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Student Experience: Maria Savelyeva

Maria Savelyeva, from Ukraine, is studying music at the College of Charleston in Charleston, South Carolina. Before she studied music, she went through the English Language Institute program. Once she completed the ELI program, she applied and was admitted to the music program. 

Conditional Admission: Students who wish to pursue a degree program at the College of Charleston, and who meet all admission requirements with the exception of English language proficiency, may be granted conditioCofC ELI studentnal acceptance to the credit program pending the successful completion of the ELI Intensive English Program.

WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO STUDY IN THE USA?

Music is my passion. I have always dreamed of studying with cello professor Natalia Khoma, and that is why I am here.

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THE COLLEGE OF CHARLESTON? 

The prestige of the music program led to my decision to study at the College of Charleston. The historic atmosphere of the College, the tropical summers and the professors.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE BEST ABOUT THE COLLEGE?

The ability to pick my own classes and organize my schedule, and the opportunities that I will have in the future. 

WHAT DO YOU MISS MOST ABOUT HOME?

I miss my family camping trips, concert halls, and our traditional food. 

WHAT WAS YOUR BIGGEST SURPRISE ABOUT U.S. LIFE AND EDUCATION?

The people are open, kind and ready to help anytime. At the college, I would say friendly communication with professors.

HOW HAVE YOU HANDLED:

… LANGUAGE DIFFERENCES?

The most difficult thing was to break the barrier of getting confidence to speak only in English. 

… ADJUSTING TO A DIFFERENT EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM?

In Ukraine, the relationship between professors and students is stricter. In the US it is the opposite. It’s much easier to communicate with your professors because they are always ready to help. 

WHAT ARE YOUR ACTIVITIES?

Last semester I took a Pilates class because I was stressed with too many classes. I felt I needed to relax, and I liked the fact that I was able to learn how to breathe, stretch, and get rid of negative thoughts.

HOW EASY OR DIFFICULT IS MAKING FRIENDS IN THE USA?

Most of my friends are international students. It is difficult sometimes to communicate with Americans. I think it is because they do not understand what international students go through before they arrive here, and that our first year living in a foreign country can be very stressful.

WHAT ARE YOUR CAREER GOALS? HOW IS YOUR U.S. EDUCATION RELEVANT TO YOUR PERSONAL GOALS AND TO THE NEEDS OF YOUR COUNTRY?

I do not know my future plans yet, but I plan to finish my bachelor’s degree at the College of Charleston. A bachelor’s diploma will help me find a job in the US or Europe. And I might go to Europe to study for my doctoral program.

WHAT IS YOUR ADVICE TO OTHER STUDENTS FROM YOUR COUNTRY WHO ARE CONSIDERING A U.S. EDUCATION?

Stay strong, work hard, follow goals and dreams because if you don’t do anything, you won’t get anything.

ELI Goes Online (Temporarily)

When the College of Charleston moved online in the spring, English Language Institute students, like everyone else in the U.S., moved to an online format. For their final project, every student was asked to write a letter to their future child or grandchild sharing their experience about this time. The students also gave brief oral presentations – through zoom, of course – about the lessons they learned.

Here are a few of the beautiful lessons ELI students have learned.

“I learned that I can change to fit a situation (online learning) and that if I work hard, I can succeed.”

“I can tell you that we made lemonades out of lemons! Spending time with our family meant we learned to appreciate the small things together.”

“Open your eyes and realize what you have around you. Love and respect the people around you.“

“The inconvenient and uncomfortable situation… made me realize what a peaceable world we live in.“

“Even if you are experiencing hard times, all you need to do is just do your best, do what you can and never give up.”

“Life is so beautiful, we must know the value of every moment and be happy.”

“I learned to have a family- even if they were not like your color, gender or religion. I learned the value of friendship.”

“We have to let the earth breathe, to let the animals enjoy the areas we are invading, and that it is necessary to give hugs and kisses to the people that we love every time we see them.”

“I learned how many good things we have around us. No matter what happens, our family is around us.”

“I learned that if I want to achieve something, I don’t really need to give up. I have all the values from home and I’m sure that God (is) with me all the time.”

“I can be sure that our lives will no longer be the same for what we have lived in recent months.  We have learned, we have cried and above all we have overcome this great moment as a family, and I am happy to have lived it and to continue living until it ends and when everything returns to normal.”

ELI Students Give Back

English Language Institute students spent a few weeks this summer learning about the many charities in the Charleston area. Advanced writing students researched and wrote essays about local and national charities, ELI students touring 180 Place Charlestonincluding Habitat for Humanity, the Big Brother/Big Sister organization and the Ronald McDonald House. Once students completed their essays, they presented their papers in class.

In addition to learning about charities, students decided it was important to contribute too. In June 2019, the class spent the morning volunteering at the Low Country Food Bank.  Students sorted canned and packaged foods. Located in North Charleston, the food bank distributes over 30 million pounds of fresh, canned and packaged foods to 10 coastal communities in S.C. each year. Leaders told our group that the food bank helps over 200,000 people each year and that 50% of the people who need help are children and senior citizens. We were surprised to learn that food from this location is sent to 300 agencies as far north as Myrtle Beach. Then, these local agencies distribute it to those who need it.

ELI students outside 180 PlaceStudents also toured 180 Place in early July 2019. 180 Place is the largest homeless shelter in downtown Charleston. Their mission is to help those who are homeless find affordable housing. In 2016, 1,754 people stayed at the shelter and 996 of them left there with homes of their own! In addition to providing 160 men, women, and children with a place to sleep, 180 Place also serves 3 meals a day and has a free medical clinic for its guests.

The students were so impressed with this tour that we decided to volunteer to serve a meal there later this summer!

Sacred Spaces

Charleston is often referred to as the Holy City, but do you know why?

In an effort to learn more about their adopted city of Charleston, advanced English Language Institute students spent time exploring these sacred spaces around Charleston.

english language institute student presentationStudents toured local places of worship where they learned about the history of the church or synagogue building and its members. Once the students completed the tours, they worked with a partner to prepare a power point presentation that was given to the class.

Students also discussed the meaning and purpose of a “sacred space.”  Initially students defined this as a place where a religion was practiced, but after much discussion, they decided that these spaces could be any place where a person would feel safe and at peace.

With this in mind, students then began a final research paper on a sacred space that was important to them. The purpose of the paper was not only for students to learn about this place, but to also do college-level research. Students were required to use credible sources and cite these sources using the proper format.

students present on sacred spacesOnce the final papers were graded, each student created a presentation for the class that summarized what they had learned.   

The students agreed that they learned a great deal about the city by visiting these churches, including the history of Charleston. For example, some original buildings were destroyed by an earthquake or fire. This is something discovered in their research. Others who practiced different religions said they had never been in a church or synagogue.

All remarked that the process of researching and writing a paper of this complexity was challenging, but that they all felt proud of the work they did.