Wright State’s LEAP program enriches students’ experiences

Wright State’s English program, known as Learning English for Academic and Professional Purposes (LEAP), has been offered by the university since 1995.International students can use LEAP to improve their English skills before taking the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).Wright State is one of many schools across Ohio to offer this program. However, Wright State’s program is different because unlike other schools, it is managed through the English Department as opposed to the International Center.Students from countries all around the world come to WSU either to complete a study abroad program or a full degree. There are currently 45 students in the program.“One of the really valuable components of our program is all the collaborations we do with other university courses and professors. This would mean getting two classes together and having discussions and cultural exchanges,” said Thomas Fenton, lecturer with LEAP.Degrees that LEAP works with include social work, sociology and political science. Collaboration between these fields allow students to have conversations about life, both domestically and internationally.“We have lots of extracurricular activities as well to help with their English outside class,” said Jeannette Horwitz, director of LEAP. “We also do lots of cultural events, we had an event for Thanksgiving and Halloween, and we offer tutoring and success workshops, conversation partners, and lots of different extra activities.”Many of the students who complete LEAP program come back and mentor the new international students and are also involved in many of the cultural events on campus.

The experience through LEAP has also given students a chance to immerse themselves in American culture.

LEAP is currently expanding its partnerships and work throughout the world and has recently started a collaboration with University of Babylon.