Maral Tsogtbayar has big goals for her future, and the ESL program at CSI is a stepping stone to getting there.

International students are not only far from home, but they are also dealing with the challenge of studying, getting used to a new culture, and many are learning to master their English skills. Learning a new language is hard enough, but in the US, regional accents are common, people speak at different speeds, and even speech patterns can differ. Those things can prove to be a challenge for International students who are not native English speakers.

“One challenge I have encountered is pronunciation, which is much more difficult than I expected,” says Maral Tsogtbayar, a Computer Systems Institute student at the campus in Charlestown, Massachusetts. Originally from Mongolia, Maral has been in the US since 2023 and would eventually like to go to college and get a degree in education. Improving her English at CSI is the first step in that process. She’s currently enrolled in the English as a Second Language program in order to prepare her for the future.

ESL Program for International Students 

CSI offers ESL programs in Chicago and in Boston at all six of the school’s campuses. The program is hands-on and immerses students in the language through interactive learning experiences. The programs integrate modern technology and real-life scenarios so that students are comfortable applying what they learn outside of the classroom. A student learns in many ways, be it through classes, tutoring, or language labs. 

Maral says that although she has a strong grasp of English, it’s not always easy. “Sometimes I struggle to understand people’s accents because they speak very quickly. It is one of the most challenging aspects of communication for me.”

CSI’s ESL program has helped her improve her understanding, speaking, reading, and writing in English. The school has many levels of study so that even novice speakers can start to improve their skills. They offer classes for beginner, intermediate, and advanced students. Students who attend classes in Massachusetts can take Academic English to prepare them for speaking, writing, and understanding the language in an educational setting. In Illinois, CSI offers the Communication Program, which focuses on professional-level English skills, particularly speaking. 

One trick that Maral has learned to help her improve her English is to make sure she hears it and reads it in her everyday life, even when she isn’t in class. For example, “If I am watching TV, I will watch American movies and turn on the closed captioning to follow along. This has helped a lot,” she says.

The support she has gotten at school has also made a difference. “CSI is a well-structured and highly professional institute that provides an excellent learning environment. The people here are incredibly kind, supportive, and always willing to help, making it a welcoming place for students.”

Benefits of CSI

Maral says that CSI has been a great introduction to getting an education in the US. There are benefits to being an international student at CSI, “I really like the location of CSI because it’s convenient and well-situated. The facilities and resources are excellent, making it a great environment for learning.” It’s not just the place, but the people as well, “I have learned a lot from my teacher, who is not only extremely knowledgeable but also kind, patient, and highly professional,” she says.

Even though she loves the location, it does have drawbacks, “I have to mention the weather because it is extremely cold here, sometimes even colder than in Mongolia. Interestingly, my hometown, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, is one of the coldest cities in the world!”

Even though the weather isn’t always ideal where she currently lives, she spends a lot of time getting outdoors, “On weekends, I love going hiking to appreciate nature and capture beautiful moments through photography.” As someone who admires art, the camera is a natural fit. “Photography has recently become my new hobby, and I find it both inspiring and fulfilling. Exploring the streets with my camera allows me to see the world from a different perspective and express my creativity.”

Because Maral has many hobbies, she appreciates the flexibility that she gets as a student at CSI, “ The timetable makes studying much more manageable. Having classes just three days a week is perfect, allowing for a balanced and effective learning experience.

“Fortunately, my schedule is manageable, making it easier to stay organized and productive,” she says. But it is something she doesn’t take for granted, “I always try to practice effective time management in my daily life. On Mondays and Tuesdays, I take care of my twin nephews, which is both a joyful and responsible task.” 

The rest of the week is all about school. On Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, I attend my classes, focusing on my studies and gaining new knowledge. During the weekends, I dedicate my time to reviewing what I learned throughout the week to reinforce my understanding.” 

The Ultimate Goal

CSI has been a wonderful introduction to an American education. Maral has her sights set on the education industry.”After completing this program, I plan to continue my studies, possibly in college. I am considering pursuing a degree in Education.”

Maral already has a bachelor’s degree in engineering from a school in Mongolia, so she has a very wide range of interests. CSI’s primary focus is career training and business-oriented programs. Maral is not ruling that out, “If I don’t go to another school, I would possibly stay at CSI. I haven’t done a lot of research, but I am sure there is something I’d like. I know they have a lot of options.”

For now, she is happy with her decision to start with the ESL program, “I truly believe that everyone who chooses to study at CSI will gain valuable knowledge and skills,” says Maral. “The institute offers a well-organized curriculum, experienced instructors, and a supportive community, all of which contribute to a rewarding educational experience.”

If you want to improve your English skills as the first step toward your future career or educational goals, CSI has a variety of ESL programs that can help. Contact us now to learn more.