ieli star spring 2013

I N T E N S I V E E N G L I S H L A N G U AG E I N S T I T U T E S P R I N G 2013

w w w.internat ional.unt.edu/iel i

Established in 1977, IELI is one of the

largest language programs for learning academic English in

the U.S.

Each April, UNT celebrates International Month, also called Celebrating Great Global Citizens Month. IELI students participate by carrying their home country’s fl ag in a parade, planning and performing at festivals, cooking food for the International Food Fair, and much more.

Celebrating Great Global Citizens

2 IELI STAR I SPRING 2013

Editor-in-ChiefAmber Hallberg

Logo DesignDani NicholsonPhotographersHamza Al JawiSultan Alsaadi

Amber HallbergKatie JohnsonProofreadersJosh Bollman

Chris Fabiszewski

IELI DirectorFernando Fleurquin

IELI Assistant DirectorCarol Ogden

IELI Assistant Director for Student Succsss

Josh BollmanSpecial Projects Coordinator

Sabine ThepautCommunication Curriculum

CoordinatorDonna Obenda

Writing Curriculum CoordinatorChris Fabiszewski

Lab/ASC CoordinatorAngela Landt

Student CounselorAmber Hallberg

Lab AdvisorEvan Arnold

Offi ce ManagerLindsay Goodman

Admissions AdvisorMegumi Leali

Administrative AssistantAmanda Harrison

CONTENTSWomen’s Group/2

Global Warming/3

UNT/4-5

Medieval Times/6

Poem/6

Ranch Day/7

How I Have Changed Since High School/7

Alumni Corner/8

IELI STAR magazine is a semesterly publication

showcasing IELI students’ writing.

Intensive English Language Institute1155 Union Circle #311067

Denton, TX 76203-5017University of North Texas

Sycamore Hall, 204307 S. Ave B

Denton, TX 76203http://www.international.unt.edu/ieli

The Intensive English Language Institute is a division of UNT-International.

Hamza Al JawiAllie Dyson

Lisa HollingerKatie Johnson

Karen LioySandra Stroo

Thank you to all the students, teachers, and staff who contributed their time and talents to making this semester’s IELI STAR, particularly:

It is a very good idea to have some privacy with your women friends to meet and discuss many is-sues facing us in modern life in different cultures. You can fi nd this great chance in the women’s group in IELI. As they go together and visit one friend in her house, you have a fi rst impression about an American house and how the people who live their clean and arrange the house with a wonderful ac-ceptable to other customs like China, Arab, Taiwan, Japan. In addition, it is a great chance to make a friend from outside UNT and improve your skills in speaking and social life. Also, they discuss many topics in different countries and how customs are different when entering a new country’s airport, marriage, animals, and food experiences. Furthermore, cooking together is a great idea to discover different recipes. The Women’s Group makes you feel respectful of our countries and culture and helps you to discover something new about other friends. It helps to touch other women’s problems in different parts of the world. Women are close to each other and able to help their other sisters in other parts in many countries. I am happy to be a part of the women’s social society.

By Afnan Habeb • Saudi Arabia • Level 3 Writing

Women’s Group

Afnan Habeb

Stay in touch with IELI on Facebook! Follow us at “Unt Ieli” or link to our profi le

from http://www.ieli.unt.edu.

www.international.unt.edu/ieli 3

During Spring I, IELI hosted a talent show. Many talented students entertained the audience with songs, dances, and other performances.

Global warming is a big problem that affects people’s ability to live. However, people still do not pay attention to this problem. Nowadays, some people and some organiza-tions try to teach people about this problem, and they try to teach us about good ways to help the environment. Howev-er, big factories around the world produce a lot of smoke and CO2 every day. As a result, the smoke and CO2 affects the temperature and the greenhouse effect. Three of the most affected are a lot of fl oods, the sea level change, and drying of a lot of areas.

Nowadays, everyone sees that there are a lot of fl oods around the world. Many of those fl oods happen because of global warming. Floods affect people’s ability, and fl oods destroy a lot of houses and buildings in people’s communi-ties. Also, the fl oods make a lot of problems for govern-ments, which lose a lot of money helping people and rebuild the destroyed buildings. In addition, people are killed by fl oods every year. In fact, more than 100 people were killed by high fl oods in India in 2007. Also, during that time, peo-ple in India had to stay without housing and food. In short, fl oods are one of the biggest effects of global warming.

Another effect of global warming is the sea level change. This problem is a very important problem. Because the ice in Antarctica melts every year, the sea level rises more and more. The ice in Antarctica keeps a lot of water, so if the ice melts a lot, the sea level will rise. The water will cover a lot of areas around the earth. Also, the water will destroy a lot of buildings and cause a lot of problems for governments. For instance, some cities near the beach fi nd that the sea level in their city has increased compared to ten years ago.

As a result, New York and some cities near the beach will be covered by water after one century. Clearly, the sea level change is one of the problems resulting from global warming.

Finally, a lot of areas around the world become dryer. This problem affects their peoples’ life nowadays. Because the ground becomes dry, all things die. A lot of people have to move from their places because the dry areas become drier and the water level decreases. A lot of people lose their ranch and their animals because they can’t fi nd water for them. For example, some people can’t fi nd food to eat and water to drink in Africa, especially in Somalia. A lot of people die every year because they can’t fi nd any food. Also, the ground is very dry and there’s no water in it, so people can’t grow crops and have animals. Also, some areas in Arabic deserts become dry more in last two years. It hasn’t had any rain in those deserts for the last two years. Obviously, dry areas occur more and more and increase every day because of global warming.

In conclusion, if people or countries around this world don’t try to use alternative power, like power from sun and wind, the world will face a lot of problems. People should stop using a lot of gas and other fossil fuels like coal. Peo-ple should develop new ways to use power and to save the earth’s weather. The world is like a big house for us, so we should save it from any dangers. The three most common effects are fl ooding, sea level changes, and a lot of areas be-come drier.

By Sultan Alsaadi • Oman • Level 4 Writing

Global Warming

Sultan Alsaadi


IELI students attended a Dallas Mavericks basketball game. The Mavs defeated the Chicago Bulls in the last three seconds of the game!

Do you know how to choose a perfect uni-versity? There are many uni-versities in U.S, so you have to know what a good univer-sity is for you. I

chose university of North Texas for three reasons.

First, there are many teachers from many countries. In fact, there are a few teachers from Asia. For example, Mrs. Hyunju Lee taught me last term, and she is from Korea. She is friendly with me, and she respects me, so I love her, and I would like to be in her class next term.

Second, there are many places students can participate. For exam-ple, there is a gym and health center. Students can join the gym and play soccer or basketball. Also, there is swimming area. In addition, students can get a job in the health center while they are studying.

Third, there are many students from many countries. You can make friends from different countries. All the students at UNT are friendly, and they will respect you, and you will see a new cultural life in UNT.

In short, there are many places in UNT, such as gym, health center and new classes. I advise you to come here, and I'm sure that you will be a better person.

By Saif Alharassi • Oman • Level 2 Writing

UNT is a good univer-sity for many students. First, UNT is in Den-ton, so it has a nice environ-ment to help students study. For example,

UNT is always quiet and clean on the campus. In addition, students can sit outdoors to study. Also, they can study with the sun. For instance, if you sit outdoors to study, the sun will help your head be sober. It won’t let you feel sleepy. Second, UNT offers many services to help stu-dents learn. For example, “Tell Me More” and “Adult Learn Activities” are very useful websites for students who need to practice English. They can practice many different activi-ties and learn other things in many ways. Third, UNT has many differ-ent buildings to use. For example, it has a gym, libraries, and labs. These buildings are free for every interna-tional student, and it just requires students to show their student ID. If students want to search for some in-formation, they can go to the library. It will help students understand their questions. In short, I think UNT can let students learn many new things. It is a good university for me.

By YuTing Chang (Renee) • Taiwan • Level 2 Writing

UNT is a fa-mous univer-sity in America. Three things are well-known about UNT. First, good edu-cation is an important part of UNT. UNT

has many majors. Students choose one of them as their major. My ma-jor is piano performance. Also, mu-sic program of UNT is famous in the U.S. The teachers are patient. They can give you best knowledge and help. Second, there are beautiful buildings on campus. The business building is a new one. Every morn-ing I go to Music Practice Room and play piano. The place is comfortable. The Union building is pretty good. There are different activities every day. The environment around cam-pus is pretty. Flowers and trees are growing on campus. In my free time, I usually go to the gym and do some practice. There is a lot of sport equip-ment. They make me relax after les-sons. Third, students study and live happily every day in UNT. If they have trouble, people will offer help to them. A lot of people are kind and helpful. In short, UNT is a great uni-versity. You will get good education and happy time every day.

By Lili Lang • China • Level 2 Writing

Three Things about UNT

YuTing ChangSaif AlharassiLili Lang


Where I come from is a country full of colors, exotic fl ora and fauna, folklore, green mountains, beautiful landscapes, and it’s one of the principal producers of coffee: Colombia. Being a perfect example of a place full of ethnical diversity, Colombians are characterized by being joyful, hard working, and having fervent hope. Feeling proud of being Colombian and being part of a hard work family, I have always been encouraged to follow my dreams. Therefore, even though I miss my parents and my triplet siblings, here I am, with full intentions of following my dreams and accomplishing all my goals – academic and personal. Since UNT is recognized for having one of the best faculties in Communication, I hope to be able to receive my Bachelor´s degree in Communications at UNT, and by doing so, fulfi lling one of my life long aspi-rations. Now that life has led me to UNT to learn English as a second language, I am ready to give 100% of my time and effort to accomplish my goals and be the best that I can be in accomplishing my Bachelor´s degree.

Something that has always drawn my attention to UNT is its great diversity, fi lled with a receiving environment in which everyone follows the rules and accepts all students regardless of their background. Because of the amount of students that UNT has, there are many chances that when students become involved in UNT´s organizations, they will

be able to get to know people from all sorts of cultural backgrounds, includ-ing those from different countries. This is especially important because it can reduce racial stereotypes since people participating together will grow to un-derstand the differences between cultures and countries. I, for example, have been a volunteer for the UNT UNICEF Campus Initiative Club since 2012, in which we educate, advocate, and fundraise for all the children in the world who lack basic necessities to survive, regardless of their ethnicity, race, gender, or beliefs.

Having lived away from my family has made me more responsible, and it has helped me to see what is really im-portant in life. There is great value in going out and seeing the world, meeting people, and learning about other cultures, in order to understand that stereotypes are incorrect and we should embrace all people. One year studying and living for 5 hours a day, every day, with people that do not speak the same native language as you, do not have the same culture as you, do not think the same as you, do not dress the same as you, can be hard; nonetheless, IELI at UNT has taught me more things than I ever imagined.

By Maria del Carmen Gomez • Colombia • Level 6 Writing

My Life at UNT

Maria del Carmen Gomez

During Spring I and II,

IELI students participated in a

variety of cultural excursions and events.

Learning about Native American culture at the Chickasaw Cultural Center in Oklahoma.

Cheering for the bull and bronco riders at Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo.

Listening to the Dallas Symphony Orchestra and meeting Maestro Jaap van Zweden.

Discovering other countries’ traditions (from top to bottom): Songkran, European Students’ Day, Lunar New Year, Carnival, Setsubun, and Valentine’s Day.

Volunteering with UNT students in Denton at the Big Event.

Relaxing with friends on campus after a diffi cult exam.


IELI students attended a perfor-mance at Medieval Times (above) and explored Fort Worth’s Historic Stockyards and Botanical Gardens during Spring Break (below).

PoemBy Yasmen Ben Halim • Libya • Level 6 Writing

I looked up to the sky with teary eyes,Trying to express how the weariness within A cloud talked to me, felt what is inside of me I told her that my heart is faint And I cannot stand the current miserable state. The cloud felt what I feel, But this time it started to tear Oh heaven’s tears! My talk must be severe Other clouds heard my sorrow,United and increased what was seemingly shallow Though tears everywhere, having no one to blame The only thing to be left somewhere, Is the grief for the existing sinner play Our values, attitudes, and morals Started to vanish over But beyond the seas and oceans There will be always a light That brightens our darkest moments But a light that is far, Needs to be clever to shoot the stars Being honest, sincere, and grateful, That’s what makes you faithful!

By Eralp Atamca • Turkey • Level 6 Writing

Medieval Times

Going to the Medieval Times, one the favorite things on my bucket list, was an excellent experi-ence for me. When I was in Turkey, I was always told by my brother how splendid the atmosphere is. Even though it has been six months since I have got to the USA, I couldn't fi nd enough time to visit that place

until April 13. I would not consider myself as a typical nerd; however, as a generation growing up with the Lord of the Rings, I was always interested in ancient weapons and medieval times. My brother and I literally shouted everything. We even cheered the black knight, who is supposed to be bad guy according to the scenario, in the middle of the show. In those years, knights throw a clove to the beautiful ladies in the crowd. We were sitting in the green section, and I specifi cally asked for green knight to throw me a clove because my beloved Russian friend couldn't get any clove from him. However, I couldn't get any clove either. The only thing I could get was the stem of the clove. As a result, we lost our voice that night. I would like to thank the IELI for that wonderful experience

Eralp Atamca

Yasmen Ben Halim


IELI students spent the day at Circle R Ranch on March 22. Some rode a mechanical bull or competed in a three-legged race, while others enjoyed time with their friends.

Ranch day is one of the wonderful days I will never forget. Most students came. I like this trip because of many reasons. First, it is a great chance to be with your friends, improve your skills of English speak-ing, and make new friendships. In addition, the place was great and contained inside and outside area with

nice weather and friends. Indoors had many activities. For example, air hockey, foosball, and mechanical bull were there. Students played with their friends and ate breakfast. Drinks were also there. Second, the open area was very attractive. Students played soccer and had some competi-tion. You could see a number of horses and a children playground. Stu-dents also took a small tour with a truck. The students sang and danced. Women had their own privacy and a chance in a special closed room. I think it was a special day for students to relax, meet friends, play and laugh, and it gave an idea about different society from a different part of the world. Thanks to IELI and a big thanks to their staff.

By Afnan Habeb • Saudi Arabia • Level 3 Writing

Ranch Day

Afnan Habeb

I graduated from my high school last summer, but before I was lazy and impatient. When I graduated, I become more adult. Three differences between my school and graduating are irresponsibility, laziness, and my unsociableness with classmates.

The fi rst difference is irresponsibility. While I was in my high school, I was irresponsible. When I graduated, my life changed. My skills changed and my views changed also. For example, I never came to my classes on time. I was always 30 minutes late. When I graduated, I become more adult. That’s how I changed.

Second, another difference is laziness. While I was studying in my high school, I didn’t study hard, but when I graduated, I tried to learn something new. For example, when I was in high school, I spent a lot of time do-ing nothing. When I graduated, I started searching, trying to improve my skills. That’s how I become a more hardworking person.

Third, the fi nal difference is my unsociablness with people from class. When I was in my high school, I didn’t like my classmates, but when I graduated, I met and made a lot of good friends. Moreover, I hated my classmates from high school. They only thought about drugs, alcohol and smoking. I ran away from them. When I graduated, I met people that are not so crazy like the students from my school, and I became more friendly and sociable. That’s why I changed my unsociable way with people.

In conclusion, my high school and graduating for me are really differ-ent. I became more independent. I’m not irresponsible, not lazy and not an unsociable person.

By Anastasia Birkina (Nastya) • Russia • Level 3 Writing

My Life Before and

After High School

Anastasia Birkina


Each term, IELI instructors will nominate a student to be recognized as the Student of the Term. Students will be selected based on academic accomplishments, motivation, attendance, and participation in IELI and UNT activities.

{IELI STUDENT OF THE TERM}

Spring I: Zhanzhan Zhang • China Spring II: Jeong Woo Ryu • South Korea

IELI students come from diff erent countries, cultures, and backgrounds. Some need to fl y only a few hours to land in Texas; some, an entire day. All, however, have gathered at IELI because mastering academic English is a common goal. Following is the story of one graduate.

{ALUMNI CORNER}By Amber Hallberg • IELI Student Services Coordinator

Pierro Valls • Brazil

I’m originally from Brazil, specifi cally Rio de Janeiro city. It’s known as a wonderful city because of its mountains and reliefs. Its people are very friendly and passionate about soccer and social life. Hav-ing studied in IELI made me a better person, especially because of the great cultural diversity among students. It’s a valuable experience when you have the opportunity to share your time, your knowledge, and principally your culture, your way to see the world, your symbols, and your feelings with people from all of continents. I studied with an African woman, Arabic, Mexican, Venezuelan, Bolivian, Chi-nese, Japanese, Korean, west and east European guys. I can assure that it made an enormous difference in my life, in my way to treat people and live a better life, with a better comprehension of the entire reality. I’m working now in the Belo Monte hydroelectric. It’s been in a building process, and it is going to be the third biggest hydroelectric company in the world. My occupation is full environmental analyst, and I develop the Environmental Education Program in my work for people who live in the impacted area. The skills that IELI taught me improved my job skills because a lot of documents and wordings are in English. In addition, today I can watch the best movies without reading translated subscripts. I graduated from IELI in March 2012. I’m a guy who likes to live his life among people who dream and believe in a world without prejudice, intolerance, and disrespect. I think that we need to know each other better, being friendly, gentlemanly, and reliable.

Zhanzhan Zhang started in Lev-els 3 and 4 in Fall I 2012, and during her time in IELI, she has participated in most IELI activities and fi eld trips and volunteered her time and ideas for IELI events. Zhanzhan is currently in Level 6 and wants to pursue her Mas-ter’s degree in Accounting at UNT. Zhanzhan was recommended by mul-

tiple IELI teachers who had the following to say about her:“Zhanzhan is awesome! I had her in WR 4 last term, and

she was a model student. She worked hard, participated very well in all group activities, always came to class on time, was friendly, and had a great attitude,” said Angela Landt.

“I had Zhanzhan in Level 5 Communication and in ASC. She is really one of the best students I’ve had here,” said Vanessa van Drunen.

“She is stellar in all activities/skills. You should see her color-coded note-taking booklet…She has my vote!” said Sandy Stroo.

Jeong Woo Ryu started in Levels 4 and 5 in Spring I 2013, and he has been at the top of his class. In addition to his academic achievements, he has participated in many IELI activities, volun-teered to translate names into Korean at the International Fair

and Market, and participated in UNT student organi-zations, such as Korean Culture Exchange. One of his teachers, Karen Lioy, said, “Jeong Woo Ryu is a Level 6 student who is at the top of his class. His positive attitude is greatly appreciated in class. He’s clearly a leader among his peers. If you want to improve your speaking skills, hang out with Jeong Woo!”

Congratulations, Zhanzhan and Jeong Woo, on your accomplishments!

Pierro Valls

ieli star spring 2013

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