Activities for Students
Our students come from many different countries including Japan, Saudi Arabia, Taiwan, Korea, Spain, Turkey, China, Mexico, Thailand, and Vietnam. They make American friends and also friends from many other countries while studying in the UESL Program. Many UESL students go on to take undergraduate classes at Central Washington University and graduate with BA or BS degrees. Some students enter community colleges or other universities.

Events and Activities
Every quarter, the UESL Program staff plan activities and trips to help our students meet new people, learn about the local area, and use English out in the community.

We believe that it is important for students to experience and use English both in and out of the classroom.

International Welcome Party

Global Mixer

World Culture Day

Trips to interesting places nearby

Graduation Party

UESL partners with the Center for Leadership and Community Engagement (CLCE) to provide volunteer opportunities for our students.

International Café- International and American students meet and talk over lunch to learn about each other’s culture and make new friends.

Community volunteering – UESL students work with American students on projects to around the Ellensburg area.

Student Stories

UESL students come from many different countries including Japan, Saudi Arabia, Taiwan, Korea, Spain, Turkey, China, Mexico, Thailand, and Vietnam. They make American friends and also friends from many other countries while studying in the UESL Program.

Diana (Mexico)
"For me, this program was the guide to the US. Besides learning English, I learned the system, the culture, and many other things about this country. Everything in this program is very good."

Natalie (China)
Have you ever seen millions of stars all around the sky? If you have not, you should come to Ellensburg. I have studied here for more than 6 months because the place is safe and peaceful; the university is excellent; and the people are warm and nice. The teachers are patient and responsible. They are very understanding and concerned for the students. Finally, the people in Ellensburg are very warm and nice. Although my English is not fluent, they still patiently listen to me when I talk. When I do not understand, they can say things in other ways to make me understand easily. I love the people in Ellensburg. If you study in Ellensburg, you will not feel nervous and stressed.

Bader (Saudi Arabia)
I’m happy that I study in Ellensburg. Ellensburg gives students a strong push to continue their studying because it has kind people and it is a small and safe town. I like all of the kind people in Ellensburg.

Miku (Japan)
My reasons to study in Ellensburg are the good people, the good environment and the good program. We have small trips and some events in the ESL program. Many ESL students join this program and they come from different countries. So you can communicate with them by speaking English. Moreover you can get to know each other better in the trips. Then you can enjoy American life. It also helps us to study American culture. I think many international students in Ellensburg have the same reasons to study here as I do. I recommend Ellensburg to people who want study abroad. I plan to stay here for five more months, so I will do my best and enjoy my American life.

Hochul (Korea)
The first reason why I chose CWU, is because of the location. Ellensburg is a small town in the countryside in Washington state. But it’s not far from Seattle. Ellensburg takes less than two hours from Seattle. Most people who want to study English in America want to stay in a big city, but if you are a beginner, it isn’t good for you. The crucial reason why I chose CWU, is the reputation about the ESL program. First, I’ve heard about CWU from my friend. He recommended it because of the good English teaching. The teachers are expert on teaching English. They always focus on the students, how they can improve their English skills. It’s very helpful to the students. Everyone who knows about CWU, must recommend it to you positively.