercultural communication activities are integrated into all classes, and there are both class and program-wide field trips to places of education and cultural interest every term,” Tesh said.

Most students take one to two years to finish the program.

Tesh said these are exciting times for the LCC community after decades of running the international and cultural program.

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