Struggling with Lectures? NIC Is Here To Help!

ESL for students, easier said than done.

Since NIC transitioned into a higher athletic division this past year, the campus has around 50 new international students, hailing from 22 countries of origin, according to Kathleen Miller Green at the NIC Board of Trustees meeting on January 22nd, 2024.

“Going to college in another country is very courageous, and I’m happy NIC is able to provide more support,” states Amy Bardwell, head of the International Students club.

Although an English Proficiency test is required for entry, faculty introduced a new course this semester for those looking for additional support with the English language. Kat Gilmore of NIC’s English Department says that the proficiency test can’t account for the difficulty of understanding spoken lectures in real time, as opposed to writing. Comprehending a different language at such a fast pace out-loud requires a different level of fluency.

Kat Gilmore, Assistant Professor-English

As Gilmore puts it, “Speaking and listening is hard if you aren’t immersed.” In response, NIC introduced ESL 110: Speaking and Listening this past semester, which focuses on English as used by native speakers. 

Although this is a step in the right direction, and shows NIC’s ability to adapt quickly, Gilmore feels it came too late. Currently, the course only has four students, likely because it doesn’t fit in most schedules, and not many are aware it exists. 

Learning the English language: the struggle is real.

Beyond her work at NIC, Gilmore directs The Literacy Project of North Idaho, a nonprofit offering free ESL classes and tutoring to anyone who wishes to improve their English literacy. This organization is thriving, with a recent Ukrainian immigration creating more demand.

Classes are only available Monday through Thursday, at 12:00 PM. Unfortunately, the class occurs during the middle of the work day, making this resource unavailable to many who could benefit from it.

Even with this limitation, there is a waitlist of 30 people currently hoping for one of the program’s 40 occupied spots to open up. With more volunteers, more times could be offered. Gilmore urges anyone interested in volunteering for the Literacy Project of North Idaho to contact the organization here. No prior experience is necessary, and all volunteers are welcomed.

Actions speak louder than words.

To Gilmore, the demand shows a need for ESL resources in the greater North Idaho community. She sees investing in an ESL program is an opportunity for NIC to strengthen ties with the local community. Any NIC students who feel they could benefit from improved English comprehension are encouraged to consider taking ESL 110, instructed by Kat Gilmore, this coming semester.

For students with any questions about these resources, contact Gilmore at kat.gilmore@nic.edu and you can find details about the class through MyNIC, searching courses under the “English as a Second Language” subject.