School Life

School Life

　I studied English at GRCC (Green River Community College) as an IESL (Intensive English as a Second Language) student for 6 months. The IESL students study English only. They are divided into 5 different levels of classes they match, so they can study English without worries.

Orientation

　The orietation was held for 1 week after we arrived in the United States. We took tests for deciding classes to take, made an ID card, went to the camp named CORE, and went to a Seattle Trip.

　We had to go to school so early during the orientatin that we were supplied with breakfast at the cafeteria. It is good time to make friends, so you should talk to some students actively.

　We took part in the camp named CORE. You can enjoy various activities such as paintball shooting, horse back riding, and zip-line if you sign up the camp.

　On the last day of the orientation, we went on a Seattle trip. We were allowed to go anywhere we wanted. This picture was taken at the 1st Starbucks store located at Pike Place Market.

FFS

　FFS (Foundation for Success) program is required for new students. New students are supported by academic students called ”Peer Mentors,” who help them lead school life smoothly.

　I went to Seattle with my Peer Mentor and friends as an FFS assignment. We also went to have lunch and to Starbucks. Peer Mentors are very kind, so you can ask them anything.

Classes

　Your classes depend on the test score you took at the orientation. Students in level 1 to 3 study at the Kent Campus, and students in level 4 and 5 study at the Main Campus in Auburn. The Kent Campus is located near Kent Station. There are not only restaurants or clothing stores but also a movie theater in the area, so it's convenient for students to hang around. The Main Campus has a lot of nature, so you can find wild rabbits or squirrels on campus.

Level 3　 Instructors : Tim (Grammar/Reading/Writing), Jennifer(Speaking/Listening)

　Tim is the funniest teacher as far as I know. He really ikes dinosaurs. Jennifer can speak Spanish, and her classes were easy to understand.

Grammar

　We learned some basic grammar in this class. You need to know parts of sppech in English before classes. Assignments were required evey day, but not so much.

Reading/Writing

　We practiced to catch the details on the reading. We also read the novel called ”Holes,” and we took tests about the details every week.
　We learned how to write essays. At the test, we are allowed to bring a note which has the outline, so you can get a good score if you prepare enough.

Speaking/Listening

　We made some presentations, discussed some themes, and learned correct pronunciation.
　We also learned note taking. We listened to some lectures, and took notes. Every Friday, we watched a drama called ”Modern Family.” After that, we discussed the story.

Having a Party at Tim's House

Jennifer and My Classmates

Level 4 　Instructors : Sam (Grammar/Reading/Writing), Eunice(Speaking/Listening)

　Sam was called "Big Sam" from students. Eunice is Korean, who was born and grew up in America.

Grammar

　It was basically the same as in level 3, but I thought the class became harder. Assignments were required a lot every day.

Reading/Writing

　On the reading, there were many rare words in it, so it was hard for me to understand them.
　We practiced citation in our essays. We also made a research paper as the final test.

Speaking/Listening

　We made a long presentation by ourselves and had a debate test. The class became harder than in level 3.
　The tests became difficult. We also focused about note taking more than before.

Study Hall

　After school, students can study at the ”Study Hall.” A teacher and students from academic classes are there for us, and we can ask them questions that we can't understand. Most teachers give bonus points to the students who go to the Study Hall, so I recommend you go there actively.

Study Hall

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	We had to go to school so early during the orientatin that we were supplied with breakfast at the cafeteria. It is good time to make friends, so you should talk to some students actively.
	We took part in the camp named CORE. You can enjoy various activities such as paintball shooting, horse back riding, and zip-line if you sign up the camp.
	On the last day of the orientation, we went on a Seattle trip. We were allowed to go anywhere we wanted. This picture was taken at the 1st Starbucks store located at Pike Place Market.

Grammar	We learned some basic grammar in this class. You need to know parts of sppech in English before classes. Assignments were required evey day, but not so much.
Reading/Writing	We practiced to catch the details on the reading. We also read the novel called ”Holes,” and we took tests about the details every week. 　We learned how to write essays. At the test, we are allowed to bring a note which has the outline, so you can get a good score if you prepare enough.
Speaking/Listening	We made some presentations, discussed some themes, and learned correct pronunciation. 　We also learned note taking. We listened to some lectures, and took notes. Every Friday, we watched a drama called ”Modern Family.” After that, we discussed the story.


Having a Party at Tim's House	Jennifer and My Classmates

Grammar	It was basically the same as in level 3, but I thought the class became harder. Assignments were required a lot every day.
Reading/Writing	On the reading, there were many rare words in it, so it was hard for me to understand them. 　We practiced citation in our essays. We also made a research paper as the final test.
Speaking/Listening	We made a long presentation by ourselves and had a debate test. The class became harder than in level 3. 　The tests became difficult. We also focused about note taking more than before.