Alumni Memories: Testimonials – Summer Contract Programs

At Tufts we pride ourselves on the small, intimate size of our contract program classes and the quality time our instructors are able to give to each of their students.

"What I enjoy most about the program are the informal conversations I am able to have with my students. Every so often a student will sit down with me just to chat – not to talk about homework, or lessons, or excursions, but just to have a conversation. They ask me questions and I do the same for them and we learn more about one another's lives. The students often amaze me with their accomplishments, talents, and dreams for the future. And the best part of this experience is that they’re applying their English in an authentic conversation with an American." —Dr. Greg Buchanan, Department Chair of Psychology at Beloit College, WI, and Instructor in the Tufts University English Language Programs

Dr. Buchanan ("Greg" to his students) applauds after a student presentation in his classroom.

Our skilled and accomplished instructors employ a variety of interactive strategies to engage all of their students in lessons and activities designed to enhance their students written and spoken English in meaningful ways.

"As an educator I believe that interactive exercises allow the students to tap their multiple intelligences to excel at their strengths and improve on their weaknesses without the fear of being singled out...I use various activities that get them talking, in English, and moving around the room to keep their attention and maintain a high level of energy and enthusiasm. The students respond well to this kind of set up and look forward to coming to class the next day!" —Josephine Altovino-Taillon, Teacher at Malden High School and Instructor in the Tufts University English Language Programs. Ms. Altovino-Taillon has a Master's in Education (M.Ed).

Josephine, often called Ms. T, poses for a picture with a group of students.

Tufts Summer English Language Contract Programs prides itself on its highly successful residential program. We recruit, hire, and train upstanding students from some of the U.S.'s finest colleges and universities to create a positive experience for students throughout the duration of their stay on campus.

"Students benefit from a diverse group of Resident Counselors we recruit and train to run our programs. Our staff works hard to educate our participants about what it is like to be a college or university student in America. We are all so different which makes it impossible to say that all Americans act one specific way…I think the most important thing we do as Residence Counselors is get the students to speak more English than they normally would. They have such a great opportunity to talk with native speakers throughout the day. They also learn the culture by interacting with us in informal settings." —Lizzie Siegle, Residential Counselor at Cambridge Eating Disorder Center, Former Lead Residential Counselor for our 2011 Summer Contract Programs and Tufts University graduate

Lizzie, right, enjoys the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular with a student.

Students will leave Tufts having formed relationships which will extend far beyond their time on campus.

"An open mind, an optimistic attitude, and patience helped me develop strong relationships...I’m still in contact with many former students via Facebook and other social media and currently send and receive mail from a few of them. I spend time talking about how they are doing at school, learning about the drama and diplomat competitions they have, and helping them with their grammar." —Peter Yeh, 2011-2012 City Year Boston Corps Member, Former Residential Counselor for our 2011 Summer Contract Programs and Tufts University graduate

Peter leads a fun and informative tour of the Freedom Trail for students and chaperones.