English Language Institute

English Language Institute Student Reaches for the Stars

Kazuma Nagao visits the Kennedy Space Center.

Although Japanese student Kazuma Nagao had never been to the United States, he knew that studying abroad to learn English would help him inch closer to fulfilling his dream of becoming an astronaut. He had no idea, though, that this chance would bring him into contact with NASA astronauts and a community that supported his dream.

Nagao, an aerospace engineering major concentrating in fluid dynamics at Tokai University, seized the opportunity to study overseas at the English Language Institute (ELI) at Syracuse University. The 30-year partnership allows students in Japan to take part in the rigorous language learning program, studying English textually and orally five days a week. Nagao credits the ELI with giving him not only improved English skills, but also strong friendships and a new outlook on his career goals.

In this Q&A with Nagao, learn more about his experience at the ELI, the connections he made, and his favorite moments during his time at Syracuse University.

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Languages Unlock Opportunities for English for Lawyers Alumna

Languages act as a guide for communicating our goals and dreams. It’s how we make sense of the world and connect with the communities around us. Become fluent in a variety of languages, and it’s like collecting keys that unlock a plethora of doors to infinite opportunities.

Ludmilla Evelin at the College of Law 2023 commencement ceremony.
Ludmilla Evelin at the College of Law 2023 commencement ceremony.

Ludmilla Evelin, an English for Lawyers alumna, came to the United States to unlock those doors and expand her law career by studying at Syracuse University. Ludmilla, a public prosecutor from Brazil, is responsible for prosecuting homicide cases, inspecting police department work, and helping survivors, victims of the crime, and the victim’s families overcome challenging moments after the crime.

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Fulbright Pre-Academic Program Sparks New Ideas with Open Access Research

Fulbright graduate students flexed their storytelling abilities Friday, Aug. 11 at the Fulbright Poster Session, an annual event that allows the international students the opportunity to present scholarly research topics to the public.

This year, 37 masters and Ph.D. students from 23 countries attended a pre-academic program at Syracuse University’s English Language Institute before matriculating into their degree programs at institutions across the United States. Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs as part of its Fulbright Program and administered by the Institute of International Education, the scholars spent this time participating in a variety of workshops, field trips, and textual and oral communication courses. The students incorporated the resources and skills they acquired during their time at Syracuse into their poster presentations, allowing them to practice their presentation skills through repetition as attendees walk by.

“The event marks the culmination of a program that provides them with the confidence they need to embark on the next leg of their academic journey at different host institutions across the country,” says David Lind, director of International Programs. “International graduate students must master academic English and also learn to present their research in a manner that’s understandable to those not specialized in their domain.”

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Ukrainian Student Finds New Opportunities Through English Language Institute

It started with an opportunity. Eduard Gusak sat down with his family and friend as they presented the life altering news to him. Months had passed since Russia invaded Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022, and Gusak was unsure of what his future held, but he knew he had to move forward.

“They told me I had an opportunity to study in the United States,” Gusak says.

With a bachelor’s degree in political science from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Gusak dreamed of continuing his education at Syracuse University. He wasn’t sure if he would ever be able to attend, but the U.S. government pathway program “Uniting for Ukraine” gave him the chance to see his future clearly.

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