MCC Offers International Students a Welcoming Community

“We are looking forward to the Spring 2022 semester,” said Marilyn Glazer, Middlesex Community College’s Director of the Intensive English Institute (IEI) and World Language Institute (WLI). “In-person, face-to-face classes resume for MCC’s Intensive English Institute on Monday, January 24, 2022.”

MCC’s IEI helps students become successful in a United States college or university classroom. In a supportive environment, students learn how to be prepared to compete with native English North American classmates to earn the best grades.

“As an international student, I have never felt like an outsider,” said MCC graduate Bensu Bastopcu, who is now studying at Lesley University to earn a master’s degree. “On the contrary, I was quickly involved in MCC’s diverse and welcoming community. Throughout my education, MCC provided me with opportunities that helped me thrive.”

Focusing on the whole person educational approach, MCC faculty and staff nurture students in an inclusive environment, promoting positive academic risk-taking and curiosity. Some of the valuable skills students learn include reading, writing and grammar; social and cultural practices, such as conversations and actions; strategies for academic success, including listening, remembering and note-taking; and feeling comfortable in the classroom with self-confidence. In addition, students are encouraged to eat lunch together and learn how to interact informally.

“I was afraid of being judged for the mistakes I do when I speak English – it doesn’t happen anymore,” said MCC graduate Antonio Bonilla. “Taking the course and following the advice that our teachers gave us made a positive impact on my communication skills.”

As an open access institution serving a diverse population of learners, Middlesex strives to meet the needs of all students. The college also has a long history of serving international students from all over the world ­– including Asia, Latin America and the Middle East – helping them build a foundation of knowledge and skills to be successful as a U.S. college or university student.

In MCC’s 18 hours a week, 16-week IEI, students gain value for their time and money, including high-quality research and evidence-based curriculum used for instruction, comprehensive knowledge and skills, learning and social opportunities, and one-on-one support from the Academic Centers for Enrichment (ACE). Students also have access to academic, career and transfer advising, including via MassTransfer.

Ahead of the Spring 2022 semester, Glazers has already registered the IEI’s first international student along with seven additional domestic students. “I want to fill every empty seat with students who will benefit from learning how to be proficient in communication in academic English language to meet their educational and career goals,” Glazer said.

“The IEI has helped me a lot,” said MCC graduate Juping Xie, who is now working toward a master’s degree in Law at the University of Chicago. “The professors are great teachers.”

There are two levels offered by the IEI – High-Intermediate and Advanced. Each noncredit course prepares students with the skills they need to take college courses in English going forward. Placement is determined by a full English language communication skills interview and online Hellenic American Union ABLE B2 exam.

Students are set up for success from day one of their time at Middlesex. MCC’s 50+ year history of supporting students and guiding them on their paths helps them reach their goals with flexible on campus, online and hybrid course formats; award-winning student support services and resources; affordable pricing; and small class sizes.

Visit www.middlesex.mass.edu/iei/ for more information or contact Glazer at glazerm@middlesex.mass.edu and 978-656-3350 or Jeffrey Tejada, MCC’s Director of Diversity Recruitment at tejadaj@middlesex.mass.edu and 978-656-3380.

MCC is registering now for the Spring 2022 semester, starting on Monday, January 24. For more information, visit www.middlesex.mass.edu/registration/ or call 1-800-818-3434.

The Middlesex Community College Intensive English Institute is accredited by the Commission on English Language Program Accreditation. Visit www.cea-accredit.org for more information.

Discover your path at Middlesex Community College. As one of the largest, most comprehensive community colleges in Massachusetts, MCC has been a proven leader in education for more than 50 years. Middlesex puts the student first. Meeting each learner where they are, MCC provides them with a safe, welcoming and engaging place to learn. Offering more than 80 degree and certificate programs – plus hundreds of noncredit courses – Middlesex features flexible course formats and a variety of award-winning student support services and resources. Student success starts at MCC!