Student Profiles
Student Profiles | What Students Say
Ahmed Al Otaibi from Saudi Arabia
I came to study at the University of Maine and began at the IEI. My teachers here are very kind, and I appreciate what they do. My English has improved since I came to the IEI. Also, the university has a strong engineering program, and that’s why I transferred here from California. I like life in Orono. It is a small, quite town and is nice and beautiful. The people here are friendly. The weather is beautiful. However, in the winter it is so cold. However, I like it here. I spend my free time playing soccer or going to the gym with my friends. I go skiing in the winter. Life here is different than my home, but I became familiar with this place and my new friends. In the end, my life here will be the best time, and I will remember that when I leave this place. I recommend everyone who reads this to come and see how wonderful life is here!
Dominique Akoa from Cameroon
Hi Everyone. My name is Dominique, and I come from Cameroon in central Africa. I chose the English Institute of UMaine first of all because my sister used to study here and she told me it’s a good place to improve my English. My first impression was that this place is so quiet and I didn’t like the weather because I come from a warm country. But when I started my classes at the IEI, I saw that the people are really friendly, and the teachers always try to make you feel good. UMaine is also a good place for me because I can practice my favorite sports: soccer, basketball and swimming. Finally, UMaine is a peaceful place where I can study but also have fun.
(Dominique is now enrolled in the University of Maine full-time.)
Pedro Arevalo from Colombia
I chose to study at the IEI because I wanted to improve my English and visit my brother, who is a student at UMaine. At the IEI, I have participated in many events, including leading a tour for new IEI students. I like the friendly people at the IEI, the University campus and the different seasons here in Maine. I am glad that I came to Maine. I have met great people and made a lot of friends. I would like to advise new students to bring a warm jacket for the winter, spring and fall. Also, be prepared to meet new friends and learn a lot about American culture.
Noor Merdad from Saudi Arabia
I chose to study at the IEI because I want to eventually study at the University of Maine. There are a lot of things to do here. In October, Muslims and their friends gathered in Old Town to celebrate Eid. I like the student conferences at the IEI, practicing for the TOEFL and the elective classes, where students can study what they want.
Jassim Al Saihati from Saudi Arabia
My name is Jassim Alsaihati, and I am from Saudi Arabia. You can see me in the picture. I am in the orange shirt with my best friends from the IEI. I came to the IEI in March 2006, and in the beginning I couldn’t understand what the group of IEI teachers meant by saying, ” Improve your American English in a fun, safe, small group environment!” I agreed with what they said, but I didn’t agree that learning should be fun. It was different from what I used to know about being serious to achieve your goals. I am not a very serious person, and my English was so bad, but when I started studying I totally understood what they meant by fun. It is basically being normal like you are in your family. There is no stress at all, and you learn the language at your own pace. I am now taking some University classes and studying at the IEI part-time. Finally, I really enjoy learning at the IEI and having fun with so many activities and of course wonderful friends from around the world. So improve your academic English now!
