In MBA preparatory course, we had intensive English learning experience, 4 hours a day in class as well as daily homework, helping me get prepared before academic study in MBA begins. Before the English course started, I thought that it was only for improving my English skill that maybe I can learn on my own by just remembering some new words and watching English dramas. But the course turned out to be totally different and beyond my expectation.
We had a class teaching us about rules of American people’s native way of speaking. Before the course, I often thought that I did not get some of native speaker’s words in conversation or TV just because they speak too fast. But in this course, I learned that native speaker are reducing syllables and pronouncing it weakly according to certain rules. Even though I have learned English for years, I have never heard of these rules. Once we knew them, we could guess and get used to the pronunciation, this helped me to better understand native speaking.
In Academic reading and listening classes, we actually listened to podcast and read articles everyday and discussed the contents and expression in class. Even though it took time to finish these homework everyday, I felt I could build up a habit of listening to native English and remembering many colloquial expressions by deeply discussing them in class. Academic writing course was one of the most impressive and useful classes for me to prepare for MBA. We wrote three essays about different types of argument (decision making, problem analysis and evaluation) that would be discussed during MBA course. These are not only about using appropriate English but also about the way to fully think and make an valid and fully expanded arguments. I am glad that I could get used to writing arguments before MBA class starts. The class materials about case discussion and speed reading were also helpful.
Another interesting class attracted me was current event. As the name of the class, we talked about current events occurring in the US and around the world from political and cultural perspectives. We discussed everyday and got to know the majority of American people’s perspective about these issues and the cultural difference between our countries and the US. The class materials also covered interesting part such as satirical articles and weird but popular animations in the US. This course improved the range of materials I can touch and think, improving my understanding of American culture and society.
After almost 2 months of classes, I could gain new perspectives of daily life, American culture and academic study of MBA. In this process, I could also get used to the rhythm of attending classes for a long time each day and complete homework, helping me get ready for further MBA study.
Thank you IEP!
“My name is Sharon Tial. I was a student at the I.E.P (Intensive English Program) in spring session 2023. This program has helped me improve a lot both in my English skill and self-confidence. Every class is taught by amazing, patient and helpful teachers. We learn grammar, reading, writing and communication skills, etc. Students can also suggest what they want to learn for their next session. We learnt various types of grammar in just a few moments, and in a very interesting way. I have also learnt a lot in reading and writing which I had always been bad at. I learnt to write citations and synthesis which I will definitely need in college. I am happy to be prepared before going to college. Communication class is unquestionably also very fun. We sometimes have outdoor learning such as going to the greenhouse or to the library. Not only did it help us improve our communication skills but also helped us improve our knowledge.”
