Our IEP students have been exploring American poetry classics this session with Instructor Maddie Gashi. Please enjoy the following poems that experiment with form and spacing to complement the meaning or substance of the piece.

The following poem was inspired by William Blake’s “The Tiger”. 

The Girl in the Green Dress 

by M.G,

Green dress, green dress 

Swirling ‘round 

Turning cartwheels, touching down 

Green dress, green dress 

Still so young 

Changing, growing,  

Swirling ‘round 

Time will show us 

What songs to sing 

–of the young girl  

–as she dances, turning, running — 

                  In her grass green dress  

                            Green dress, green dress swirling ‘round 

                         Racing for-w-  a–  r—  d- – – –                  

                                                                        ward 

                                                                                             up  

                                                                           Reaching   

Turning cartwheels 

And twirling ‘round 

The following poems were inspired by S. C. Rigg’s “The Apple.”

The Peach – To My Mother 

by J.L.

The Chair 

by M.G. 

The Car

by W.Z.

Once our IEP students reach higher levels of English comprehension and fluency, our instructors begin to push them to explore more creative uses of the language, deepening their comfort and linguistic agility. In Fall 2 of this year, students studied some poems from classic American literature, using some famous works as inspiration for their own unique compositions.

Below is a selection inspired by two American classics, Walter Dean Myers’s “Love that Boy” and William Carlos Williams’s “The Red Wheel Barrow.”

The following poem was inspired by Walter Dean Myers’s “Love that Boy”. The apparent grammatical errors here are derived from the original poem.

Love that Man

by J.L.

Love that man,

Like a tree loves the Sun

I said I love that man

Like a tree loves the Sun

Love to call him in the morning

Love to call him

“Hey there pa-pa!”

His voice warm and deep

Hands big and strong

I said his voice warm and deep

And his hands big and strong

He tell me stories and give me hugs

Before I sleep all night

The following poems were inspired by William Carlos Williams’s “The Red Wheel Barrow.” 

The Blue Dazzling Dress 

J.L.  

so much depends 

upon 

a blue dazzling 

dress 

glistening with sparkling  

paillettes 

beside the black piano 

The Vocabulary Cards 

by M.G.

so much depends 

upon 

the white  

cards 

scattered on  

the table 

just needing words 

The Black Computer 

by W.Z.

so much depends 

upon 

a wide, black 

computer 

blinking with steady 

frequency 

working with me 

every day 

This past summer, collaborating with the Indiana University Maurer School of Law, the Intensive English Program had the pleasure of hosting a group of 8 legal faculty from the prestigious Pontifica Universidad Católica de Perú (PUCP) in Lima, Peru for a specialized 6 week Legal English program.

As language educators, we’re always excited to see the growing recognition of the importance of English proficiency in various professional fields. The legal world is no exception, and we’re proud and honored to play a part in assisting these legal faculty in improving their English.

Our team worked diligently to create a tailored curriculum that addresses the unique needs of these law students. We focused on crucial aspects of Legal English, including:

• Background of the Legal System, the U.S. Constitution, and Landmark Cases
• Legal Reading and Analysis, Legal Writing and Structure
• The Vocabulary of the Law and English Grammar
• Discussion of Legal Issues 
• Classroom Interaction, listening training, and Study Skills
• Discussion of Cross-Cultural Issues and Skills Practice

But our program isn’t just about language skills. We believe in providing a holistic experience for all of our international students. Throughout their stay, we encouraged our guests to immerse themselves in the beautiful environments Bloomington, Indiana University, and the Midwest have to offer. One highlight was a day led by our Director of Student Services as he took them exploring some of the beautiful nature and cultural landmarks in the area. The group visited Lake Monroe Reservoir, Yellowwood Lake, and explored the art galleries and restaurants of Nashville Indiana. Having the opportunity to chat with students outside of the classroom setting was enriching for our staff and instructors as well.

This collaboration between PUCP and our IEP showcases the increasing demand for specialized language programs in professional fields. We’re honored to be at the forefront of this trend, equipping the next generation of global legal professionals with the linguistic tools they need to succeed.  As we move through our Fall sessions, we are already planning for a similar project with PUCP in the Summer of 2025.  We hope this experience will not only benefit them individually and professionally but also foster stronger international legal cooperation between Peru and English-speaking countries.  

We’re grateful for this opportunity to contribute to the global legal community and look forward to more such collaborations in the future. 

To our Peruvian students: ¡Buena suerte y muchos éxitos en sus carreras!

What is your name and where are you from?

My name is Rana Alturki, and I’m from Saudi Arabia. I’m a legal specialist, married, and a proud parent of an 18-month-old girl. I came to the US with the goal of improving my English skills and pursuing a master’s degree. It’s been an enriching journey, and I’m excited about the opportunities ahead. 

What made you interested in studying English with the IEP? 

I became interested in studying English with the IEP because I want to improve my academic English to pursue a master’s degree in law. This program offers the specialized training I need to excel in my studies and achieve my academic goals. 

What have you enjoyed most about the program?

What I have enjoyed most about the program is the diversity of the students from different countries and backgrounds. Additionally, the teachers are very friendly and teach us more than just English. Mrs. Matilda Gashi, in particular, is familiar with legal English and provides us with valuable insights into American culture and the United States Constitution. This comprehensive approach has been both surprising and enriching. 

Did you have a favorite class/subject? 

My favorite class has been “Writing” with Mrs. Leslie Gabriel. She has guided us to excel in academic writing, and she is the best English Language teacher I know. My writing has improved significantly, and now I am very confident in my academic writing skills. 

What is something that was most interesting to learn about the English language? 

One of the most interesting things I’ve learned about the English language is how effective it is to study it in an English-speaking country. Despite having studied English my entire life, being here has significantly improved my skills because I speak and listen to it all the time. I’ve also noticed that English grammar is very similar to Arabic grammar from my perspective, which has helped me understand it more easily. However, it’s crucial for English language students not to rely solely on the IEP; they must work and study every day to maximize their learning experience. 

What was your experience like with the city of Bloomington?  

My experience with the city of Bloomington, Indiana, has been fantastic. The city is vibrant and welcoming, offering a great mix of cultures and activities. I particularly enjoy the lakes and the beautiful green landscape, which provide a refreshing environment. Bloomington is very different from Riyadh, where I came from. Here, there is no traffic, and the city is very calm. experiencing all four seasons in Bloomington is truly remarkable. In the Fall, the trees turn into a picturesque canvas of reds and golds. Walking in the IU campus felt like walking into a painting.  I have never seen this beauty of Fall. In Winter, Experiencing snow for the first time is truly amazing! It covers everything in a soft, white layer, turning everything into a magical winter scene. Lastly, A highlight of my time here was witnessing the total eclipse, a once-in-a-lifetime event that I will never forget.  

What was it like having your family here with you? 

Having my family here with me, especially as a mother of an 18-month-old girl, has been wonderful. Bloomington is perfect for raising kids, it’s very safe and calm. There are plenty of fun activities both in Bloomington and throughout Indiana/the US in general such as farms. Additionally, studying with my husband has been a great experience because we exchanged the knowledge we got from our teachers. 

Our teachers have been very cooperative and understanding especially when my daughter needs me. My time in the IEP has been amazing, and I’m grateful for the supportive environment. 

Is there anything that surprised you about living in Indiana/the US? 

I was pleasantly surprised by how friendly and welcoming the people are in Indiana and the United States.  We love the US culture, and living here in the US fulfils a long-held dream. Bloomington, although it is small, it has a special charm that captivates you. Indiana’s wonderful landscapes and rich culture have also impressed us. Overall, our experience here has been amazing.  

What are your plans now that you’re leaving the program? 

 Now that I’m leaving the program, I plan to pursue my master’s degree in Law. After the improvements in my English skills from the IEP, I’ve gained admission to one of the top universities in the world for law studies. 

How do you think your new English language skills will influence your plans for the future? 

With my Improved English language skills, I feel incredibly confident about my plans. Not only have I achieved my dream of gaining admission to a prestigious university, but I also know that studying law requires strong academic skills, particularly in writing and reading. I believe that I now possess the necessary proficiency to excel in my academic pursuits and achieve my goals in the field of law. 

What will you miss the most about the IEP/Bloomington/the USA? 

What I’ll miss the most about the IEP are my classes and my classmates. I’ve learned so much from them about their cultures. It felt like we represented our countries by bringing food and things that are specific to our cultures. I’ll always remember the amazing Afghan pastries, the Azerbaijani cake, the Colombian candies, and the Saudi coffee and dates that I loved to bring. I’ll miss the coffee hours too. We laughed and spoke with our teachers, the IEP staff, and all the students. I’ll miss the calmness of Bloomington and the fresh air that I enjoyed during my time here. 

Written by Coordinator of Student Services, Bryan Roberts

Every session the IEP Office works to create experiences for the students to enjoy and interact with the wonderful culture and natural beauty of the Bloomington area. Sometimes this is getting together to go bowling at the local IU Union building, to visit the local Farmer’s Market, or to enjoy an IU Soccer game. Other times, like this session, the weather turns in our favor and we can take the students out to enjoy the nearby forests, lakes and streams. I’ve been an avid hiker and outdoorsman for several decades and I am always honored to get a chance to introduce international students to our local, natural world.

The weather this Spring has been unseasonably cool and wet. After announcing the hike I was concerned we would have to cancel the event but luckily the clouds parted on Saturday morning and gave us a perfect day to enjoy.

Armed with a list of necessary supplies they should bring, the students met me in the small parking lot of Ballantine Hall and then followed me to the Griffy Lake Nature Preserve. Griffy Lake was originally created in 1924 as a reservoir to supplement the local city’s drinking water supply and, to this day, is considered a backup water supply for the city of Bloomington. The nature preserve around the lake was built by the city by property acquisitions that ranged over 80 years. In total, the current nature preserve covers 1,180 acres which include the sizeable Griffy Lake.

There is a full host of wildlife in the surrounding woodland including deer, raccoons, opossums, turkeys, and coyotes. Canadian geese and other wetland birds can often be seen on the lake and specifically on the eastern end in the shallows.

The preserve itself is composed of hardwood forests and wetlands which border the beautiful Griffy Creek. I had originally planned a 1.5 mile hike that took us along the wetlands on the east side of the lake and along Griffy Creek. Unfortunately, we had several days of heavy rain and when I scouted the trail on Friday afternoon, a large section of that trail was flooded. So, on Saturday, I pointed our crew to the 1.7 mile hiking trail path that ran up and along a nearby ridge. After a brief briefing on the area and an important  introduction to bug spray in order to keep mosquitos and ticks off, we set off on the trail to explore the area.

I was struck with the wide range of countries represented by our students walking through this Indiana woodland.  Representing Saudi Arabia, China, Africa and Afghanistan, these students had never seen this particular kind of natural landscape before. As we walked I did my best to introduce students to the local plants and trees just starting to come alive in the early Spring. I informed them of our ever elusive morel mushroom which was currently in season and was able to show them an old outcropping of turkey tail mushrooms. We looked at mayapple plants, hickory trees, and local birds.

As we dropped down off the ridge, we were able to stop and enjoy a small feeder creek, looking for fossils and geodes to help share some of the geological history of the area. We came across a small leopard frog which I was able to catch briefly and show the students. A fellow hiker out enjoying the day with his child was able to show us an old box turtle shell they had found along the creek earlier.

The students agreed we would go a little further to see Griffy Creek before the flooding began so we added a bit of distance to our hike. Things became a bit more adventurous as the paths became much more wet and filled with mud. Even though some were tired at this point, they enjoyed navigating a very large, muddy area of the trail in order to get to the very full banks of Griffy Creek.

Eventually, our time was up and as we hiked out with muddy boots and tired legs. Regardless, all of the students seemed to have an excellent time and we had smiles all around. I think the pictures speak for themselves as to how much fun was had and I want to thank the adventurous students for sharing those photos with us.

I’m looking forward to another similar outdoor adventure for our Summer 1 and Summer 2 sessions!

What is your name and where are you from?

I’m Cindy Mora from Colombia.

What made you interested in studying English with the IEP?

I worked for many years in Colombia, and during my last job with a multinational energy company, I realized that to keep growing professionally, I really need to speak English. So, I decided to pause my professional life and come to the USA to study, and the IEP at Indiana University is the perfect fit for my goal.

What have you enjoyed most about the program?

I really enjoyed meeting people from different parts of the world, understanding how they think and live. Learning about different religions and getting a deeper understanding of American culture has been very enriching, not only for the language but also for personal growth.

What surprised you most about the program?

The most surprising thing is how you start to improve at each level and feel your own growth. It’s a really gratifying feeling.

What is something that was most interesting to learn about the English language?

It’s fascinating how you begin to understand different topics better, as you can access a wealth of information in this language. Also, it’s amazing to see how having better English skills opens up a lot of opportunities in the world.

What were your first impressions about Bloomington?

To be honest, when I arrived in winter 2023, I found the town dark, the trees ugly, and the weather terrible, especially since we don’t have seasons in my country. But over time, I got to know Bloomington better and now I love it here. The fall is really beautiful, and the summer is a lot of fun.

What are your plans now that you’re leaving the program?

I’m very excited because I’ve been accepted into the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University to pursue an MBA.

How do you think your new English language skills will influence your plans for the future?

Having better English skills has opened up new opportunities for me and changed my life goals. As a result, I started dreaming of studying for an MBA, and now, after a year of studying English and working hard, this opportunity is becoming a reality.

But the most important thing after studying in an IEP is not just improving your English skills, but also how an international experience changes your life and your perspective on the world and other cultures. You also get to meet people like Michael, the grammar professor, who can change your life. You begin to understand more about American culture; it teaches you to be kind and patient, and finally, you realize that “We all laugh in the same language.”

Thank you, IEP!

What brought you to the IEP?

I am an English teacher in a public senior high school in Japan, and I wanted to improve my English proficiency level, especially my listening and speaking skills. Additionally, I was curious about living in a foreign country even though it was a short period.  When it comes to improving English, I know the east and the west coast of the U.S. have many Japanese, so I thought it would be better to chose the Midwest area, Indiana University. Of course, safety is also an important factor for me to decide on the IEP in Bloomington.

What is your favorite thing about the IEP?

The teachers were very passionate and responsible. They created an environment where students could develop their English skills outside of the classroom, such as by introducing them to Podcasts for professionals, English clubs, and English newspapers, which are weekly newspapers of Indiana University. In class, they checked students’ understanding through their reactions carefully. In terms of evaluation, they gave quizzes when appropriate, diagnosed students’ level of understanding and gave appropriate feedback to us. It was helpful and encouraging for me to continue studying.

What was your favorite class with the IEP?

Difficult question!  I like Michael’s clear and concise explanation of English grammar and his small lecture about nature and creatures based on his observation and profound knowledge. In Maddie’s communications class, we had a debate activity, which was fun and exciting for me.  I would like to incorporate the debate activity as she did into my teaching. Then, Leslie’s reading class used Indiana University’s newspaper as authentic material to expand our vocabulary and discuss the issues on the paper. Thanks to this activity, I became accustomed to reading longer texts and felt less psychologically burdened.

What do you think about Bloomington, Indiana?

I know only about the area around Indiana University, but it looks like a good community to live. It is quiet and people are friendly.

Hi Chenhao! Can you tell us a little about yourself?

Yes. My American name is Willy and I am from China, I’m currently 19 years old.

What is your favorite thing about the IEP?

My favorite thing in IEP is the good relationship between teacher and student. Teachers are really kind and patient to students and love to teach them new things. The events are quite interesting too, like the coffee hour and the show case. I like the pizza so much!

What was your favorite class with the IEP?

My favorite class is grammar class, it really helps me a lot on the English learning. My grammar teacher Michael, who is also my favorite, truly wants to teach us his knowledge.

What do you think about Bloomington?

I think Bloomington is a such a quiet place.  The lifestyle here is slow and no one is rushing. I like this kind of life style. America is also very good country. People here is so nice to communicate, and I can be really who I am.

What are your plans now that you have finished with the IEP?

I plan to go to Indiana University and continue to study, because I love this place and all the things around it. They all told me this is the most suitable place for me to study. In long term, I really would choose to stay and study here, because I like the environment here in the university.

My favorite part of my role as a staff member in the Intensive English Program is seeing my younger self reflected in you. Travel for second language study and acquisition has been a big part of my life, and I have so many memories of being in a new country, struggling to understand the people and the street signs and the menus and the rules. And feeling so excited for the adventure I was on.

I have studied language at schools in France and Italy in high school and college, I have spent time traveling and working and volunteering in Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru, Haiti, Mauritius, Spain, Morocco, Turkey, Albania, Israel, China, Cuba, Mexico, the Dominican Republic and, in all these beautiful places, there were kind people who helped me navigate the challenges of being a foreigner in new land and who helped me learn the language and cultural skills to feel strong and safe.

To travel to another country to learn a new language is a leap of faith. You allow yourself to become like a child again, unable to fully express yourself, unable to do many things on your own or to control the world around you. But what an incredible gift you receive in return for your bravery! You get to experience the miracle of finding the words and language tools that, like a key, once again unlock your inner world. And, in the new material of this other language, you might notice colors and textures to your thoughts and your experience of the world that you had not been aware of before. Maybe there is a new word, or sentence structure, or expression that allows you to understand things differently than before. A new language can feel like a special pair of glasses that give you a whole new view of life.

It can be scary to open yourself to the vulnerability of being so linguistically young again but, just as adults are usually kind to young children – making sure they are safe and helping guide them on the path of life – as a language learner, I have always been met with the kindness of others who wish to help guide me on my journey.

It is an honor, as an IEP staff member, to be here to help guide you on yours. Whether it is a question about the program, finding housing, IU’s immunization requirements, campus employment, your plans for future study, the English language, your Bloomington community, or just a question about life, I hope you always feel safe coming to Room 706 to talk to staff about it. If we don’t know the answer, we will help point you to someone else who will.

I am so proud of you for the journey you are on. I know how challenging it can be and how incredibly memorable and formative it is. Congratulations on taking this leap into the unknown and all the beauty that awaits!

Sincerely,

Claire Frohman, IEP Office Staff

Established in the summer of 1977, the Intensive English Program (IEP) at Indiana University (IU) is one of the longest standing intensive English language programs in the country. Housed on the historic IU Bloomington campus, which is rated one of the most beautiful college campuses in the United States, IEP students have access to all of the university’s vast cultural, academic, and natural resources. With a welcoming and connected Bloomington community that feels like an extension of the university itself, IEP students have endless opportunities to enhance their studies with immersion into American language, culture, and community outside the classroom.

A pioneer in university-level ESL programming from the very beginning, the IEP has roots that far precede its official founding. As early as the 1960s, the university was home to several English language projects, including one with the Saudi Arabian Educational Mission, the Arab Gulf Program sponsored by ADNOC, a Libyan English Program, an Algerian English Program, and a Venezuelan English Program, all running separately. There is even record of a program called the Brazilian Project, organized by Edna Ballinger in 1952.

Interest in participation in these early programs was high, and much broader than the various country-specific language projects could support. With the goal to increase access for students who did not fit into the parameters of these individual programs, and to better serve students on their learning journeys, program founders met with the Dean of International Programs and the Vice President to discuss the need for a unified English language organization within the university. The meetings were fruitful and, in 1977, the Indiana University Intensive English Program officially came into being.

Consolidating the various English language projects into a unified program allowed for myriad programmatic improvements, including the development of a levels-based approach in which students were placed together by level of English proficiency rather than by their native languages. This allowed for more tailored and effective instruction as well as the establishment of a smoother pathway to matriculation at the university. From that time forward, completion of level 7 of the IEP exempts students from the language proficiency requirements on a university application. The program continued to thrive over the years and, by the 1990s, had grown to such an extent that almost any matter relating to non-native English students would come to or through the IEP. In fact, certain activities at the university, such as the English Proficiency Exam administered to all international students, were only possible because the IEP was there to provide the services.

While programs of this nature have blossomed in scope and popularity over the past few decades, and though there are countless apps now for learning English online, nothing compares to the immersive quality of in-person instruction that sets IEP Bloomington apart as a top-tier language acquisition program. And, while principles and techniques in linguistics and language acquisition have affected the direction of the IEP’s growth and development since its founding, it is the variety and ever-shifting population of our student cliental that has had the most impact on all aspects of our program.

Ultimately, we are here to serve our students, and it is they who constantly teach us, lead us, and change us. After 46 years of wonderful students passing through our doors, we are excited to see what the years have in store as new students join to help write the next era of IEP history!