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ILI

The International Language Institute of Massachusetts (ILI) promotes intercultural understanding and diverse communities by providing high-quality language instruction and teacher training.

You are here: Home / News / Northampton, the land of Multiculturalism and Pluralism

October 25, 2018

Northampton, the land of Multiculturalism and Pluralism

Northampton, the land of Multiculturalism and Pluralism

I am really amazed to see how both multiculturalism and pluralism are a social norm in the United States, particularly in Amherst and Northampton. The warmth and the welcome I experienced upon my arrival in these two places in the state of Massachusetts go beyond my expectations and stereotypes. I did expect to meet people from different religious and cultural backgrounds. I did expect some sort of communication and cultural exchange to take place. I did expect appropriate work place behavior. Yet, all these are being manifested at different levels with a high degree of cultural understanding, tolerance and strong humane relationships.

When I first arrived at Northampton, a welcome sign which is placed in different places in the neighborhood offered salutation, acceptance and hospitality.

Then, I was immediately able to experience those in my host’s house. I was received by my host, Diana Larkin, with open arms without any demands or compromises. I really enjoy my stay in her house and we both enjoy talking about our cultural differences. My visit to Smith college Museum was very beneficial thanks to Diana, who is an art historian with a special interest in the art of ancient Egypt. She is also a retired professor from Mount Holyoke College and a consultant to museums.

Article by ILI Staff / News

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Yesterday we had an enlightening day at the Northa Yesterday we had an enlightening day at the Northampton District Courthouse with ILI's daytime English classes! Judge Mary Beth Ogulewicz, a former ILI ESOL teacher, warmly welcomed our students. Her compassion and intelligence shine in her role as a judge. Special insights from Leah Kunkel, a public defender, and assistant district attorneys shed light on the importance of diversion, rehabilitation, and restorative justice in our local court system. Grateful for the opportunity to learn and engage with these dedicated professionals! 🏛️ #northampton #studentlife
We are getting a makeover! 🛠️A big thank you We are getting a makeover! 🛠️A big thank you goes to the @cityofnorthampton ’s ARPA Community Recovery grant program and to our incredible landlord, J. Rockwell (Rocky) Allen of Emerald City Partners, for making ILI’s Building the Future project possible. ⭐️ The renovation will create six larger classrooms, reconfigure and upgrade the HVAC system, provide ADA-compliant restrooms and ADA entry and exit points and build a common space to accommodate cultural events for students and the public. Northampton Mayor @glformayor (above, center) and Rocky (second from left) joined ILI staff, board members and students to mark the beginning phase (deconstruction) of the project. We’ll report on progress in upcoming newsletters and anticipate the renovation will be finished in time to celebrate ILI’s 40th birthday next August! 🎉

#arpagrant #northampton #community #internationallanguageinstitute #massachusetts #renovation
🎄Free event benefiting the @northamptonrotary ! 🎄Free event benefiting the @northamptonrotary !  ILI will have a Language and Travel Tree and you could be the lucky winner of a gift certificate for a beginner Spanish class. ⭐️ We hope to see you there for this fun event! #festivaloftrees
Back in 2011, art blogger Jeff Hamada asked people Back in 2011, art blogger Jeff Hamada asked people on the internet to recreate their favorite paintings through photograph. The response was incredible! Thousands of people chose their favorite works and made them their own.

ILI students recently did their own recreations as an opportunity to practices two tenses. Check it out! #projectrecreate #ili #studentlife
The renovation work at ILI set off our buildings’ fire alarm. @northamptonfirefighters came to the rescue and Captain Eric Toia is pictured here with some of our students. Thank you Northampton Fire Rescue! 🚒
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