By Ita K Muavesi
Every year students from around the world leave family, friends, and familiar native surroundings to learn English as a second language at BYU.
Located near the far end of campus, on University Ave. and Canyon Road, the English Language Center is considered 'BYU''s best kept secret,' said Joyce Kohler, secretary specialist for the English Language Center.
'The best thing about the center is the students. I see cultures I only dream of through their eyes,' said Kohler.
Many students come to the English Language Center because they want to learn better English skills, Kohler said.
Although there is no formal degree offered to students learning English as a second language, the learning center prepares students to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language, which, if passed, would enable them to attend college in the United States.
'Students are free to come and study until they feel comfortable with the English skills they have gained. These skills will help improve their chances for education and employment,' Kohler said.
Jean-Franck Tonga, 24, from West Africa, is studying English at the language center with hopes that he may return to his native land and run a private construction business.
He said that he chose to study English at BYU because 'First of all, it is a safe place - good place to study.'
He said one of the best things about the center is the friendly nature of the teachers.
Tonga plans on attending UVSC if he passes the test.
Some students have even changed their religion since moving to Provo.
Silvia Bazan, 22, from Peru, has been studying English at the learning center for the past nine months.
She first heard about the English Learning Center from missionaries while living in Japan with her family.
Upon arriving in Utah she was baptized and is planning on serving a full time mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
'It is not unusual to see two to three baptisms per semester,' Kohler said.
In addition to English classes, the language center offers optional religion classes as well.
Both Bazan and Tonga said that the biggest difficulty for them was being away from home.
Because of the events of Sept. 11, many of the students are afraid to go home, they fear they might have difficulties in getting a student visa to come back, Kohler said.
Bazan also said that another difficulty she encounters is dating.
'Americans are very different - they have a different date every week,' she said. 'Where I come from, loyalty is very important - you stay with the one you are with.'