The students, faculty and staff of the SUNY New Paltz Haggerty English Language Program capped a successful summer term with a completion ceremony and barbecue on Aug. 3. A diverse collective of language learners and educators from around the world gathered to reflect on their completion of the vigorous five-week ESL program, and prepared for future endeavors in classrooms and professional positions here and abroad.
“On behalf of the administration, faculty and staff of SUNY New Paltz, please allow me to congratulate you on the completion of ESL summer session 2016. Well done!” said Bruce Sillner, dean of the Center for International Programs. “I want to thank all of you for all you’ve contributed and learned during your time at New Paltz. You’ve enriched us by your presence on our campus and in our community, which reminds us of the importance of exchanging ideas with colleagues and friends from around the world.”
The Haggerty English Language Program provides year-round language instruction to international students and professionals, including representatives of many of the College’s exchange partner institutions.
The summer program offers a particular level of immersion. Students complete 18 weekly instruction hours on subjects including reading and writing, oral communication and grammar, as well as courses and special events focusing on cultural acclimation.
“As members of this summer’s class you have completed a short but intensive ESL session, requiring a great deal of hard work, discipline and concentration,” said Connie Perdreau, ESL director for the Center for International Programs. “You have all made great progress, and we wish you great success as you move on to careers as educators and international scholars.”
The 2016 summer session class included students from Shanghai, China, language instructors from the Mexican state of Puebla and Turkish scholars who are attending New Paltz through the Dual Diploma program, among others. A handful will remain in the Hudson Valley and the SUNY system this fall, either enrolling here at New Paltz or at SUNY Sullivan.
More information about the Haggerty English Language Program is available online.
International students and those who wish to learn more about study abroad opportunities can visit the website of the SUNY New Paltz Center for International Programs.
