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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 / What makes ILI special — and effective!

March 4, 2021

What makes ILI special — and effective!

What makes ILI special — and effective!

It is not unusual for us to hear that ILI is a unique learning experience, giving  rise to vastly improved language skills while creating a sense of common purpose and “family” among students. Here’s why we think that happens.

Since 1984, ILI has provided language learning courses for international students, local and regional businesses and residents of western Massachusetts. This work stems directly from our mission to promote intercultural understanding and diverse communities through high-quality language instruction and teacher training.

We know that language can bring people together or sometimes create barriers that are difficult to overcome. We understand that in this country and many others, poor skills in the “official” language contribute to the marginalization of many people, making it hard for them to realize their full potential. At ILI, we provide English language training in the hopes of bringing a truly multicultural, and linguistically equitable, society to reality.

We believe that fundamental misunderstandings, mistrust, and even aggression among nations can be overcome when people interact with respect for different cultures and different languages. This is true at individual, business, and government levels. ILI encourages second and world language learning and cross-cultural awareness for both native and non-native speakers of English. By adhering to our Statement of Principles, we endeavor to make an IMPACT in this important area.

Traditional approaches to language training teach in an intellectualized way, rather than providing students with the means to communicate and perform even basic, daily tasks in the language they want to learn. We seek to reverse this trend by teaching in a meaningful context, consistently encouraging active student participation in — and evaluation of — the learning experience. This intense level of student participation in program context and structure ensures the relevance and effectiveness of our offerings.

In keeping with our commitment to learner-centered methodologies, ILI courses cater to different learning styles. We incorporate VAKTastic principles and Visual, Aural, Kinesthetic, and Tactile materials and activities.

All classes are now online, conducted by trained professionals who love to teach. Before classes start, students receive an ILI course booklet created to make language learning as efficient as possible. We use Zoom for our live classrooms and provide easy-to-follow instructions for Google Classroom activities.

We hope to see you in our classes soon. Above all, they focus on speaking and using the language, and they are just plain fun!

Click here to see all of our offerings.

Article by ILI Staff / News

ILI News

  • Marco Bittencourt brings a lifetime of multicultural experience to teaching! April 12, 2023
  • ILI Spotlight: Brian Long, teacher trainer and ILI instructor March 29, 2023
  • Volunteer Spotlight: Emily Soltanoff March 15, 2023
  • 4 Great Reasons Why You Should Learn Spanish in the USA February 22, 2023
  • A guide for beginners on how to learn Spanish February 8, 2023
  • Mayor Honors Past ILI Board President February 1, 2023

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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
Last week the IEP celebrated May Birthdays! We gat Last week the IEP celebrated May Birthdays! We gathered for cake, those being celebrated made wishes, and students sang Happy Birthday in English, Portuguese, Tibetan, Chinese, Turkish, Russian, Arabic, Spanish, Korean, Japanese, & Lao! 🍰

Thanks for creating this video, Jo!

#happybirthday #languagelearning #education #languagelearners #intensiveenglishprogram #northampton #internationallanguageinstitute #massachusetts #ialc
Hurray Aimée! Pictured with her son, CJ, Aimée Hurray Aimée! Pictured with her son, CJ,  Aimée graduated Cum Laude today from @mtholyoke ! Originally from the Congo, it’s been so fun to watch the amazing trajectory of Aimee..from ILI to @gccgreenfield to being selected as a Frances Perkins Scholar and serving on ILI’s Board of Directors and starting @positivelyafricana along the way among numerous other things. We can’t wait to see what she does next! 🎉❤️🎓🚀🌟
Giving Voice 2023 brought together many of the stu Giving Voice 2023 brought together many of the students, staff, alumni, board members, donors, and community of supporters that help make ILI thrive. ⭐️ If you didn’t have a chance to make a donation at the event, but would still like to support ILI, visit ili.edu/donate 💌

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
Last night our #GivingVoice2023 student panel feat Last night our #GivingVoice2023 student panel featured Luz Muñoz (Colombia), Canser Bayir (Turkey), and Alina Chirilov (Moldova). The three students are pictured here in the audience before the panel discussion with ILI career and college counselor, Beth Reddish.

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! ⭐️

#iligivingvoice2023 #ili #iligivingvoice23 #givingvoice2023 #internationallanguageinstitute #massachusetts #northampton #studentlife #bombyx #studentpanel
A stunning cake made by @_azhar_bakery for #iligiv A stunning cake made by @_azhar_bakery for #iligivingvoice23 🎂
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