The English Language Institute is one of VSU’s numerous academic programs. Formed in 2001 with the goal of giving students the experience of different cultures while also improving their English language skills.

ELI’s Conversation Partner Program allows students to improve not only their English language skills, but also their academic and professional expertise. Students are provided with knowledge about other cultures in order to help them function in and outside of the United States.

With these goals, students are always able to find something in the program that will help them in their future. Every student enters the program with a goal and they are individually assisted in reaching them.

The ELI believes “that what you learn in the classroom should be reinforced outside the classroom.” For this reason, the Conversation Partner Program created activities for the students to partake in outside of school.

Activities include volunteer work, local areas of interest trips and trips to Orlando, Savannah, Atlanta, and other exciting areas. The ELI program is an opportunity to meet new people, make new experiences and make friends along the way. There are also opportunities to travel abroad.

To become a volunteer, email Chris Wise at cwise@valdosta.edu or call (229) 219-1246.

Written by Jasmin Small, Staff Writer. Photo courtesy of The Spectator.