On February 1, 2017, ELP Language Specialist Eve Litt presented an online teacher training seminar in American English. The presentation was entitled “Using News Sources to Enhance Learning in the EFL Classroom.”

Session Abstract:

ELP Manager of Testing and Programs Elizabeth Gillstrom recently transitioned from Chair to Past-Chair of the International Teaching Assistants Interest Section (ITAIS). She served as Chair-Elect from March 2015-March 2016 where she organized the ITAIS non-adjudicated Academic Panel. From March 2016-2017 she served as Chair, coordinating the proposal submission, review, and acceptance process. In her new role she will be recruiting the 2018-2019 board of directors.

ELP University Connection Specialist Erick Hyde has been chosen to be part of the Professional Development Committee for the International Association for College Admission Counseling. As part of this committee, he is co-chairing the Admissions Leadership Workshop where participants will:

• learn coaching principles and strategies to build resonant relationships

• understand the essential role of emotional intelligence and positive emotions in effective relationships

• explore keys to trigger greater levels of effectiveness in teams, departments, and organizations,

The program pairs English Language Program students with Penn students for mutual language-learning
 
By: Nina Selipsky
Source: The Daily Pennsylvanian 

Enjoy breaking down cultural barriers? This Penn program speaks your language.

Conversation Partners is an initiative of Penn’s English Language Programs that pairs ELP participants with Penn students who want to learn a new language.

Penn English Language Programs (ELP) will be offering a free 90-minute workshop for International Graduate students at Penn who are non-native English Speakers. The workshop will present some key features of pronunciation that will make students' speaking clearer.

Date: Friday, March 17, 2017
Time: 10:30 am - 12 pm
Location: Perry World House, World Forum

A Message to the Penn Community Regarding Immigration From Amy Gutmann, President

Monday, January 30, 2017

President Trump’s recent Executive Order is injurious to our work and inimical to our values. The damage already done to the lawful freedoms and opportunities of our students and colleagues, here and around the world, is undeniable and indefensible. This Order will weaken the promise of educational opportunity, intellectual discovery, and global engagement that so distinguishes American universities.

There is a popular myth that test scores are the most important factor in getting accepted to U.S. universities. Higher SAT or ACT scores = a greater chance to be accepted, right? Wrong.

While test scores like the SAT and ACT can be an important factor for admission to some schools, there are many U.S. colleges and universities that have become test optional. “Test optional” means that the school does not require standardized tests (SAT or ACT) as part of the application for admission.

ELP Manager of Instructional Staff Development, John Cotton, and ELP Student Services Coordinator, Betsy Dougherty, presented at the EnglishUSA Conference in Monterey, CA from January 19-20, 2017.

As of June 20, 2016, Coursera launched a Coursera for Refugees program.

"Created in partnership with the U.S. Department of State, Coursera for Refugees expands Coursera’s financial aid commitment from individual learners to nonprofits serving refugee populations. Specifically, the new program allows any nonprofit organization working with refugees to apply for comprehensive group financial aid for the populations they serve."

The ELP is honored to have our MOOC courses included among those that will now reach refugee populations around the world.  

The application process can be overwhelming. And it can be appealing to try to get advice from everyone you know, including your friends. But sometimes that advice can make you feel even more overwhelmed. Suddenly it seems that everyone is way ahead of you in the process.