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.
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