Middlesex Community College: MCC's Intensive English Institute Accredited By International Agency

Press release from the Middlesex Community College:

Caitlin Buckley

6/29/2021

Middlesex Community College strives to provide all students with opportunities for successful futures. In April 2021, MCC’s Intensive English Institute was accredited by the Commission on English Language Program Accreditation (CEA). With the accreditation extending through April 2022, Middlesex hopes to expand the already successful Intensive English Institute and continue helping its diverse population of students succeed in U.S. higher education and beyond.

An international specialized accrediting agency focused on post-secondary intensive English language programs and institutes, CEA provides a systematic approach for programs and institutions to show – and be recognized for – how they meet accepted standards and pursue continuous improvement.

“CEA’s mission is to promote excellence in the field of English language teaching and administration and to protect the interests of students worldwide, and Middlesex strives to do our part under this accreditation,” said Marilyn Glazer-Weisner, MCC’s Director of Intensive English Institute & World Language Institute. “Our hope is to welcome more international students to attend the college and the CEA accreditation helps us meet our strategic goal and expand enrollment.”

Among 341 worldwide sites, Middlesex is one of only four community colleges in the country to have earned the accreditation. The program also received a Student Exchange and Visitor Program (SEVP) approval to admit international students with F-1 visas in May.

MCC’s Intensive English Institute helps participating students overcome language barriers to improve English reading, writing, grammar, speaking and listening. For international students who are almost ready to apply to colleges in the U.S., the Intensive English Institute provides them with opportunities to gain not only English language proficiency in their communication skills, but also instruction to learn valuable strategies and develop confidence.

In the Spring of 2020, Kim Chi Nguyen attended the University of Massachusetts Lowell to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management. Nguyen came to the United States three years ago and was afraid she would not be able to meet her goal of attending college and finding a job. With MCC’s Intensive English Institute, she honed English speaking and writing skills and grew comfortable and confident communicating.

“For me, the Intensive English Institute was not just an English class,” she said. “I came out of the program so much more knowledgeable about the American culture, which helped me understand and integrate into my life in the U.S. The instructors are compassionate and patient, and always willing to go the extra mile to help. I would highly recommend the program and believe it is an invaluable resource for anyone who is new to the country.”

An Electrical Engineering major for Baise, Guangxi province in China, Chonghui Huang enjoyed learning how to better speak, listen and write in English. Even outside of her classes in the program, Huang practiced and improved her skills through homework.

“The Intensive English Institute helped me to learn English systematically,” she said. “It made me more confident when I communicated with others in English.

The Intensive English Institute will start with online classes for the Fall 2021 semester. Over the course of the semester, Middlesex Intensive English Institute faculty will focus on developing curriculum ideas that will work in both the online and hybrid settings, according to Glazer-Weisner. Students can expect to meet with their instructors and classmates online daily, while having access to pre-recorded lessons and tutorials.

Visit www.middlesex.mass.edu/ell/ for more information about the the Intensive English Institute, or contact Glazer-Weisner at glazerm@middlesex.mass.edu or 978-656-3350.

Featuring flexible course formats and a variety of student support services and resources, MCC is registering now for the Summer and Fall 2021 semesters. Visit www.middlesex.mass.edu or call 1-800-818-3434 to register for classes.

The Middlesex Community College Intensive English Institute is accredited by the Commission on English Language Program Accreditation for the period April 2021 through April 2022 and agrees to uphold the CEA Standards for English Language Programs and Institutions. CEA is recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education as a nationally recognized accrediting agency for English Language programs and institutions in the U.S. For further information about this accreditation, please contact CEA, 1001 N. Fairfax Street, Suite 360, Alexandria, VA 22314, (703) 665-3400, www.cea-accredit.org.

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 online education for more than 20 years. We educate, engage and empower a diverse community of learners, offering more than 80 degree and certificate programs – plus hundreds of noncredit courses. Middlesex Community College: Student success starts here!

This press release was produced by the Middlesex Community College. The views expressed here are the author’s own.