Efforts being made to spread the English language beyond the U.S. border:

Hi and thanks for visiting!

I have spent a couple of weeks now discussing bilingual schooling in Tucson and how it has positively impacted its enrolled Hispanic population. I thought it would be neat to explore how the University of Arizona is contributing to English taught education to its Hispanic students, so yesterday I visited the Center for English as a Second Language (CESL), and picked up some great information regarding a program they have started that offers evening classes to those interested in learning English as a second language. Here is the neat part-- the classes are offered in Nogales, Sonora. This way, the UA is reaching out without giving those who are interested in enrolling in the program, the means or the need to have to be in U.S. to benefit from its assistance.

Photo taken by Danielle C. Chapot

CESL, the "only nationally accredited intensive English program in Arizona," according to its Web site, offers two types of English classes to its Nogales students: General English and Business English. The following is what each of them offer:

General English:
*Speaking
*Listening
*Reading
*Writing
(Each is offered in four different levels: Low, Intermediate, High, Advanced)

Business English:
(Must of intermediate level in both spelling and writing, first)
*Write and "role play" for specific business scenarios
*Resume and cover letter work
*Business plan developing

Approaching their 36th year of service, CESL has prided themselves on its "award- winning faculty," inexpensive classes, and primary goal: to advance careers based upon English skills learned.

In an interview I had with Dr. Alfred Stover, the Assistant Director for Student Services and Communication, he explained that there are currently 69 students enrolled in the Nogales English teaching program. A couple of years ago, Hispanics came to the U.S. to take advantage of the CESL classes but once 9/11 occurred, it became very hard for people to cross the border to learn English. As a result, CESL decided to offer its classes in Nogales. "It is easier for us to send our teachers across the border," Stover said. "[It just became] so cumbersome for students to get up here and take the classes." After 3 years in operation, Stover expressed excitement for the program as he stated "it's been pretty successful so far."


The following is a quick You Tube video of a teacher from a Mexico city, Juarez, who displays an effort to enforce English speaking in his classroom, as he prompts his students with questions that help them practice speaking where things are in relation to other things, in English.