New NIC English Program

When Erika Andrade first came to the United States from Colombia, the only English she knew was what she was able to pick up here and there.

“I came here for my American dream,” she says, speaking with confidence.

That was 12 years ago. Andrade has made a home for herself and her three children in Idaho. Because the ability to speak English is so important in this area, Andrade says she has constantly looked for resources to help her improve her English. Recently, she learned about the Intensive English Language program (IELP) at North Idaho College.

IELP is a new program that provides English language training to help students prepare for college and professional development. Students will hone a range of skills, including listening, speaking, reading and writing. Teresa Runge teaches the program, which is open to both international and non-international students.

Andrade says she was immediately excited about the program. She enrolled in June.

“I’m so happy that NIC is doing this,” she says. “Our community is growing. There are more Latino people here who want to learn English.”

The program is available year round and runs in eight-week terms. Students advance level by level until they complete the program. The next eight-week term will run from August through October. Students can take classes full-time or part-time — five, three or two days a week — to accommodate their schedules.

Andrade attends class on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Already, her English has improved so much that she’s ready to start taking college classes in the fall. She’s enrolled in two classes at NIC, and she’s optimistic for the future.

“I really want to go back to college,” she says. “I did high school in Colombia. All my life, I’ve worked in cleaning. I love cleaning and I’m grateful, but I want to have something more — a career for me and my family. I have a goal.”

Andrade says she recommends the program to anyone who wants to improve their English skills, whether for work or for school. The ability to communicate in English can open doors that would otherwise remain closed.

“I’m grateful they’ve opened the program,” she says. “It’s a great opportunity NIC has offered to all immigrants from other countries.”

To apply for the Intensive English Language Program, visit www.nic.edu/ielp/ or call 208.769.3317. Class registration information is available at www.workforcetraining.nic.edu or by calling the NIC Workforce Training Center at 208.769.3214.

Kaye Thornbrugh is the former managing editor of the NIC student newspaper The Sentinel and an intern in the NIC Communications and Marketing Department.

#local #education #lifecommunity