Skyline College ESOL faculty were honored and excited to host a very brief visit by a group of English teachers from Indonesia who visited our campus on Thursday, April 14, 2016. As part of the International Visitor Leadership Program (sponsored by the U.S. Department of State and Worldlearning), this delegation of twelve teachers had already visited a high school and a university; at this visit, they were able to learn about the important role that community colleges play in California education and about ESOL at Skyline College in particular. ESOL faculty Garry Nicol and Leigh Anne Shaw met the group and coordinated a lively, informative exchange.
Vice President of Student Services Dr. Angelica Garcia greeted the group and presented information on Skyline College alongside Vice President of Business Services Eloisa Briones. Wissem Bennani of the International Students program joined to talk about the ISP and its services to international students in helping them study at our college. The teachers, mainly of middle school, high school, and university English, had many questions about how international students are able to come to Skyline College and how the transfer process works, but there was also a little time for some “ESL shop talk” with the ESOL faculty. Sadly, the visit was too brief, and all agreed on a desire for a future, longer visit.
Many thanks to Sherrie Prasad, Mary Gutierrez, and Belinda Chan for their help in facilitating this meeting.
Article by Leigh Ann Shaw