PROGRAM HELPS FOREIGN STUDENTS ADJUST; UNIVERSITY'S IEP TEACHES ENGLISH

Millie Turner, right, is a frequent host for a student in the Intensive English Program, including her last guest, Kiyonori Kamahara of Japan.

The Intensive English Program at Southeast Missouri State University provides international students with the language and cultural skills necessary to succeed at Southeast or any other American university.

"IEP serves as a bridge that helps international students adjust from life in their countries to life in our community and our university," said Jesse Perry, IEP director. "IEP is not the reason they come; they come to meet Americans and get admitted to our universities. But we can help them get in touch with our language and culture."

One of the main aspects of IEP's preparation process is the Homestay program in which an international student is matched with an American host and spends time in the host's home. The Homestay ideally occurs as soon as the student arrives.

"The host family is the best way to learn English because I used it with them every day," said Yusaku Torobu of Japan. "We spoke at meals, on trips, and I spoke it with the son and daughter."

Miho Suzuki, also of Japan, agreed. "American students expect good English and they are not so patient," she said. "I am more comfortable with my host family. They are more patient.

"So the host family is a good way to start learning English."

Perry said that hosts can be families or individuals. The ideal host, he said, provides a warm and friendly welcome to international students and in a way that is sensitive to their culture, encourages the students to improve their English.

Millie Turner, director of membership services for the Otahki Girl Scout Council in Cape Girardeau, was cited by Perry as a model of the ideal host for international students in IEP.

"It just fills a big hole in my life to open up my home to young people who have the need for some secure place," Turner said. "Also, they like a place to cook. It seems like every weekend I have students in my home cooking.

"It just warms my heart when kids get into my home and experience our culture or just relax in a place other then a dorm."

Turner said she has hosted many international students and they become attached to her. "I still get notes and gifts on my birthday and Mother's Day," she said. "I had three former students graduate in May, and I celebrated with them as their American mother."

On Tuesday, Turner said, a former student called her from Mexico and they talked for an hour. "I can celebrate their successes as they continue to keep in touch," she said. "I keep them in my life just as much as my own children."

Turner said she gets as much as she gives. "I gain so much from them," she said. "I've learned there are no stereotypes -- they have differences and needs just as do American young people. I've learned when you open your life to others to give love, it comes back twofold."

The secret to her success, Turner said, is that she looks past the differences and strives to find the likenesses, how all are people together.

"It's fun," Turner said. "I hope I can continue for a long time."

Area residents interested in hosting an international student should contact IEP at 651-2591.

Homestay is just one aspect of IEP. Regular classes are conducted on campus to help students become proficient enough in English to enter Southeast or another university. The classes are taught in eight-week segments throughout the year.

Claudia Fernandez of Colombia, South America, said that American students are not always patient enough to help international students improve their English skills.

"But in the IEP classes," Fernandez said, "you can find people from different countries. They don't speak my language so I have to speak English."

Perry said the mix of international students is important because the students want to practice English with students of other countries, not students from their own countries.

IEP accepts students from all countries. Japanese students form the largest group. Others are from Turkey, Taiwan, Korea and various countries in Central and South America.

Perry said IEP and its students are encouraged by the commitment to international programs made by Dr. Dale Nitzschke, Southeast president.

"Dr. Nitzschke knows how important international programs are," Perry said. "Since he arrived here he's been faithful in addressing international programs."

Dr. Nitzschke said, "IEP is a window to the international community, so vital for us to be successful as a university in attracting and retaining quality international students."