
Category: English Language Institute

Student Spotlight: Daniela Marin
September 03, 2025 Written by Kaitlyn Diehl
Where I'm From
Colombia
Where I Am
I want to improve my English because it is very important to my profession. I have been studying at the ELI for 8 months.
Where I'm Going
I am a civil engineer, and I want to get a master’s degree from the University of Delaware next year.
How has the ELI helped you improve your English?
At the ELI, I’ve been able to improve my pronunciation. I can communicate in a much more natural way with native speakers and have more fluent conversations. Additionally, the University gives you the opportunity to attend tutoring sessions and practice expressing yourself easily, which gives you the confidence to communicate. The classes are very dynamic, and you are not afraid to speak or make a mistake. I have greatly improved all my English skills, and I can say that I communicate fluently and have fluid conversations with people.
What is your favorite memory from your time spent at the ELI so far?
My favorite memories at the ELI are the trips to New York, Washington D.C., and Ocean City, Delaware that we take each session. We visit various places in the U.S., sharing the experience with our friends and classmates. These experiences are wonderful because they allow you to immerse yourself in places beyond the classroom. We also have a lot of fun on these trips.
What challenges did you overcome at the ELI?
A challenge that I overcame was being able to speak and communicate fluently with native speakers. When I arrived, my English was basic, so it was a bit difficult to start speaking in English all the time. With time and practice, I continued improving and can now say that I can communicate and understand during conversations.
What advice do you have for those who are considering studying at the ELI?
My advice for people who want to study in the U.S. is to take advantage of the opportunity and embrace the experience. It’s a very enriching experience – not only academically but personally. You have the opportunity to get to know people from all over the world. Additionally, you have the opportunity to improve your English a lot. At the ELI, you can practice all of the time because there are very few people who speak Spanish (or your native language). Take advantage of this beautiful opportunity!
At the ELI, you can practice all of the time because there are very few people who speak Spanish (or your native language). Take advantage of this beautiful opportunity!