Hyunchan (Elliot) Kim
Accelerate-U Delaware Program

How has the A-UD program supported your transition to college life in the U.S.?
The A-UD program helped me understand the U.S. education system, especially how classes work at UD. It helped me learn how to communicate with professors and use campus resources. Because of this support, I felt more confident adjusting to college life in the U.S.

What was your favorite part of being in the A-UD program?
My favorite part was meeting people from many different countries. I was able to experience many international cultures and make new friends. It helped me feel more comfortable and less alone on campus.

What was your biggest challenge in adjusting to a new culture and campus?
Language was the biggest challenge for me. I had never spoken English practically or casually before coming to the U.S. It was difficult to express myself clearly at first.

What helped you overcome those challenges?
I kept practicing English as much as possible. I tried to speak English whenever I was in any conversation. Over time, this helped me feel more confident and comfortable.

What dreams or goals do you have for your future career?
My goal is to get into the UD Physical Therapy (UDPT) program after graduation. I want to become a physical therapist and help people improve their quality of life. I am working hard to prepare for this goal.

Chaeyeon Kang
American Culture and Communication Program

How did the ELI help you grow?
I had learned English since I was young and even lived abroad for a while, but after spending my school years in Korea, I developed a fear of speaking English. Through a great opportunity, I was able to participate in the ELI program at the University of Delaware. Even though the program lasted only a month, it helped me regain my confidence in English. By interacting with international students and experiencing life in a foreign country firsthand, I was able to gain many valuable experiences. Most importantly, the program greatly improved both my confidence and my conversational English skills.

What is the best memory you have from the ELI?
Looking back, the best memories are actually the small, everyday moments. I enjoyed attending classes, spending time with friends I met in the program, sharing meals together and living day-to-day with the friends who came with me from Korea. The campus atmosphere, the facilities and meeting friends from different countries all made me truly feel that I was living in the United States. Those daily experiences and the environment itself remain some of my most meaningful memories.

What is your future goal?
Thanks to the ELI program, I gained confidence in using English. Since then, I have continued to use English as one of my strengths while working with the International Affairs Office at Kyonggi University. Although I am still exploring my long-term career path, I hope to work in an environment where I can combine my academic knowledge with my language skills.

What advice do you have for future students studying at the ELI?
I believe the ELI is a great opportunity to study in a wonderful environment. The level of the classes may feel easier or more difficult than expected, and the experience may vary depending on the instructor, but you will definitely gain something from it. In my case, some of the material in my class felt quite easy because it was content I already knew. However, reviewing those basics helped me strengthen my foundation in English. More importantly, I was able to overcome my fear of speaking with foreigners and significantly improve my conversational skills.

Joonwon Lee
Accelerate-U Delaware Program

How has the A-UD program supported your transition to college life in the U.S.?
The A-UD program really helped me when I first came to the University of Delaware. I had a hard time adjusting to the new environment, but everyone in the program was very supportive and always willing to help international students. Because of their support, I was able to feel more comfortable and confident in my new college life in the U.S.

What was your favorite part of being in the A-UD program?
My favorite part of the A-UD program was the small class sizes and how the professors really took care of each student individually. I also really enjoyed the special A-UD activities. Even though I did not attend every trip, each activity was well organized and helped me feel more comfortable adjusting to American culture.

What was your biggest challenge in adjusting to a new culture and campus?
My biggest challenge was adjusting to my class schedule without knowing where the classrooms were at first. Another challenge was that all classes were held in English, so for some subjects, I had to review the material again in my home language to fully understand it.

What helped you overcome those challenges?
I was able to overcome these challenges by getting help from my advisor and teaching assistants who were always willing to support international students. They were very approachable and patient, which made it easier for me to ask questions and adjust to my classes. I would definitely recommend reaching out to advisors and TAs when you need help.

What dreams or goals do you have for your future career?
My goal is to succeed in my major and use what I have learned to contribute to my country. In the future, I hope to help improve agriculture in my home country by applying the knowledge and skills I gain through my studies.

Is there anything else you would like to share about your experience in the A-UD program or your time at UD? 
First, my ELI advisor was extremely helpful, even with minor issues. I also really appreciated the supportive and welcoming atmosphere around the ELI building, which left a lasting positive impression on me. Finally, all of the professors were very understanding of small mistakes, since the classes were designed to support international students.

Jeune Kang
Accelerate-U Delaware Program

How has the A-UD program supported your transition to college life in the U.S.?
The A-UD program really helped me when I first came to the University of Delaware. I had a hard time adjusting to the new environment, but everyone in the program was very supportive and always willing to help international students. Because of their support, I was able to feel more comfortable and confident in my new college life in the U.S.

What was your favorite part of being in the A-UD program?
My favorite part of the A-UD program was the small class sizes and how the professors really took care of each student individually. I also really enjoyed the special A-UD activities. Even though I did not attend every trip, each activity was well organized and helped me feel more comfortable adjusting to American culture.

What was your biggest challenge in adjusting to a new culture and campus?
My biggest challenge was adjusting to my class schedule without knowing where the classrooms were at first. Another challenge was that all classes were held in English, so for some subjects, I had to review the material again in my home language to fully understand it.

What helped you overcome those challenges?
I was able to overcome these challenges by getting help from my advisor and teaching assistants who were always willing to support international students. They were very approachable and patient, which made it easier for me to ask questions and adjust to my classes. I would definitely recommend reaching out to advisors and TAs when you need help.

What dreams or goals do you have for your future career?
My goal is to succeed in my major and use what I have learned to contribute to my country. In the future, I hope to help improve agriculture in my home country by applying the knowledge and skills I gain through my studies.

Is there anything else you would like to share about your experience in the A-UD program or your time at UD? 
First, my ELI advisor was extremely helpful, even with minor issues. I also really appreciated the supportive and welcoming atmosphere around the ELI building, which left a lasting positive impression on me. Finally, all of the professors were very understanding of small mistakes, since the classes were designed to support international students.