By Meghan Riding
meghan@newsroom.byu.edu
Immigrants to Utah Valley have an opportunity to gain an education in the new language and culture of America.
The Oxford Language Institute at 651 W. Columbia Lane in Provo teaches classes in seven languages and specializes in English as a second language, said Joseph Madrigal, BYU professor of statistics and owner of the Oxford Language Institute.
The goal of Oxford is to help students adjust to the American lifestyle and gain skills to be successful in society.
'Our main goal is to contribute to the understanding and communication of people of all the world,' Madrigal said.
Oxford teaches students from all over the world, including Mongolia, Taiwan and many Latin American countries.
The teaching philosophy of Oxford is different than many typical American schools. Classes are kept small - no more than 10 students - to facilitate a close relationship with the teacher.
'We are associated with Oxford (University in England) and use their method of a tutorial system. We have life-labs where there is one-on-one teaching. It is more efficient and there is more interaction,' Madrigal said.
'It's a small school and a chance to grow,' said Valentin Martinez, 28, from Aguascalientes, Mexico, who is taking the English grammar class.
Madrigal said teachers are trained to share new developments and incorporate techniques from Oxford University in England. The purpose of Oxford is to provide more than basic English skills.
Suzette Widdison, 21, a senior from Tokyo, Japan, majoring in international development, volunteered at Oxford as a teacher of computer skills and English.
'They learned a lot of English. The goal is not just to teach English, though, but to support the students. The goal is to gain valuable job skills,' Widdison said.
Madrigal said teaching the new language and culture of America helps improve the standing of the students in the community.
'The hardest thing is to make the transition to a new culture. The students are molded and invited to activities, like Thanksgiving dinner. They make friends. We try to nurture them,' Madrigal said.
Joao Barros, 30, from Curitiba, Brazil, is taking an English grammar class and plans to continue his education at a university after he finishes class at Oxford.
'I really like the teachers and the environment. I learned things on the first day of class. They care about our progress,' Barros said.
Students and teachers notice the progress from the classes at Oxford.
'They don't have the skills we learn growing up in the American culture. It's exciting to see the improvement,' Widdison said.
Bayarkhuu Pushkin, 18, from Ulanbator, Mongolia, said her classes at Oxford will prepare her for future educational plans.
'I want to go to college and take tough tests. Oxford is a good way to learn,' Pushkin said.
Madrigal said education is important for everyone, regardless of a person's background or ethnicity.
'If people were educated, a lot of problems would go away. It's an investment and will benefit the world.'