Phally Ngoeum (right) and Md Nazimuddin (left) enjoy class discussions.
By Andrea Wurm
Phally Ngoeum, a graduate student from Cambodia, believes in the power of communication. Connecting with people is one reason that she values Oral Communication in Graduate Studies (ELIP 5300). This 3-credit hour class gives her a platform to voice her opinion.
“Communicating helps me reduce the gender inequality I experience back home. This course will help my graduate degree, studying Communication and Development Studies—and it will help me have a voice,” says Ngoeum.
Ngoeum has seen how ELIP 5300 has benefited her and her peers in their personal and professional growth.
“This class is helping me broaden my global view, not just of America, but of the countries my classmates are from. I am grateful for this class and the opportunity to speak my opinion,” she says.
The English Language Improvement Program here at Ohio University offers academic and professional communication courses for students from the United States as well as other countries. ELIP 5300, though, is specifically for international students, allowing them to further develop their communication and leadership skills in a supportive atmosphere. The course is designed to create an experience for international students that stretches across academic disciplines.
From graduate students studying Physics, to Communication and Development Studies, to Chemical Engineering, ELIP 5300 excites and engages students as they refine their public speaking skills and participate in engaging discussions, often related to American culture.
Ngoeum and her fellow classmates share a common bond of wanting to improve their public speaking skills and build their confidence.
“I feel relaxed in this class. I am in a friendly environment that has encouraged me to express the ideas I want to share. For that, I hope every international student takes advantage of the opportunities this class has to offer,” she says.
Mehdi Rezaie, studying Physics & Astronomy, encourages all graduate students to take the course to expand their network. This course allows him to develop his skills in building relationships. While this class may not be in his department, Rezaie is confident that it will help him succeed as a professional seeking a network of connections.
“A graduate student has to build relationships and with a good knowledge of English, I can expand my network. At the end of the day it’s all about making good connections with people,” he said.
Bruce Hurley, an instructor for ELIP 5300, is passionate about creating an environment where students can thrive.
“My responsibility is to create a safe environment so my students are familiar with each other,” Hyrley says.
Students enjoy one of Hurley’s weekly sweet treats. Pictured from left to right: Abanita Biswal, Maasoomeh Jafari, and Mehdi Rezaie.
Teaching the course since 2012 with a background in International Affairs, Communication Studies, and Applied Linguistics, Hurley welcomes all students to his class.
“I encourage all international students to take this course to ease the process of learning the American culture while trying to master the nuances of the language,” he says.
Cultivating his student’s enthusiasm to dive into the American culture, Hurley brings a weekly “classic American” snack that he personally resonates with from his childhood.
“I try to think of my childhood because it’s what sticks with me. Those are the cultural pieces that I want to share and what it means to grow up in America,” says Hurley. “I want the students to take what they learn from this class and apply it to their everyday lives. That’s how I know this class is successful.”
The three-credit hour ELIP 5300 course is offered every fall and spring on the Athens campus.
For more information on professional and academic communication courses offered by ELIP, visit our website.
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