Twenty students from Colombia spent part of the fall semester at UD in the Intensive English Language program at the English Language Institute through the Friends of the Fulbright program. Here they gather with ELI Director Cheryl Ernst at their graduation ceremony.

Cross-cultural learning

Article by Kaitlyn Diehl Photos by Kaitlyn Diehl and courtesy of Maria José Riera February 11, 2025

English Language Institute partnership brings Colombian students to campus, increasing collaboration and understanding

Colombia is more than 2,400 miles from the University of Delaware’s Newark campus, but for 20 students who spent part of the fall semester on campus, the distance seemed to fade away as they developed their English language skills, formed new friendships and introduced the UD community to their culture.

The students came to UD through a new partnership between UD’s English Language Institute (ELI) and the Colombian Friends of Fulbright (FAF) program, which seeks to promote English proficiency and internationalization by providing free education in the United States to students from underserved, rural communities. FAF partners with institutions across Colombia and connects their students to a few intensive English programs.

“This was the first time their students came to campus,” said Cheryl Ernst, the ELI’s director. "We were invited to participate because of our good reputation and the fact that we provide good services.”

A life-changing opportunity

For many of the Colombian students, it was the first time they had ever left their country or even their small town.

“I think it's going to change their lives,” said Maria José Riera, special programs coordinator for the ELI. “For so many of them, it was their ticket outside of their little world. It was their first time getting a passport or on an airplane. They would never have been able to do that without the support of Friends of Fulbright.”

The students underwent a rigorous application process to be selected for the program.

“These students wrote essays; they were interviewed. They completed a long process over many months to get chosen,” Riera said. “They understand the worth of a program like this, so they're super excited to engage, share and learn.”

Miguel Chavez Vargas (left) and Leo Velasquez (right) make traditional arepas to serve at the iHouse Culture Night.

“Back in my country, this is a really great opportunity, and not everyone has access to it,” said Miguel Chavez Vargas, an aspiring software developer from Pereira, Colombia. “I think it's really important to be grateful for what I am doing. English is the most valuable skill in Colombia. I think I have a good level of English, but I want to be excellent.”

Leo Velasquez, a student from Dosquebradas, Colombia, also valued the opportunity, as the application process was intensely competitive. A teacher in Colombia noticed his English skills and encouraged him to apply.

“It went from maybe 1,000 to 500 student applicants down to just 60 people that are here; 60 people in the United States, 20 people here in Newark,” he said.

Increasing multiculturalism in the classroom and across UD’s campus

The experience not only improved the students’ English language skills, but it also opened their eyes to cultures from around the world. Velasquez’s favorite experience was being able to “speak and communicate with different people from different regions, different places and different cultures.”

Chavez Vargas agreed.

“I'm also in class with Chinese and Japanese students, so I'm really talking with other people and improving my English. That's the best part,” he said.

The students actively shared their culture with others as well. With the support of the Center for Global Programs and Services (CGPS), the Hispanic/Latino Graduate Student Association and the ELI, the Colombian students hosted an iHouse Culture Night event in November to showcase their traditions for World Scholars and other UD students. The event featured homemade Colombian arepas, a type of flatbread made of ground cornmeal, and traditional dance lessons.

UD students learn how to perform basic salsa dance steps at the Colombian iHouse Culture Night.

“They were all so excited to share their culture, specifically music and dance,” said Carly Brant, a senior UD World Scholar double majoring in international relations and three languages who worked closely with the Colombian students as a student assistant to Riera. “I have not been to Colombia, but this event made me want to go to gain a deeper understanding of life there.”

Briana Marin, a senior health behavior science major who works as the student engagement coordinator for the World Scholars Program, also learned a lot from the Colombian iHouse Culture Night event.

“It is one thing to learn about a culture in class, but actually being able to make arepas and try a drink that I have never heard of is something so much more valuable,” she said. “The Colombian students were so eager and excited to share different parts of their culture with all of the other International and American students.”

World Scholar students Briana Marin (left) and Carly Brant (right) help Colombian students make arepas at the iHouse Culture Night event.

The Colombian students also helped UD students studying Spanish with their language skills through a language exchange. With the support of Dora Marin, a Spanish instructor, about 35 UD students were partnered with 20 Colombian students.

“We had a huge turnout from American students who have studied abroad in Spain, are studying Spanish now, or are World Scholars,” Riera said. “Many of them maintained relationships throughout the Colombian students’ time at UD.”

Riera looks forward to orchestrating potential future collaborations between the English Language Institute and Friends of Fulbright Colombia.

“From an academic and cultural exchange perspective, this program is an amazing incubator for learning and global understanding,” she said.

About the English Language Institute

Founded in 1979, the University of Delaware English Language Institute (ELI) offers the highest-quality intensive English programs for degree-seeking students, business and legal professionals, English language teachers, and general English language learners.