MSU English Language Center - ELC

Koichiro Uto joined the ELC for a special program during SS26. Upon his return home, his story was featured on the Kyushu Sangyo University website due to his participation in Challenge Month with a short-term study abroad in the US. You can read his story in Japanese at

https://en.www.kyusan-u.ac.jp/news/ksu_0319

We provide a paraphrased translation below.

Michigan State University attracts many students from all over the world, and he participated in this program because he wanted to deepen his understanding of different cultures as well as improve his English skills by interacting with students who have diverse values in such an environment. In the program, he engaged in language learning through discussions and group work. In class, there were many opportunities for him to actively express his opinions, which he found difficult at first, but gradually he became more confident in communicating in English. In addition, there was an opportunity for him to interact with local students who are learning Japanese through JELE (Japanese English Language Exchange) twice a week, which was a valuable chance to discuss each other’s languages and cultures. Through various exchange activities, such as watching university sports, he was able to interact with people from diverse backgrounds, and he feels that his perspective broadened greatly, as he learned not only the importance of taking initiative and respecting different cultures, but also the value of proactive engagement. In the future, he would like to use the international perspective and communication skills he gained from this experience to continue growing while collaborating with people from various countries and cultures.

Congratulations on this honor, Koichiro! You are missed at MSU.

NCU and KSU Students Head Home

The MSU English Language Center held a farewell dinner for our wonderful students from Nagoya City University and Kyushu Sangyo University on March 3rd. They completed their 1-month program with us where they took part in ELC Intensive English Program classes, visited the Michigan Capitol, Chicago, and Detroit, and had numerous opportunities to get to know MSU students through Japanese language exchanges, a Japanese language class project and various other activities at MSU.

We will miss them. Safe travels and we hope to see them again soon.

Go Green!

Congratulations on earning your TESOL certificate!

The TESOL Certificate Team would like to celebrate Jae Yeon Kang for this accomplishment by adding her name to our wall of certificate holders. We are confident that she will apply the knowledge gained in this program to support language learners in their academic success.

Once again, congratulations on this remarkable achievement!

Chicago Day Trip
When: Saturday, February 14, 2026 – 6 am to 11 pm.
Details: A one day trip to downtown Chicago. A bus will drop you off at Millennium Park and you will spend the day as you wish. You will board the bus at the same location to return to MSU at 5:45 pm Chicago time.
Cost: $75 – includes transportation to and from Chicago only. Bring money for shopping, sightseeing and food. NO REFUNDS!
Sign up – the deadline to sign up and pay for this trip is Thursday, February 12 at 5 pm, and you can pay at

https://commerce.cashnet.com/msu_3919.

Please contact Mark Albee with any questions at [email protected].

ELC External Programs Coordinator Mark Albee spent an amazing week in South Korea meeting with international program coordinators and faculty at universities in Seoul and Daegu. He was so impressed by their continued commitment to international education and deeply appreciative for the generosity with which he was received.