Category: English Language Institute
Alumni Spotlights
December 08, 2025 Written by CAS Communication Staff
Alumni Spotlights celebrates the journeys of former English Language Institute (ELI) students and the lasting impact their experiences have had on their academic, professional, and personal lives.
Together, these spotlights highlight the power of language learning, cultural exchange, and community. Each story offers insight, encouragement, and perspective for current and prospective students, showcasing how confidence, connection, and curiosity built at the ELI can open doors around the world.
KENTO KAWAIDA
Where I Am From
Fukuoka, Japan
Where I Am Now
PhD student at University of South Florida
When I studied at the ELI
2018
How did the ELI help you grow?
One of the courses I took at ELI helped me develop pre-writing skills, such as mind mapping and brainstorming. Also, classroom discussions allowed me to practice speaking English publicly in front of diverse audiences.
What is the best memory that you have from the ELI?
Interactions with people from different countries. I remember having a conversation with my classmate, who is from Saudi Arabia. We recognized different accents in English and tried to understand them. For me, at that time, knowing that English could be spoken in multiple accents was a unique experience.
What is your goal for the future?
My goal is to complete a PhD and make a scholarly contribution to the field of health communication.
“Be bold! Don't be afraid to make a mistake! I believe learning English opens up more diverse career opportunities than anything else. I never ever imagined that in the future I would pursue a PhD!”
YOSHIO HOSO
Where I Am From
Japan
Where I Am Now
I’m working as a high school teacher. I also worked at the ELI from 2024-2025 as a visiting teacher.
When I studied at the ELI
2013-2014
How did the ELI help you grow?
Studying at the ELI helped me not only improve my English skills, but also learn more about the United States and its culture.
What is the best memory that you have from the ELI?
Having conversations with the staff.
What is your goal for the future?
I would like to keep growing by setting new goals.
Becoming familiar with your own culture and history beforehand can be very helpful, because your future classmates and teachers may ask you about them while you’re in the U.S
KARIN KUWAYAMA
Where I Am From
Tokyo, Japan
Where I Am Now
Working in Tokyo
When I studied at the ELI
2017
How did the ELI help you grow?
The ELI prepared me for college.
What is the best memory that you have from the ELI?
It was very nice to meet a lot of people from around the world, get to know them, and become friends with them!
What is your goal for the future?
My future goal is to work in a company where I can practice my skills that I gained through ELI and college, and contribute while traveling the world.
Take all the opportunities, socialize, and make a lot of friends!
ASUKA SUGITA
Where I Am From
Shizuoka, Japan
Where I Am Now
Working as a flight attendant
When I studied at the ELI
2023
How did the ELI help you grow?
It was an absolutely amazing experience for ELI to help me grow up as a person and understand English spoken from many different accents. ELI has students from all corners of the world. At first, I was struggling to understand the conversations with my classmates because of their accents. I had only listened to native English speakers back in Japan at school. Throughout the course, I developed an understanding of various cultural accents, which I have applied at my job working with passengers from all over the world.
What is the best memory that you have from the ELI?
My best memory at ELI is the Christmas ugly sweater contest because I won the best ugly sweater award.
What is your goal for the future?
My future goal is using my English skills to communicate and provide an outstanding experience to passengers.
Do not be afraid to talk in English, and enjoy the adventure and experiences you have during the course.
