Pilar Montoya
Colombia
CIEP Certificate: December 2007
1. Why did you decide to attend the CIEP?
Because my sister had studied here and she recommended CIEP as an excellent institution to study English.
2. What did you like most about the CIEP?
Having the opportunity to practice English at a high level. Also, the intercultural interchange between students and faculty.
3. What do you tell your friends in your home country about the CIEP?
That the CIEP is very good. It is an institution with high quality education, which is excellent in preparing students for further schooling. Also, I would say that Cedar Falls is a safe place to live where people are friendly.
4. How do the CIEP and UNI help international students with their education?
Making them prepared to face the challenges of studying at college in a second language. Also, it allows space for the interchange of knowing, valuing and tolerating other cultures. It helped me to recognize that my world (country, city, culture), the one that I thought was the best, was only one perspective – my perspective! In fact, there are many valuable things in other cultures.
5. What have you been doing since you received your CIEP Certificate?
Studying a Master’s degree at UNI.
6. How do you use the skills that you gained in the CIEP?
For everything: speaking, listening, reading and writing. I consult some of the books (writing and grammar) I used when I was in the CIEP. It is very helpful.
7. What is your favorite CIEP memory?
Public presentations in class talking about different kinds of topics. I was afraid of doing them, but they showed me how much I had learned.
8. What was the most difficult thing that you had to get used to when you began your studies in a foreign country?
Listening and speaking. To understand what others are saying and to “survive” in these situations.
9. What advice would you give to students who are thinking about coming to the CIEP?
Do it! Search on the Internet the advantages of both CIEP and UNI. See how many students are attending college classes after attending the CIEP.
10. What advice would you give to students who are currently in the CIEP?
Study! Sometimes it is hard, but it is a fundamental way to improve a language and reach at least a medium level. Just complaining about the amount of homework does not help at all.
Get along with people who do not talk your same native language! It does not make sense to come here to “improve” the language you have spoken all your life! Improve on the one that you are learning!
