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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 / #VoicesofILI : John Steve Papouto Felix

July 22, 2020

#VoicesofILI : John Steve Papouto Felix

#VoicesofILI : John Steve Papouto Felix

VoicesofILI spotlights some of the students, teachers, and community members that make ILI what it is. John Steve Papouto Felix is a student from Port-Au-Prince, Haiti but his hope is to end up among the clouds. He is a student in ILI’s Intensive English Program, and is dedicated to making his dream of becoming a pilot a reality.

Papouto moved to the states in February of this year and immediately began overcoming obstacles. When his initial study plans fell through, he adapted to the situation and joined the Intensive English Program at ILI to stay on track with his goals, and continue improving his English. The teachers at ILI helped Papouto to identify his level in English, which pleasantly surprised him when he received a high score on his initial assessments. Papouto explained that classes at ILI are much different than the English classes he takes at school back home. ILI’s curriculum taught him new methods to approaching writing such as breaking down his thesis statement into different, smaller parts.

It’s quite clear that Papouto is a driven and intelligent student, however, he is much more than just brains. Back home he has a large family, athletic hobbies, and some quality time spent in the US before he came to ILI. When he isn’t surrounded by his parents, two younger sisters, and two older sisters, Papouto enjoys watching and/or playing soccer with friends. Or snowboarding in New York with friends. Or jumping into freezing cold lakes at 5:30 AM with friends? It seems like this guy knows how to have a good time! Papouto first came to the US in 2014, when he attended a camp in the countryside of New York. He was unpleasantly surprised with the rainy 60-something weather he was greeted with after leaving home where the summer low doesn’t go below 70 degrees.

Papouto will be starting college this fall at Vermont Tech where he will study engineering to work on his math and physics skills so he can transfer to a school to study aviation.

Papouto shared that although he likes to joke around quite a bit – he always wants people to remember him for his kindness.

Thanks for chatting with us Papouto – we can’t wait to watch you soar (literally)!

Article by ILI Staff / News

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We are honored to be the recipient of the @paradis We are honored to be the recipient of the @paradise_city_arts_festivals silent auction this year during the Memorial Day weekend (May 27-29) at the Hampshire County Fairgrounds. Artists who exhibit and sell their works donate items for the auction. This gives you a chance to take part in the fun of bidding on their great creations while supporting ILI at the same time!

Don’t miss free introductory Spanish classes on Saturday and Sunday, right at the show! We'll be holding three 20-30 minute sessions in the late morning and early afternoon, followed by feedback and suggestions on how to find the ILI language course that’s right for you. Classes are limited to 6-8 people per session, so head to the auction tables when you arrive at the festival and sign up in advance. 

✨Calling all volunteers!
Volunteer with ILI at Paradise City Arts Festival! You get free parking and a free pass into the festival on the day you volunteer. You'll assist ILI staff at the auction tables and booth sit for artists while they take quick lunch and bio-breaks. It's lots of fun, and just think of the wonderful art you'll get to enjoy!

➡️Sign up to volunteer here: https://tinyurl.com/ew76y9ee
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Thanks for creating this video, Jo!

#happybirthday #languagelearning #education #languagelearners #intensiveenglishprogram #northampton #internationallanguageinstitute #massachusetts #ialc
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Thank you to @artifactcider , @provisionswine , @coopersliquors , and @cafebalagan for providing drinks.

The food at #GivingVoice2023 was from restaurants run by former students or student’s family members! Thank you Pangea Sushi, @_azhar_bakery , @masamexicano , and Mosaic Cafe. 🍱🍰

📸 Photos by Paul Specht
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Former student Annie Castaño hosted Giving Voice this year and led the panel discussion by asking Luz, Canser, and Alina questions about their experiences. We heard about their backgrounds, what led them to come to the U.S., their experiences since being here, the communities they’ve found and formed, the ways ILI has impacted their lives, and their future goals. We are so grateful to our students for sharing their stories, it was a highlight of the evening! ⭐️

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A stunning cake made by @_azhar_bakery for #iligiv A stunning cake made by @_azhar_bakery for #iligivingvoice23 🎂
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