Faculty Spotlight: A moment with… Beth Fincke

June 19th, 2019 in Highlight.

CELOP faculty member Beth Fincke takes a moment for a brief interview.

1. What is your name?

Beth Fincke

2. Where are you from?

I’m from Emsworth, Pennsylvania, which is a small suburb of Pittsburgh. There are so many trees and rivers there, and I spent most of my time outdoors, reading and playing sports when I was young.

3. What did you do before working at CELOP?

I was teaching ESL at Northeastern University and before that I taught at the American University of Cairo in Egypt for two years.

4. What aspect of your role do you enjoy the most?

I love enabling my students to use English as a tool to reach their personal and professional goals. I feel like it is a joy to enable them to create a cooperative community in the classroom as they also become active participants in the greater Boston community.

5. Favorite thing to do in Boston?

I love to visit areas like Somerville, Central Square, and Jamaica Plain and try the different restaurants, and dance and shop at the outdoor festivals and little stores there.

6. If you had to eat one meal, every day for the rest of your life, what would it be?

I love fresh, local food, and I eat a variety of different fruits and vegetables. It would be so boring if I always had to eat the same thing!

7. What’s your favorite TV Show?

I don’t watch TV but I like to watch dramas and documentaries on AmazonPrime.

8. What is the best destination you’ve travelled to?

It would be a tie between visiting Taipei, where one of my brothers lives, and Morocco, where some of my friends are from.

9. Favorite restaurant in Boston?

Life Alive Café --There is an awesome branch of this café right outside CELOP on Comm Ave!

10. What are your hobbies?

Yoga, meditation, reading, long walks and hikes, swimming, salsa dancing, and organic gardening.

11. What is your hidden talent?

I can often acclimate to different cultures quickly and I’m good at learning languages.
I speak German, Spanish, and Egyptian Arabic relatively well.

12. What would people never guess you do in your role?

In addition to being a senior lecturer, I’m also coordinating the EducationUSA program. I’ve been communicating with different departments at BU as well as with different research facilities and STEM-related learning centers around Boston.

CELOP Alumni: Where are they now? Aziza Sattarova (Aziza), Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

May 6th, 2019 in Highlight.

CELOP Alumna Aziza Sattarova

1. What is your name?

My name is Aziza Sattarova, but call me Aziza.

2. Where are you from?

I am from Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

3. Where do you live now?

I still live Tashkent.

4. When and for how long did you study at CELOP?

I studied in the Intensive English Language program that lasted 12 weeks.

5. Why did you choose CELOP?

I chose CELOP because of its diverse community, programs, staff members, location, and opportunities it provides for students. Take, for example, libraries. Thanks to CELOP, I was able to study in libraries of other universities.

6. What were some of the things you liked most about CELOP? Do you have a favorite memory?

My favorite part of education in CELOP was teachers' interactions with students. I was delighted to see how willing they were to communicate with students and share their knowledge. I did not feel like it was “summer school for children” instead I felt teachers behaved like they were on the same level and treated equally everyone. Moreover, they were pleased to work even after their working hours or schedule an appointment. One of the brightest memories was book section (right on the opposite side of advisor's office) where students could borrow books for free, bring their books for others, or even take it without return. Personally, this opportunity helped me in preparation for my exams.

7. In what ways did CELOP help you prepare for what you are doing now?

It helped me to improve my knowledge of the English language in a pretty decent short period.

8. Where did you attend college for your undergraduate degree? What was your major and when did you graduate?

I got into Northeastern University and will be majoring in pharmaceutical sciences as part of the class of 2023.

9. Where are you working/studying now?

Currently, I am graduating from high school.

10. Tell us about what you want to do in the future. What is your dream job?

I am planning to become a doctor, and for accomplishing my dream, I will apply for medical school after my education at Northeastern University.

11. What was your favorite thing to do in Boston?

The predominant part of my time I dedicated to my studies, so mostly I just walked around the city. Honestly, Boston is one of the brightest places I have ever visited (trust me I have traveled a lot, and I know when the place is worth it). Boston has vast gardens full of squirrels, ducks, and various kinds of birds. When I had time or needed to feel better, Boston itself helped me. This place is just magical!

12. What was your favorite restaurant in Boston?

Unfortunately, I did not go to any restaurants during my visit to Boston, but I do remember when my brother brought me cheesecakes from Cheese Cake Factory on my birthday, and it was delicious!

13. What would you tell someone who is thinking about studying at CELOP but is unsure?

Well, from what I understood during summer 2018, you can be whatever you want in CELOP. CELOP does not push you always to study; it rather gives you space to decide what you want to do. Why do you consider education in the US? In accordance with your goals, CELOP can help you achieve it with their activities, programs, staff members, advisors, and support. The program that CELOP provides for students is not based on failing you but helping you to succeed. So, the successful result of education in CELOP only relies on you and CELOP would do everything to make you feel comfortable.

CELOP Current Student – Paweerisa Patibut (Kae), Thailand

April 9th, 2019 in Highlight.

CELOP student Paweerisa Patibut (Kae)

1. What is your name?

My name is Paweerisa Patibut, but my nickname is Kae (I know that Thai names are crazy long, so we usually have nicknames)

2. Where are you from?

I moved to Boston from Bangkok, but I’m not originally from Bangkok.  My hometown is in the northeast of Thailand called Sisaket. I moved to Bangkok to study and work for 12 years ago.

3. What program are you currently enrolled in at CELOP?

I’m currently enrolled in the intensive 12-week 25 hours English program, and now I’m getting sad because my program is going to finish on April 24, 2019 - only three more weeks! ☹

 4. What’s your favorite place on campus at Boston University?

It sounds funny, but I like to go to the Thai restaurants around the campus to try Thai food and compare which one is better.

5. What do you like most about CELOP?

I have to say that I like so many things about CELOP. The program, the teachers, and staff offer a lot of support. The standard of learning is outstanding, and the success rate is very high which I can see from many students from CELOP getting into universities and colleges in the U.S.

 6. Why did you choose CELOP?

My boyfriend is American and originally suggested it as an option.  After that, I started to do some research, and eventually I found the “CELOP Alumni: Where are they Now?” There was an article about Ariyaporn Lertariyanunt, a former Thai student. When I finished reading, I just decided to apply without hesitation.

7. Where did you attend college for your undergraduate degree? What was your major and when did you graduate?

I graduated from the Rajamangala University of Technology Tawan-ok: Chakrabongse Bhuvanarth Campus in Bangkok, Thailand a long time ago for my bachelor’s degree and my major was accounting.

8. Tell us about what you want to do in the future. What is your dream job?

I think I will eventually rejoin my employer, PricewaterhouseCoopers in Thailand, because I have taken study leave to come here and try to improve my English and get into a good business school.  It should help my career path in the future if I can finish my master’s degree. I have already had my dream job, of course, as an accountant and tax consultant.

9. What is your favorite thing to do in Boston?

I’m living with my boyfriend’s family, an American family. Usually, I spend my weekend with them by having dinner and sometimes cooking Thai food for them. I also like to hang out with my classmates who I met at CELOP and now we have become good friends. Moreover, I also have a close friend from Asia living in Quincy now, and it is great to spend time with her again.

10.What is your favorite restaurant in Boston?

I’m an ugly Asian, craving for Thai and Asian food all the time. So, Thai Basil restaurant is one of my favorite restaurants. I also like Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ because my Japanese friends from Fall 2018 semester took me there. The food was delicious.

11. What would you tell someone who is thinking about studying at CELOP but is unsure?

Do not hesitate to apply to CELOP! Just come to be a part of CELOP’s family! I’m so sure that you will love being here!  Having new friends from different countries, a new culture, and a new environment at CELOP has been the best experience in my life. You will be amazed at how fast your English improves.

CELOP Current Student – Pedro Castro-Rial Quintana, Spain

April 5th, 2019 in Highlight.

CELOP Current Student Pedro Castro-Rial Quintana from Spain

1. What is your name?
My name is Pedro Castro-Rial Quintana but all my friends called me Perico.

2. Where are you from?
I’m from Madrid, Spain. However some of my family originated in Switzerland.

3. What program are you currently enrolled in at CELOP?
I’m enrolled in the 20 hours program, and I study academic purposes and TOEFL preparation.

4. What’s your favorite place on campus at Boston University?
My favorite place on campus is probably the CELOP lobby, because there you can have lunch and spend time with your friends. I also liked to go to Boston University’s Fitness & Recreation Center (FitRec), where I can workout and play soccer with friends from the CELOP soccer team.

5. What do you like most about CELOP?
I would say the community in CELOP is what I most enjoy. The students and the staff are so friendly and they help you with everything.

6. Why did you choose CELOP?
Actually, I’ve choose CELOP because of their prestigious name and programs aimed at helping me pursue my objective of being accepted into a LLM program here in Boston.

7. Where did you attend college for your undergraduate degree? What was your major and when did you graduate?
I attended college in San Pablo CEU University which is in Madrid. There I studied Law and graduated just last year.

8. Tell us about what you want to do in the future. What is your dream job?
What I want to do in the future is to become an international lawyer and be able to give legal advice to technological startups after pursuing my LLM.

9. What is your favorite thing to do in Boston?
My favorite thing to do in Boston is hang out with friends and walk around this amazing city. I feel like I’m always discovering something new!

10. What is your favorite restaurant in Boston?
The best restaurant that I tried in Boston is Joe’s American Bar & Grill on Newbury street. It’s in the style of typical local food. I recommend you to try it!

11. What would you tell someone who is thinking about studying at CELOP but is unsure?
I would recommend everyone that is interested in improving their English skills to come here and take the advantage of the American college experience.

CELOP Current Student – Yang Yuzhu, China

March 18th, 2019 in Highlight.

Yang Yuzhu from China

1. What is your name?

My name is Yang Yuzhu. Maybe it’s a little bit difficult to read it correctly, so you can call me Victoria.

2. Where are you from?

I was born in Jinzhou, Liaoning province. It’s a coastal city located in Northeast China. Also it’s famous for its barbecue. I live in Tianjin now.

3. What program are you currently enrolled in at CELOP?

Four weeks’ Future STEM Leaders (Spring 2019).

4. What’s your favorite place on campus at Boston University?

Of course CELOP! I really enjoy myself here. The lobby is my favorite place to stay. Because it’s easy to make new friends and I can know about all kinds of activities the first time.

5. What do you like most about CELOP?

I like the people here most, they are so kind! Though I have too many questions, they are always patient and passionate.

6. Why did you choose CELOP?

I got the information from the website of our school, and I think it’s really a good choice for me to improve my spoken English. Also, I’m so interested in different culture, so I just signed up without hesitation.

7. Where did you attend college for your undergraduate degree? What was your major and when did you graduate?

Hebei University. And I major in computer science. I’ll graduate in 2021.

8. Tell us about what you want to do in the future. What is your dream job?

I think I’ll be an engineer in the future. Personally, it’s really cool to design programs by myself. I always admire someone who does well in coding.

9. What is your favorite thing to do in Boston?

I like hanging out best. I ‘m always interested in all kinds of beautiful sights, so it’s a good choice to walk through the streets and take a lot of pictures.

10. What is your favorite restaurant in Boston?

Xiangyu(湘遇), a Chinese food restaurant.

11. What would you tell someone who is thinking about studying at CELOP but is unsure?

Just come study with us, or you’ll regret. It’s a wonderful place for you to relax and tap your potential.

CELOP Current Student – Guillermo Ao, Peru

February 28th, 2019 in Highlight.

CELOP Student Guillermo Ao

1. What is your name?
My name is Guillermo Ao, a combination of Spanish and Chinese name.

2. Where are you from?
I am from Lima, Peru in South America, but my family actually comes from China.

3. What program are you currently enrolled in at CELOP?
Right now I am in Bridge to BU, which is a special program for students who are just a step closer to start their undergraduate program in BU. It is an intense English program that lasts for 12 weeks.

4. What’s your favorite place on campus at Boston University?
My favorite place is West Campus, because it has most of the places I need. For example, the gym is there where I can exercise or the dining hall where I can eat and socialize with other students.

5. What do you like most about CELOP?
CELOP gave me the opportunity to create new experiences that I never thought of. The group of people you are surrounded by are from all around the world. I like it because I was raised in a country that is different than where my family is from, a mixture of cultures where you can learn so much from classmates and faculty.

6. Why did you choose CELOP?
I choose CELOP because I wanted to improve my English language skills and this place is known for its quality in language programs and it is also part of the BU community, which gave me an insight what it is like to be a full-time student in college.

7. Where did you attend college for your undergraduate degree? What was your major and when did you graduate?
Currently I haven’t started college yet, but I want to study Electrical Engineering to catch up with the rise of technology and innovation that we are experiencing these years.

8. Tell us about what you want to do in the future. What is your dream job?
As I am an aspiring engineer I want to be able to create new technologies that contribute to society in a way that can generate new ideas in others. My dream job is to be part of a community that works together to find solutions to our daily problems in a creative and innovative way.

9. What is your favorite thing to do in Boston?
Exploring is one of the things I like the most to do because there is so much to see in the city. It has so much history, merging the old and the new structures and places. There are also many pieces of public art around Boston, it is a very good place to get lost and find the unexpected.

10. What is your favorite restaurant in Boston?
I like that Boston has a wide variety of food choices, but recently I went to Bonchon Chicken with my friends and ate some crispy spicy chicken that I had never tried before. The food there was really enjoyable and I would like to keep tasting different restaurants around the city.

11. What would you tell someone who is thinking about studying at CELOP but is unsure?
Studying in CELOP is one of the best experiences I ever had in my life, all the moments that I lived with all kinds of people is just amazing. If you want to study in CELOP I can tell you one way or another you will like it. No matter where you are from you will contribute to this community of amazing people.

CELOP Current Student – Pierre Heridan Tchissita Batchi, Republic of the Congo

February 19th, 2019 in Highlight.

CELOP Current Student Heridan Tchissita Batchi

1. What is your name?

Pierre Heridan Tchissita Batchi

2. Where are you from?

Republic of the Congo

3. What program are you currently enrolled in at CELOP?

6-week Intensive English (Summer-1)

4. What’s your favorite place on campus at Boston University?

Two favorite places: Classrooms (CELOP) and Dormitory (Kilachand Hall)

5. What do you like most about CELOP?

Two things: Courses structure and Diversity of nationalities (students and staff)

6. Why did you choose CELOP?

I found CELOP when I was searching for an Intensive English Summer Course in U.S with Google Search. I chose CELOP because of the reputation of Boston University and, in general, the reputation of universities in Massachusetts State.

7. Where did you attend college for your undergraduate degree? What was your major and when did you graduate?

I attended college both in the Republic of the Congo and the Republic of Cameroon, with some trainings in France. I graduated in Production Engineering in July 2008

8. Tell us about what you want to do in the future. What is your dream job?

I have been working for TOTAL (an international petroleum group) for 10 years, with a permanent contract. But my dream is to do my own business in the future

9. What is your favorite thing to do in Boston?

I spent too little time in Boston, so I focused myself in studying English. But at times I liked visiting parks and historic museums

10. What is your favorite restaurant in Boston?

Most of times I went to BU Dining Room (Warren Tower), but at times I went to different other restaurants along Commonwealth Avenue and in Downtown (including Asian restaurants)

11.What would you tell someone who is thinking about studying at CELOP but is unsure?

I strongly recommend people to study at CELOP based on my own experience. I really benefited from the courses structure and methodology, and I am pretty sure many other people will do so, especially those from my country and from my company.

CELOP Current Student – Dossou Samuelson, Sam, Gabon

December 6th, 2018 in Highlight.

CELOP Student Sam Dossou

1. What is your name?

My name is Raphael Uriel Samuelson Dossou.

2. Where are you from?

I’m from Gabon, a country located in central Africa, however, I was born in Washington D.C.

3. What program are you currently enrolled in at CELOP?

I’m currently doing the intensive 12-week 25 hours of English program. I’m here for three months from September to December.

4. What’s your favorite place on campus at Boston University?

My favorite place on campus is the George Sherman Union (GSU) because you can eat and talk with your friends there. The main library, Mugar, is also in the same building so if you wanted a quiet place to work, you can go there too.

5. What do you like most about CELOP?

At CELOP, I have the opportunity to learn English and at the same I have the opportunity to meet peoples from many countries around the world. Being able to work and creating contacts is one of the things that I like the most about CELOP. The fact that the staff (teachers…) are very kind with us is something that I really like here.

6. Why did you choose CELOP?

I choose CELOP because I have three sisters and one brother that did CELOP a long time ago. They all did two semesters here and really liked it.

7. Where did you attend college for your undergraduate degree? What was your major and when did you graduate?

I have not gone to college for my undergraduate degree yet. I’m going to attend Suffolk University to study International Business.

8. Tell us about what you want to do in the future. What is your dream job?

I would like to go back to my country to start my own import/export company selling African products and minerals. Hopefully, I can take this business to the international level.

9. What is your favorite thing to do in Boston?

I like to walk along the Esplanade, which is about 5 minutes away from where I live. It’s really cool that I can see the river from my living room. I’d still like to visit all the different universities around here like MIT and Harvard.

10. What is your favorite restaurant in Boston?

My favorite restaurant in Boston is FOGO DE CHÃO it’s a Brazilian Steakhouse where I went the first time with my mom when I arrived in Boston.

11. What would you tell someone who is thinking about studying at CELOP but is unsure?

I would tell him/her to come here without hesitation because I’ve done many different programs, such as the Oxford Royale Academy, to learn English but CELOP is one of the best. The staff and teachers here try their best to help the students and make them as comfortable as possible.

CELOP Alumnus: Where Are They Now? José and Miguel Villazón Gutiérrez, Colombia

October 12th, 2018 in Highlight.

Interview with José (left) and Miguel Villazón Gutiérrez (right).

José was at CELOP last semester, Summer 2018, and Miguel studied at CELOP in the spring and summer semesters in 2012; he took academic English and then the Legal English course for Practitioners.

Miguel recommended that José study at CELOP.

Where are you from?

We’re from Valledupar, Colombia. I, Miguel, live there now, working as a corporate and business lawyer in my family’s company. Thanks to my CELOP experience, I was accepted to the LL.M. programs at Suffolk, BU, and BC. I did the LL.M. program at BC. Today I am doing an MBA at the University of Miami, having good results and understanding well every concept and theory.

What made you recommend CELOP to José?

I recommended CELOP to my brother because it’s different from other English institutes. The first reason why I recommended CELOP was because it’s part of BU, so this opens a lot of opportunities at BU, such as being part of the BU community, access to the gym and library. The second reason is because I liked how CELOP teachers focused the class on the students, helping them to improve skills and knowledge in an easy way. Third, CELOP helped me in the Master’s application that was so important for me at that moment. My brother needs this too; for him it’s also very important.

José, where did you attend college for your undergraduate degree?

I attended the Universidad Externado de Colombia, located in Bogotá, Colombia, where I earned my law degree.

Tell us about what you want to do in the future. What is your dream job?

My next step in life is earning a Master’s degree in law and then going back to Colombia to work in my family’s company.

What is your favorite thing to do in Boston?

Boston is a great city for walking, having exquisite food, and meeting friends from all over the world.

Do you think your English has improved and if so why?

My vocabulary and academic skills are what have improved the most here at CELOP.

Faculty Spotlight: A moment with Stephanie Ngom

August 6th, 2018 in Highlight.

CELOP Faculty, Stephanie Ngom

1. What aspect of your role do you enjoy the most?

I enjoy helping students achieve their goals for English language learning. It's so wonderful to see the look of joy in their eyes when they make progress on their English skills at the end of the semester. I also enjoy learning about my students' cultures. Each student brings their own individual experience that has been shaped by their culture. It's so inspiring to discover each student’s culture throughout the semester and also see how the students learn from each other.

2. What did you do before working at CELOP?

Before I started working at CELOP, I worked in the public school system in Boston with kindergartners and in Brookline with 4th graders. Before that I taught at a university in Senegal, West Africa where my husband is from. I taught English to computer science students for a year at the Universite de Saint-Louis Gaston-Berger.

3. Where are you from?

I’m originally from Whitefish, Montana, which is a small town in the northwestern part of the state up near Canada. I grew up enjoying all that nature has to offer with a cold mountain lake about a 10 minute walk from my house and a renowned ski resort about a 30 minute drive away. My childhood was filled with hiking, camping, swimming and snowboarding. In the summers we would spend many days in Glacier National Park that has incredible views of the Rocky Mountains.

4. Favorite thing to do in Boston?

It’s hard to just choose one favorite activity in Boston, but when I have visitors from out of town, I usually take them on the Freedom Trail. It’s really interesting to see the famous landmarks and buildings that help us gain insight into the history of the U.S. We can discover how Boston played an important role in forming the country we see today. Start in the Boston Gardens (especially in the Spring to see the blooming flowers) and continue through the Boston Commons until the North End. Also, stop for a break to get authentic Italian coffee and gelato at Cafe Vitttoria. 

5. If you had to eat one meal, every day for the rest of your life, what would it be?

I love salad! I’m a huge fan of fresh and local organic ingredients, and I think I would be happy if I could have salad every day for the rest of my life. There’s a great “fast food” salad place called Sweet Green in Copley Square that has lots of choices for greens and toppings. Definitely check it out if you love salad like me.

6. What’s your favorite TV Show?

My favorite tv show currently is This is Us. It’s about a family that goes through all of life’s joys and challenges. I think I probably cry every episode because of all the wonderful family dynamics from sibling rivalry to weddings and pregnancies.

7. What is the best destination you’ve travelled to?

I love to learn about different cultures and languages, so I’d definitely have to say Senegal, West Africa. I’ve lived there several times in my life, but the first time was when I was just out of college. That first experience there opened my mind so much to a different society, religion and language. The people in Senegal are so kind and welcoming, and the music, art and culture are so inspiring.

8. Favorite restaurant in Boston?

My favorite restaurant in Boston is Life Alive. Actually there is one that is supposed to open soon near CELOP. It’s got the most amazing bowls of fresh ingredients and these sauces that are to die for!

9. What are your hobbies?

My hobbies right now are really based on my kids’ lives. I have two daughters and we enjoy watching movies and going shopping. We also do lots of arts and crafts. I also really love spending time outside taking long walks or going to the beach and reading.

10. What is your hidden talent?

I don’t really have a hidden talent, but I do think I’m pretty good at learning languages. I’m fluent in French and Wolof (the 1st national language of Senegal), and I studied Spanish and Arabic. My next language to learn is Chinese.

11. What would people never guess you do in your role?

Currently I’m working as the Coordinator of the Bridge to BU Program, so I have a lot of duties outside of teaching, such as meeting with different staff members at CELOP. I also created the online course that the Bridge to BU students must take before they arrive at BU.