Traveling to America where English is not your first language can be a daunting challenge, but one student welcomed the chance for an opportunity to study abroad.

Hongfeng Fei is a Shanghai, China native who decided to explore her options and travel over 7,000 miles to study English in Ashland University’s ACCESS Program.

Before coming to the United States, Fei studied at a Chinese University for four years majoring in economics.

“At the time, China was developing in the areas of economics and finance and these were all new things to China,” Fei said. “So that is why I chose to study economics because I just wanted to know what it was.”

Fei’s father was a teacher at the university and he encouraged her to read about economics because in the near future, China would need more professionals in the economic field.

“At first I was confused as to why my father would want me to read and study about economics because in the television shows, businessmen and businesswomen are bad and selfish,” she said. “But after I read about economics, I understood why businessmen have to make certain decisions because of limited conditions that they face.”

After Fei graduated from her university, she wanted to study abroad and this is an idea she had for a very long time.

“When I was in China, I would read about America in my books and I thought it would be neat to come and experience what I read in the books,” she said.

Her choices were limited to study abroad, since she did not take any standard English examinations, but she found the ACCESS Program at Ashland University. An offer was made for her to study, and she gladly took the offer.

To help ease the transition into the American culture and language, Ashland University created the ACCESS program (The Ashland Center for English Studies) for International students to orient themselves amongst the American culture and develop language skills.

For eighteen years, Mike Hupfer, the Associate Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, was the Director of the ACCESS program on Ashland University’s campus and he believes the program has been an important feeder to admitting International students who desire to study English.

“Throughout the program, we teach students how to develop language skills, cultural sensitivity to the United States, and how to become oriented to the academic culture within the United States,” Hupfer said.

This intensive language preparation program allows students to achieve a higher level of proficiency with the English language within a short period of time. The exit goal would be preparedness to participate in University activities in an English speaking classroom.

Fei has enjoyed her life studying abroad and she says she has learned a lot of reading, writing, listening and speaking skills.

“I practice my listening and speaking skills a lot because in America, you have the chance to talk with other people who speak English. So, you can listen to them and improve your speaking skills,” Fei said.

Fei used to listen to English songs in Middle School to practice her English, but she could never remember the words; only the melody. But that soon changed once she came and studied the language.

“I was so excited when I could finally understand what they were singing in the songs,” she said. “So, I think I improved a lot.”

Reading was a bit more difficult for Fei because a page of foreign words and sentences isn’t much fun for anyone trying to study a foreign language.

“At first when I saw a full page of English and I didn’t want to read it at all,” she said.

But during her time in the ACCESS Program, Fei is proud of the accomplishments she has made in studying and learning the English language.

Besides her academics, Fei has enjoyed attending the many ACCESS activities since it allows her to learn about different American customs and traditions.

“I get to learn about what is happening around me in the U.S. and that is one of my favorite parts,” Fei said.

As part of the ACCESS Program, students have the chance to travel to big cities and this excited Fei, especially because of her love for opera and Broadway shows. During her first trip to New York City, Fei attended Disney’s Mary Poppins on Broadway and absolutely loved it.

Upon completing the ACCESS Program, Fei will go on to earn her MBA at Ashland University. After graduation, Fei would be greatly appreciative if she could find a job in America, but she would ultimately like to return to China and teach foreign languages to Chinese students.

“I have a lot of things that I want to try and hopefully I will have the chance to experience them,” she said.

The ACCESS Program continues be an essential part of the diverse culture of Ashland University and hopefully the program will continue to strengthen through the eager minds and spirits of International students.