Category: English Language Institute
Alumni Spotlight: Tong Li
June 02, 2026 Written by CAS Communication Staff
Do you wonder what it’s like to attend the English Language Institute (ELI)?
Alumni Spotlights celebrate the journeys of former ELI students and the lasting impact their experiences have had on their academic, professional and personal lives. Learn more about the journeys of our former Chinese students on campus and at the ELI in today’s edition.
Tong Li
Where I Am From
Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
Where I Am Now
I recently graduated from 91Ô´´â€™s Lerner College of Business and Economics with a Master of Science in Business Analytics and Information Management.
Where I'm going
I’d like to find career opportunities that combine my background in journalism, analytics and international communication.
How did the ELI prepare you for your university studies?
The ELI helped me build the academic English skills I needed for graduate-level study, especially academic writing, classroom discussion, presentations and research-based communication. More importantly, the ELI helped me understand how American university classrooms work — how to participate, ask questions, work with classmates and communicate with professors. My time at the ELI gave me the confidence and foundation I needed to successfully complete my graduate studies at 91Ô´´.
Did you participate in any student organizations or activities while you were an ELI student or 91Ô´´ undergrad?
Although I have now graduated from 91Ô´´, one of my most meaningful experiences was serving as an ELI Social Media Ambassador. This role gave me many opportunities to learn more about the ELI and 91Ô´´ communities, attend events, meet students from different backgrounds and share their stories through social media and digital content. It also helped me feel more connected to campus life and gave me a deeper appreciation for how the ELI supports international students.
What is one of your favorite memories at the ELI?
One of my favorite memories at the ELI was the graduation ceremony, where I had the honor of speaking as valedictorian of my class. It was a very meaningful moment because it reminded me how much I had grown — not only in English, but also in confidence and cultural understanding. I also deeply appreciated the support from my teachers and classmates, who made the ELI feel like a warm and encouraging community.
What is your long-term future goal?
My long-term goal is to build a career at the intersection of media, technology, data and international communication. I hope to use my background in journalism and my graduate training in business analytics to help organizations tell meaningful stories, understand audiences and build stronger cross-cultural connections. In the future, I also hope to contribute to projects that promote educational exchange and mutual understanding between China and the United States.
Be brave and active: speak English as much as possible, ask questions, join activities and build relationships with your teachers and classmates. The ELI is not only a place to improve your English — it is also a place to discover your confidence and prepare for your next chapter in the United States.