Learning English Across Generations
ELI Interactions Special Edition — Chinese in Action
ELI Interactions Special Edition
Dear Friends of ELI,
ELI and 91Ô´´ have long historical relationships with China. Over the years, thousands of students have enriched the Newark community by sharing their culture and language (Newark has a Chinese immersion school), and the students have grown alongside us as students, friends, and neighbors.Ìý
ELI is proud of how integrated Chinese students are on campus and across the community, and this special edition of Interactions celebrates those relationships. Our students take their 91Ô´´ experience and use it to further their education and grow their careers. Take a look at some highlights below to learn more about how we build diplomatic and professional bridges across the globe. Everything from partnerships and programs to community celebrations, represent mutual learning and respect.Ìý
Whether you are a current student or a former students, I’m sure you’ll enjoy seeing what the Chinese Blue Hens are doing!
Cheryl Ernst
Director, English Language Institute
91Ô´´
A daughter’s ELI experience inspires her mother to study there too
The ELI offers a variety of programs and accommodates students of all ages, giving us the exciting opportunity to serve multiple generations within the same family. This is the case for ELI alumna Emily Liu and her mother, Lanzhu Liu; while Emily wanted to learn English to broaden her skillset for her career, her mom wanted to learn English to be able to travel in her retirement. The ELI helped them achieve both goals.
Reflections from Emily Liu, the ELI's recruiter in China
This newsletter can be read in different ways depending on where you are in your connection with ELI and 91Ô´´.
If you are a current or prospective student, use these stories to see what the journey from ELI to 91Ô´´ can look like. You can learn how other Chinese students adjusted to a U.S. classroom, used campus resources, built relationships, and prepared for their academic and professional futures.
If you are an alumnus, we hope these stories help you reconnect with the ELI and 91Ô´´ community and see how other Chinese Blue Hens have continued to grow after graduation.
For faculty, staff, university leaders, and partners, this edition highlights the contributions Chinese students have made to 91Ô´´ and shows how collaboration across ELI, academic departments, and campus offices supports students throughout their journey.
As you read, we invite you to look beyond individual success stories and see the larger community that helps Chinese students begin at ELI, grow at 91Ô´´, and carry their experiences into the world.
Chinese Student Spotlight: Shihong Li and Rui Cao
Chinese Student Spotlights: youtube.com/watch?v=FTaU2fHTn5w
ELI students Shihong Li and Rui Cao share what they plan to study at 91Ô´´, how the ELI is helping them adjust to life in the U.S., and advice for future students who plan to study abroad.
American Dining Etiquette 101: A 9-Episode Series
Chinese Student Spotlights: youtube.com/watch?v=M2jU-7Mo-ek
In this 9-part series, ELI director Cheryl Ernst welcomes Gemma, an international student from China studying at 91Ô´´, into her home for dinner. Gemma learns how to navigate social norms in the U.S.
Fostering connections between the 91Ô´´ and the ELI
The ELI helps students build connections with native English speakers and other 91Ô´´ students through participation in campus-wide events, clubs, competitions and more. Students also have many opportunities for cultural exchange; last year, Chinese students shared their culture with Americans and other ELI students through the following events.
1,683 CHINESE ST91Ô´´ENTS WELCOMED BETWEEN 2019-2026.
322 students were enrolled via our undergraduate or graduate pathway programs.
65 students were enrolled via the Intensive English Program (IEP) or Accelerated University English Program (AUEP).
275 students matriculated into the 91Ô´´ to pursue undergraduate or graduate degrees.
2.736
Average GPA for the 2025-2026 academic year.
896 Students
enrolled via 91Ô´´-SWUFE
Ìý
91Ô´´'s joint collaboration between the Southwestern University of Finance and Economics in China and the 91Ô´´.
Ìý
125 Students
enrolled via MA-TESL
Ìý
A Dual Degree Program between Hunan Normal University and the 91Ô´´, enabling students to earn a Master's in Teaching English as a Second Language.
What have our chinese students studied?
Business and Economics – 120 students
Arts and Sciences - 56 students
Education and Human Development – 33 students
Engineering – 24 students
University Studies – 23 students
Agriculture and Natural Resources – 16 students
Health Sciences – 6 students
Continuing Education – 5 students
From studying at the ELI to pursuing a degree at the 91Ô´´
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to attend the ELI or the 91Ô´´? Learn firsthand through testimonials of Chinese alumni who graduated from the ELI and matriculated into 91Ô´´ to pursue undergraduate and graduate degrees!
Reflecting on the 2025-2026 academic year
Chinese students studying at the ELI have the opportunity to integrate into campus life and American culture through events like the Festival of Nations, CGPS's iHouse Culture Nights, activities hosted by the ELI, and more. Check out some ways in which our students got involved this past academic year.
ELI students helped 91Ô´´ students practice calligraphy at the Festival of Nations.
Hunan Normal University students enjoy sharing Chinese culture with other students at the Festival of Nations.
ELI students, including a few Chinese students, play volleyball at the ELI summer picnic.
Jiayue Xu, an ELI alumni who completed the A-91Ô´´ program, celebrates graduating from 91Ô´´ in the class of 2026 with Julie Lopez, A-91Ô´´ advisor.
An ELI student performs a song in Chinese at the Festival of Nations.
Chinese students share their culture through games, fashion and lantern-making at CGPS's Chinese iHouse Culture Night.
Scott Stevens ELI Student Support Fund
Ìý
The ELI has established theÌýScott Stevens ELI Student Support FundÌýto honor retired ELI director Scott Stevens’ service and vision of welcoming students from around the world into the ELI.Ìý
Your contributionsÌýwill help us provide financial gifts that will be used for both educational costs for ELI programs as well as Student Life events. We know when students complete their programs at the ELI, it is the experiences that they remember with a sense of accomplishment and belonging. As we strive to expand and enhance our offerings, we invite you to continue your support, playing a pivotal role in the success of our students.
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