Chicago!

This last December ESL students had the privilege of visiting one of America’s most famous cities: Chicago!

It was a dark and brisk Saturday morning on December 10^th, 2011, when 34 ESL students crawled out of bed to brave the adventure that awaited them. Oh, and did I mention it was 4:00 in the morning? J

I believe students, as well as trip leaders, were trying to calm the butterflies in our stomachs as we boarded the busses, checked off lists, and made sure everything (and everybody) was accounted for. With just a couple forgotten items that needed retrieving and a few minutes to spare, we were able to take off on our merry way. It wasn’t too long before the day started heralding it’s coming as the sky turned from black to lighter shades of grey, and then pink. It was going to be a beautiful day. Just as we had hoped!  As the scenery changed from flat farmland to rolling hills, the students began to awaken and partake in a small breakfast of cereal bars, juice, and fruit. As peaceful as this mental image may appear, the moments never grew dull as the petitions for temperature change could not be settled. “It’s too cold in here! Turn the heat up!” “Hey, could you please turn the heat down? …turn on the AC!” Maybe someday we will get it right.

After what seemed about half a lifetime on the road, Chicago’s skyline eventually started to take shape. It could be said that the rise of the student’s excitement grew in proportion to Chicago’s disclosure on the horizon! Shouts of joy and noise of gladness could probably be heard coming from each vehicle in the UIU caravan. Not only were the joyous noises increasing, but the traffic too! Soon one realized that he was in a crash course for Chicago driving! Let’s just say the keyword here is “Aggressive”. (Oh, and the word “crash” had nothing to do with vehicles, only lesson learning)

Once the students had packed away their things at the hotel, they were ready for their first day of Chicago. Half the students went to tour the Art Institute while the other half went to stroll around and enjoy the Field Museum of Natural History. Students came back talking of fine art they had seen as well as SUE, the largest and most complete T-Rex skeleton ever discovered.

The next thing on the agenda was Chicago’s Shed aquarium! Here students got to see fish from all over the world, placed in environments that reflected their original homes. Neon colored jellyfish could also be seen as well as the fish’s, shark’s, and stingray’s lunch time - fed right out of the hand of a scuba diver.

After the aquarium, students trekked up through Millennium Park viewing the giant, artsy, outdoor, theatre, as well as the “big silver bean,” or more sophistically entitled, “Cloud Gate”. Beautiful Christmas lighting could now be seen as the night progressed and even a collage of graceful ice skaters could be glimpsed weaving their way in and out of each other on the Ice Rink nearby. Though this night could have ended here, the John Hancock Observatory was still yet to go on the schedule. Going north on the famous “Magnificent Mile” students arrived to the Hancock Center and traveled 100 stories up to the top! While there, students were able to dine in at a café and enjoy the breathtaking landscape and audio tour of Chicago. After the descent back down to the street, the group headed back to the hotel for some much needed rest…especially for the feet!

Day two dawned just as brightly as the first and even greeted us with some warmer weather. Students were able to partake in a delicious continental breakfast as the group leaders bustled about for the day’s preparations. Once everyone was accounted for, the group headed off to Chinatown!

In China town, students were given a brief historical overview of the place by one of the ESL instructors and then set free to explore the area. As students returned from their explorations, it was noted that many of the Asian students were able to buy things they had not yet been able to obtain since leaving their homes in Asia. It was fun to witness this as they were able to eagerly share and discuss a bit of their country with the rest of the students, and leaders too!

After the Chinatown excursion, one last destination loomed on the horizon: the Museum of Science and Industry. Students spent the remainder of the last day exploring the endless displays that filled each room. Walking through the museum, one could experiment with tornadoes, avalanches, fire, lightning, chemical balancing, and much, much more. One special tour gave the students a chance to see the ominous U-505 submarine that was captured in the Second World War. A state of the art walk through tour gave everyone a new respect for submarine crew members!

After two fun-filled days in Chicago, the trip was nearing its end, or was it? No way! As every Chicagoan could tell you, a trip to Chicago is not complete without trying Chicago style Deep Dish Pizza! Before heading out of town, everybody indulged in Lou Malnati’s famous Chicago style pizza. Cheese, Sausage and Pepperoni pizza was had by all until all could eat no more. Now the trip could end on the right note: a full stomach!

Fall Adventures

Have you ever asked yourself why someone with a stove and microwave would ever want to brave the cold of autumn to cook their food outside… even over an open fire? How about tractors and trucks pulling wagons loaded with, not hay, but people! What of the act of picking an item from the household garden and giving it two eyes, a nose, and a mouth and involving it in the home decor? These questions are of common seasonal activities in America; however, for those crossing over from other cultures, these activities may be far from normal.

As coordinator of the field trips, I have gotten to enjoy some pretty awesome activities with a wonderful bunch of ESL students this past fall. This fall we were privileged with 36 students to take around and to help discover what the world of American Culture looks like up close and personal.

Our itinerary for the year started off with an afternoon visit to an ESL instructor’s home near Elgin, IA. Here, students enjoyed a sunny and pleasant afternoon playing yard games, eating home-cooked food, and just having a great time of fellowship; meeting and getting acquainted with the families, instructors, and staff of ESL.

On September 10^th, ESL travelled to the Carriage Classic at the Villa Louis Historic Site in Prairie Du Chien, Wisconsin. Here, there was a wide array of horse drawn carriage competitions as well as guided tours of the 19^th century Victorian style mansion located on the grounds. Afterwards, a meal was served at Pikes Peak overlooking the Mississippi River and town of Prairie Du Chien. Not only was the meal good, but the view stole the show! One Japanese student said of the place: “I had never seen such a beautiful nature.”

Later on in the month of September, before the weather got too cold, students were taken out to the countryside to enjoy a more traditional/seasonal trip consisting of a hayride, bonfire, and pumpkin carving activity. Many students had only heard of these things and some had only ever seen them on American movies.

In October, students were taken to Elkader, Iowa to visit and learn of the American Civil War from the Co. A, 49^th Iowa Veteran Volunteer Infantry. This trip will probably not soon be forgotten as students got to see and interactively discover what life would have been like during the civil war. Students learned how to load and set off a cannon as well as how to perform a civil war artillery drill and infantry drill. Probably the most captivating activity was learning how to dance the Virginia Reel. This was a country dance popular in the U.S. from about 1830-1890. Students also got to see and hold authentic and reproduced artifacts of the civil war.

These are just some of the trips I have chosen to expound on that the ESL institute has provided for its students this fall, however, there are many more trips that will be opened up to ESL students in the coming months. Special thanks must be given to those families around Fayette who continually and joyfully give of their time and resources to help show each student all the good and wonderful things that go on in our little corner of Iowa. Because of these families, many ESL students have gotten to ride a horse, milk a cow, make apple cider and ice-cream, try buffalo stew, and much, much more! I think I can say that we are all looking forward to the times ahead of us!



Welcome to Upper Iowa University!

The goal of this blog will be to have posts that inform prospective and current ESL (English as a Second Language) students about Upper Iowa University and what is happening in our ESL Institute.

To start off, a little history is appropriate.  Upper Iowa University's ESL Institute began in August 2009 with 14 students, but we are now expecting at least 40 students from a variety of countries for August 2011!  This growth is a testimony to the great service our International Programs and university provides, our dedicated instructors, our strong curriculum, and our special programming (e.g. cultural field trips and ESL Zone).  Here is a link to our webpage: http://uiu.edu/international/esl.html

Students at both beginner and advanced proficiency levels take 5 courses: grammar, writing, reading, listening/speaking, and American culture.  Students complete the ESL Institute academically equipped to succeed as undergraduates.  The cultural aspects of the program help students adapt to the demands of living in the United States and going to an American university.   

If you are looking for a university to study where there are no outside distractions, but plenty of opportunities to practice English, Upper Iowa University is for you!  Upper Iowa is located in rural scenic Northeast Iowa with many friendly Midwesterners.  It is a very safe and peaceful environment.  When you are looking for a study break and some fun, you have plenty opportunities for outdoor and indoor recreation (e.g. canoeing/kayaking, biking, swimming, weight lifting, basketball, and badminton).  Moreover, there are many campus events and clubs that students can get involved in, and a mall trip every weekend.  Additionally, students can enjoy four seasons – summer, fall, winter, and spring.  Winter is usually an enjoyable new experience for students because there is a lot of snow in comparison to their home countries.  Many build a snowman, make a snow angel, or go skiing for the first time!

I can assure you that our new incoming August 2011 ESL students will find themselves pleased with their decision to attend Upper Iowa.  I want to give a special warm welcome to them and a special welcome back to all of our returning ESL students!  

Sarah Bjork

Director, ESL Institute