Students in the English as a Second Language (ESL) Bridge program that began this fall at Ivy Tech Community College-Columbus are natives of five different countries: Senegal (West Africa), Colombia, Panama, Mexico, and the Dominican Republic.
Of the six women currently enrolled in the program, three were professionals in their native countries—one is a physician, one is a dentist, and the third is in human resources—and are seeking to continue their career choices in America. The other three plan to continue their education. The students, who are in their 20s, 30s, and 40s, are residents of Bartholomew, Brown, Decatur, and Jackson Counties.
The purpose of the program is to help individuals improve their English language proficiency in order to be successful either in their careers or in their educational pursuits. The course is geared to the needs of the students, according to Debbie East, ESL program coordinator. This fall, test results indicated the greatest need to be in the area of writing, she said, so the focus has been on journaling, uninterrupted writing, completing book reports, academic style papers, and peer reviews. “Teaching begins at the student’s level of mastery,” East commented.
Plans are in place for the program to expand in both numbers and locations, with the course being taught at Ivy Tech-Columbus outreach sites. Interested students may call Debbie East, 812-374-5183, to learn about the program and to schedule the placement exam students must take in order to be enrolled in the program.