Current Student Spotlight: Taeeun Kim
Taeun Kim, from Dankook University and Penny Romaneli, Program Assistant, enjoying the ELI’s New York trip.

Current Student Spotlight: Taeeun Kim

January 28, 2026 Written by Kaitlyn Diehl | Photo courtesy of Taeun Kim

Where I Am From

Republic of Korea

Where I Am Now

Studying at the ELI

Where I Am Going

I want to get a professional certificate in law.

What do you plan to do after you graduate from the ELI?

After graduating from the ELI, I plan to return to Korea to prepare for a professional certification. I want to build a strong academic foundation and develop specialized expertise in my chosen field. Improving my English through the ELI program will be a valuable asset for my future studies and career, especially as I aim to engage with international materials and opportunities.

How has ELI helped you improve your English?

The ELI has helped me improve my English in a well-balanced and practical way. Through intensive speaking and listening practice, I have become more confident in expressing my ideas clearly. Academic reading and writing classes have also strengthened my ability to understand complex texts and organize my thoughts logically. Overall, the ELI has helped me develop practical English skills that I can use in both academic and professional settings.

How has the ELI made you feel welcomed and safe? 

The ELI has made me feel welcomed and safe by creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment. The instructors and staff are always approachable and willing to help, which made it easy to ask questions and adjust to a new environment. I also felt respected and encouraged in class, and the program fostered a sense of community among students from diverse backgrounds. This positive atmosphere helped me feel comfortable, confident, and secure throughout my time in the ELI.

What is your favorite memory from your time spent at the ELI so far?

My favorite memory from my time at the ELI so far is the ice cream social. It was a fun and relaxed event where I had the chance to meet and make friends with students from many different backgrounds. We enjoyed delicious ice cream together while talking, laughing, and sharing our experiences. It made me feel more connected to the ELI community and created a warm and memorable experience.

What challenges did you overcome at the ELI?

One of the main challenges I overcame at the ELI was speaking English confidently in class. At first, I felt nervous about making mistakes and expressing my opinions in English. However, through frequent discussions, presentations, and supportive feedback from instructors, I gradually gained confidence. I also learned how to communicate more clearly and participate actively, which has been a meaningful personal and academic achievement for me.

Be open and proactive. Do not be afraid of making mistakes, because they are an important part of learning a new language. Actively participate in class, ask questions, and take advantage of opportunities to communicate with classmates and instructors. Also, try to enjoy the experience and build friendships, as the ELI is not only about improving English but also about growing personally in a diverse and supportive environment.

- Taeeun Kim

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