Quotes from UIELSP Grant Students from Central America, October 23 - December 18, 2009
Quotes from UIELSP Grant Students from Nicaragua and Panama
Jan. 12- March 6, 2009
Vermont, sweet Vermont. I will never forget you because here I found beautiful friends that I will always remember. I learned the real meaning of friendship and I discovered that the real friends will never be forgotten. Thanks to all the people that helped me on this hard way—teachers, classmates, and my roommates, who were always with me and never left me alone, and all those beautiful people that spent their precious time with me. I will always remember you. I hope you will never forget me.
Kisses and blessings,
Raquel Castillo Diaz, Nicaragua
I enjoyed staying in this beautiful country. I had a good time here. I knew many people from different countries. Also, I improved my listening and speaking skills. This is an unforgettable experience. Thank you for everything.
Mirta Alvarez, Nicaragua
Being here was the most exciting experience that I have had. I really appreciate all the new things that the people from Vermont taught me.
Jessica Lopez, Nicaragua
So many things done, so many things to do, one opportunity, and more than just experiences are blessings for a better future.
Gabriela Gómez, Nicaragua
An unforgettable, fun, learning experience.
David Balmaceda, Nicaragua
This was a wonderful experience. In addition to improving my English skills, I could open my mind to other cultures, develop different skills that I didn’t know I have, and make new friends. It was my first time abroad and I’m satisfied it was here, at SMC.
Jennifer Camaño, Panama J
Studying at Saint Michael's College has been a great experience that I won’t ever forget. Thanks for everything.
Alfonso Jimenez, Panama
The most wonderful experience in my life. I knew the most friendly people.
Andrés Rivera, Panama
At Saint Michael's College I have learned a lot of English. Also, I have had the best experience of my life.
Gabriel Fuentes, Panama
The most fun and exciting time of my life. I will never forget SMC.
Kerstyn De Gracia, Panama
This was the most beautiful experience that I had in my whole life. I’m always going to treasure all the moments here at Saint Michael's.
Studying at Saint Michael's College has been the best experience of my life.
Coming to Vermont, Saint Michael's College, has been a lovely and interesting experience. I hope one day I can come back the United States.
David Cordón, Nicaragua
Saint Michael's College is friendship. The biggest experience of my life in a short time—happiness, friends, and love. A big community in my heart.
Aracelly Palacios, Nicaragua
St. Michael’s College, the best in the world.
Noriel Agrazal, Panama
The best experience ever.
Heysell Reyes, Nicaragua
I feel happy and proud.
Jorge Zelaya, Nicaragua J
My experience here has been great because I learned a lot.
Emily Gill, Panama J
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Testimonials
UIELSP Grant Students from Uruguay and Venezuela
March 23 – May 15, 2009
About the program... I just have one word for everything: PERFECT! I couldn't ask for more!!! It was everything that I expected and more... This has definitely been the best experience I could ever have! I'm going back home with 9 new especial friends... leaving behind a great comunity of people who made my stay here awsome and impossible to describe!! These are going to be memories which I'm going to treasure for my whole life! I'm extremely thankful with every single person who made this experience possible and with everyone who helped us and welcomed us to this wonderful country. You were all great, sweet, and kind enough to show us your culture and your language! THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING!!
Eskeila Guerra Penott, Venezuela
Coming to study in Saint Michael´s has been a great experience in all the senses. The teachers are the best here. I am happy I have met so many people and of course have improved my English. This has been one of my best experiences. I will never forget you. Thanks’ for everything.
Santiago Rodriguez, Uruguay
Spending 8 weeks in Vermont was the best that could have happened to me. I loved it! I'm so sad to go back. The teachers are great, the staff is incredible, the technology is awesome, and the host families are so lovely. Getting to know new people and making friends from everywhere is amazing. I just want to say THANK YOU SO MUCH!! I will never forget this experience.
Gaby (Maria Bracho Hernandez), Venezuela
In this dream that last two months, I have to say thank you to all that made it unforgettable, because I could not only improve my English in all sense but also let me know and be part of the American culture, what I consider absolutely valued. This experience really changed my life as well as opened my mind. Thank you for having given this opportunity!
Isabel Patrone, Uruguay
THE TWO MONTHS IN VERMONT WAS AMAZING. WE LEARNED AND ENJOYED EVERYTHING. I THINK THAT THE PEOPLE HERE ARE WONDERFUL AND THE STATE OF VERMONT IS A BEAUTIFUL PLACE, WHERE I WISH TO COME BACK ONE DAY. ST. MIKES COLLEGE IS THE BEST.
THANKS
LETICIA ROSA, Uruguay
This experience has been one of the most wonderful experiences of all my life. I think this program was an integral program because we had the opportunity not only to learn English, but we also lived a cultural exchange. This entire program was preparing with the motivation of all the ALD staff including directors, teachers and students assistance, for that reason, I can say that I fulfilled my expectations. I also improved my English through a high-quality education. I could spend time not only with American people, but with others international students. That makes me different from the rest of the people, and I filled my mind with beautiful memories. Finally, I need to say this experience has given me the basics to keep growing as professional and human being. The knowledge of the English language I learned will contribute enormously to the achievement of my academic and professional objectives.
Andrea Machin, Venezuela
Participating in the eight weeks program at Saint Michael's College was one of the best time in my life. It gave me the opportunity to meet new people from around the world with different backgrounds, and It also gave me the opportunity to live in another country with different culture and customs that mine.
I would never forget the friendships and the memories that I'd made in my stay at Saint Michael's, as much as the college itself, which I believe it has the best teachers and facilities to study the English as a second language.
Miguel A. Mantilla V., Venezuela
Thank you for this wonderful experience, was the best opportunity in my life. I am very grateful with you and Saint Michael´s College, and I hope come back for my master in Education.
Romina Lima, Uruguay
This experience is just unforgettable. You don’t only come to improve your English skills, you come to learn more about yourself, to see how responsible you are, how you can deal living away from family and old friends, how open are you socializing between the people of the United States and the people of other countries, among others. Now I’m back in my country sharing all the knowledge acquired that in my opinion it was just perfect; the members of Saint Michael’s Community are so special. I must say that I didn’t have the homesick syndrome because I felt always at home.
Andy Sanchez, Venezuela
SMC change my life in many several ways. I improved my english; a lot undoubtedly. But also, I knew great people from all around the world who teached me about the importance of the diversity, the value of the diferent cultures and a new way of sharing the joy of living. Saint Mike´s staff was like my family during my time there and it will continue being always. I don´t have enough words (in english or spanish) to express my grateful with them.
Fiorella Pena, Uruguay
Hay recuerdos que no voy a borrar
personas que no voy a olvidar
hay aromas que me quiero llevar
silencios que prefiero callar
...deja,
ama,
llora,
el tiempo nos ayuda a olvidar
y alla
el tiempo que me lleva hacia alla
el tiempo es un efecto fugaz
...hay secretos en el fondo del mar
personas que me quiero llevar
aromas que no voy a olvidar
silencios que prefiero callar...
This is a song written by an argentinian song writer. The reason why I write it here it is because expresses the way I'm feeling right now. The translation would something like this: There are memories that I won't erase, people that I won't forget, aromas that I want to take with me, silents that I'd rather be quite.
leave,
love,
cry,
time would help you forget
and there
time take me there
time is just a fugax effect
There are secrets in the deep of the ocean
people that I want to take with me
aromas that I won't forget
silents that I'd rather be quite...
The best time of my life was in Saint Michael's College. There I met the most kidness and polite people ever. Now, I have friends and siblings from all over the world, my heart and mind are wide open
today. I can't express with words how grateful I am. Just I want to say thanks to this people, because of them , I learned about life and I grew up, and of course I improved my English, but this experienced
is more than an English course.
Cecilia Rey Lapalma, Uruguay
The experience in Saint Michael's College was more than just an English education, more than a improvement in my academic, listening, writing and oral skills, more than sharing with lovely elderly seniors, more than meeting people from around the world, having excellent teachers, or making soul friends; It was a fulfilled and unforgettable experience that enriched my mind and my soul, and that let me human knowledge that can’t be found anywhere but in Saint Mikes! Thank you all!
Raúl Carrillo, Venezuela
The other day a friend asked me about the differences bewtween Vermont and Uruguay, and it was the first time I really thought about the place I had been. I went to the most natural place in the world. The people are really free, everybody respects the others' way of life. You can go dressed up in the way you want and nobody is going to look at you in a bad way. I lived with a lot of different people from different cultures, with different opinions, and different ways of life, and nobody never had any problem with that.
All the people are relaxed, quiet, respectful, and kind with the others. The first thing that surprised me when I got there was the good maners in which all the people talked to each other. In St. Michael's all the staff were always making all to make our trip better, and willing to help us. A clear example is when Rick made an appointment for me with the Ortodentist only because I had commented him that I had a little problem with my bracets. This little things showed me that I had been in an excellent place which I would recommend to everybody and where I will go back. I will never forget St. Michael's and the people I met there: friends, classmates, teachers, staff, host families and more. All the people who had made this the greatest experience of my life.
Fabio Lima Gainzarain, Uruguay
I thank God every day for this amazing experience I had on Saint Michaels college. I had a lot of expectations at the beginning and I have to say they were totally exceeded! All the knowledge, all the friends, and all the experiences are something that I cant ever forget. I had a close view of the American culture and society, and I have to say that all the prejudices I had were torn down. I made incredible friends; American friends, Asian friends, and Latin American Friends. I hope we can see each other ever again!
One last thing, this is the kind of experience that totally changes your life! Please keep on the good work youve been doing so far, and give others the same opportunity we had to change their lives.
Thank you so much!!!
Jean Pierre Toro, Venezuela
Testimonials
UIELSP Grant Students from the Dominican Republic and Haiti
August 23 – October 16, 2009
“Dear Vermont”-- Poem by Marjorie Labbé (Haiti) about Saint Michael's College, sung by Marjorie and accompanied by Jephthe Florian on the keyboard at the Reception for the UIELSP Grant Students on September 18, 2009.
Saint Michael's College was the best experience of my life. I improved my English skills, met a lot of people and made really good friends. In the Saint Michael's College community people are very friendly and kind, and the professors are the best around the world
Victor Diaz, Dominican Republic
For me having gone to Saint Michael’s College has been one of the greatest experiences of my life. I made true friends. With this program, we had the opportunity to improve our English skills while becoming better and more knowledgeable people. This experience enabled me to share a lot of different things with all of our wonderful teachers, ALD staff, host families, friends, and roommates on campus. I am grateful I was given the chance to have this amazing intercultural exchange with people from around the world. I will certainly bring this worthwhile experience over to my beloved country, and spread the word to my fellow compatriots that opportunities can be truly given and fully enjoyed. My only advices are: Don’t give up while trying and enjoy life your lives to the fullest! Whatever you learn here will cause an impact on you. Even though you may feel lonely when you get back to your respective countries, don’t feel like you are alone. The friendships that you make here will last forever.
Deiana J. Moquete Ulloa, Dominican Republic
I came here to learn English. However, it was an opportunity for me to feel Haitian for the first time. It was also an occasion to discover my uniqueness and show it to others. This experience has sharpened my view about the USA and some ideals that i have for Haiti. It was an unforgettable experience. I promise that I will apply what i have learned here to be successful and bring change around me.
Jonas Attilus, Haitian Grant Student
I do not know how to express myself to say how wonderful was the program.This is the best thing that I have never experienced in my life.
Jephthe Florian, Haiti
I cannot find words to express myself about this program. I have learned so many things from both this beautiful country and the people that I can carry along my paths. Moreover, I have learned how to develop my leadership, improve my English, and organize my day to day life well. Saint Michael’s College, I will never forget you. You are deeply inside my heart!!!
Myriam Mikael Basquin, Haiti
I had so wonderful time at Saint Michael's College. It’s the greatest experience I have ever made in my life. I am grateful to everyone at Saint Michael's for their kindness, friendship, patience, assistance and their understanding.
I will remember the IEP program forever! Thank you so much State Department.
Regine Minoce, Haiti
I think that in SMC has been a place very important for my development as a professional and as a person because I have learned a lot of things here.
I will have this experience with me forever.
Wenlly A. Caraballo, Dominican Republic
This experience has changed me more than any event in my life.
I am very grateful to everyone in this program. This is the greatest gift I ever received in my life and I learned a lot of true value on earth.
One more time, thank you with all my heart.
Chikel Fabrice, Haiti
This experience was one of the most interest in my life. I’ve made new friends, have visited many places and have learned a lot. I’ve really appreciated it.
Mario Joseph, Haiti
It’s quite impossible for me to express my feelings about this experience in 2-3 sentences. However, I’ve gotten my strength multiplied to accomplish my goad and become a better person.
P. Gandy Dorival, Haiti
My experience at St. Mike’s was wonderful. I didn’t expect that it would so fun. I am happy to have done all of those wonderful things in my life (for free).
Thank you St. Mike’s. I am very grateful to you.
Stephanie Thomas, Haiti
I am very happy to see how you all at SMC welcomed us. This is an unforgettable moment in our life, that we will never leave out, and I also hope this for all those who will be coming. I love everyone at SMC, and they will still stay in my heart. Thank you so much for all of these things.
Hollando Jean Philippe, Haiti
Earthly Paradise (by Hollando JEAN PHILIPPE)
It has seven letters and sounds
That might be equal to the seven days of the week
Surely goodness, it is; it starts by " V "
Therefore, it is VT, V-E-R-M-O-N-T, the Green Mountains
There, my hugest experience has directly begun
This is an unforgettable moment in my life,
That I will never leave out, and I also hope this
For all those who will have to be coming
SMC, I love you, I love everyone
And they will still stay in my heart
I love you so much, and exceedingly
And Haiti loves you too
In the situation on the JFK airport without that program i don't think i could speak like i did it at this time. I want to say thank you for everything because i am a new person after that program. I have a new view for everything my mind is open now to understand new situation.
Since i came back home, i couldn't found a time to continue working in my English. This is the big problem i have. I have a lot of work to do in the university because i lost one month and the exam approach, so i have to be ready for it.
The program gave me the maturity i need to be an adult. I will never forget that experience.
Tatiana Augustin
Comments (2)
Dayiris Barrios said
at 11:39 am on Mar 28, 2009
I really enjoyed this wonderful moment in Vermont. I learned a lot with my teachers, my roomates and everyone overthere. I hope to come back some day!!! Thank you for everything!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Christine Bauer-Ramazani said
at 9:44 pm on Apr 1, 2009
Dayiris, how nice to find your comment here! We miss you and will never forget you. Please come back one day.
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