I attended the TIE from August 2002 – July 2003. It was such a great experience. When I came to USA I did not know any English, and in little time I was able to communicate with people, know about the American culture, and I made so many good friends which I still have contact with them. Being in the TIE program helped me to open my mind to the world. I had classmates from Japan, Korea, Thailand, Poland, Brazil, and Mexico just to mention some. I learned about their culture and traditions as well as their food, music, language, Etc. We went dancing; we ate their traditional food, and the best thing was that were always able to communicate because we were almost at the same English level, all of us were learning the same thing.

Also, in the TIE we celebrated some American traditions that helped me to emerge in this culture such as Halloween, thanksgiving, ect. We even learn how to use a map, how to ask for directions and how to apply for employment.  I can say that being at the TIE really helped me to reach my goal and I am very thankful for the teachers and classmates that were with me in that journey.