April 2024. Van Pelt Library, University of Pennsylvania. In search of a book for the ELP program, I found myself wandering through endless corridors that seemed to stretch infinitely. I paused, looked around, and thought, “I wish I could know everything here.”
“The ELP has helped me understand what I want to pursue and achieve in life. I never imagined that an English program could lead to such profound realizations, but that is precisely what the ELP has done for me.”
My journey to the University of Pennsylvania’s English Language Program (ELP) was driven by a clear purpose. Growing up, I watched my father, a businessman and former member of parliament, and my three sisters, all successful lawyers, excel in their careers. Yet, one challenge persisted—none of them had achieved a high level of English proficiency. From a young age, I recognized the importance of mastering English, an understanding that deepened over time as I observed its prevalence in the job market in Israel. This realization led me to enroll in the ELP in April 2024.
Upon arriving at Penn, I discovered that this journey was about much more than just learning English. It was an opportunity to explore a world of knowledge and limitless possibilities. As an ELP student, I was privileged to be part of an Ivy League institution, with access to its extensive services, amenities, and opportunities. At Penn, academic excellence is evident, reflected in the grand buildings, extensive libraries, and abundant resources. The knowledge surrounding me, the academic publications, the high level of instruction, and the diverse community all highlighted how much I have yet to learn and strive for.
The university encourages exploration and personal growth, allowing you to pursue your aspirations while nurturing your unique interests and talents. Beyond academics, the ELP program integrates full participation in campus life. As an Israeli Jewish student, I joined Jewish organizations on campus to maintain my cultural identity as an international student in the U.S. These experiences extended my English learning beyond the classroom. The application of English isn’t confined to academic settings; it permeates every conversation—with the cashier at the grocery store, the waiter at a restaurant, the doctor, and the friends you make along the way. English becomes an integral part of your daily life (and sometimes of your dreams).
What I valued most about the ELP classes was the emphasis on active participation and discussion. Unlike my high school education, which often felt like memorization without much engagement, the ELP offered a platform for learning driven by curiosity and interaction. We were encouraged to analyze and question content through group work. The small class sizes, ranging from 6 to 15 students, created a supportive learning environment. Feedback on assignments, tests, and presentations was prompt and detailed, allowing me to see my progress and growth daily. I was consistently impressed by the faculty’s dedication to helping me achieve my personal goals. Every challenge I faced, every initiative I wanted to pursue, and every topic I wished to explore received unwavering support from the staff.
Also, one of the most remarkable aspects of the ELP is the diversity of identities and cultures within the program. A particularly memorable moment was a lunch I shared with friends from the program. As I looked around the table, I realized we were a group of people from Israel, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Colombia, Kuwait, Taiwan, Oman, China, Switzerland, and Japan—all sitting together. As part of this diverse community, we participated in weekly meetings of the Professional Communication Club, where we learned about various communication styles in the business world, with a special focus on international and cross-cultural communication. The opportunity to connect with people from different countries and discover their cultures was an experience beyond compare.
From writing academic essays and preparing countless presentations, to trying cheesesteaks, figuring out baseball, and enjoying breakfast BLTs at the Chinese food truck in front of the Rittenhouse Lab—the ELP has been an extraordinary journey. This experience has been about more than just mastering English; it’s been about discovering America, expanding my knowledge, and realizing the boundless opportunities life offers. My aspirations today are vastly different from what they were before. The ELP has helped me understand what I want to pursue and achieve in life. I never imagined that an English program could lead to such profound realizations, but that is precisely what the ELP has done for me.
*Make sure you attend a concert of the Philadelphia Orchestra, this is one of the most renowned ensembles in the world. As a student, you can get very cheap tickets!
