ELI Events and Immersion Experiences
Part of our approach to language learning is putting students in situations where they need to use English to complete tasks and function in real life. While it is common to ask students to give classroom presentations or write essays, we elevate these experiences with our Fall and Spring Culture Day and Anthologies projects.
Culture Day
A few weeks before graduation, students deliver their “Culture Day” presentations in one of CSI’s public presentation spaces, such as the Green Dolphin Lounge in the Student Center or one of the performance spaces in our Performing and Creative Arts Center.
The assignment often groups students of different levels who share a common culture, language, or nationality. In their Listening and Speaking Communication class, students develop and practice their presentations. They create projected slide shows and rehearse their speeches until they are polished and confident.
On the big day, they present for their classmates and invited guests. After putting on a show, students leave with the skills and confidence to succeed in the next real-life situation where they are called upon to perform.
Contact Information
English Language Institute
Center for Global Engagement
ELI office hours
Monday to Friday
9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Anthologies
Our “Anthologies” project asks students to create and refine a piece of writing over several weeks before submitting it for publication in the semester’s anthology of student writing.
We print the book and distribute it to students and guests at the graduation ceremony. The final pieces are published without errors and are accompanied by student photos or artwork.
The pressure — and the process — of creating published writing helps students expect more from themselves and recognize what they are capable of with enough commitment. When students leave the program, they have lasting proof of what they accomplished — along with their official TOEFL score, grade report, and graduation certificate.
ELI Immersion Experiences
Off-Campus Experiences
Once a month during the Fall and Spring semesters — and twice a month during the Summer sessions — our teachers lead students on immersive educational excursions off campus.
Last year, we visited major cultural sites including:
- The Metropolitan Museum of Art
- The Museum of Modern Art
- The Whitney Museum of American Art
- The American Museum of Natural History
- The Brooklyn Museum
- The National Museum of the American Indian
- Federal Hall
- Wall Street
- The High Line
- Grand Central Station
We also left campus to experience U.S. life through live theater in Manhattan, bowling, baseball games, and BBQs.
These events tie directly back into the curriculum. For example:
- After visiting the Met, students were assigned to find cultural artifacts and stories to enhance their Culture Day presentations.
- After visiting the National Museum of the American Indian and Federal Hall — where George Washington was inaugurated as the first President of the United States — students discussed the origins of the USA.
On-Campus Experiences
Our students also socialize and integrate with native-speaking CSI students at a monthly “International Coffee Hour” hosted by the Center for Global Engagement.
In addition, they:
- Attend art show openings at CSI’s on-campus gallery
- Watch movie screenings in the library and Student Center
- Attend basketball games in the Athletic Center
- Participate in department-sponsored events such as:
- The Chinese New Year celebration
- “Pizza and Pups” at the Bertha Harris Women’s Center
- Featured faculty talks
These experiences allow students to use their English in natural settings and build meaningful connections on campus.