An intensive English program aimed at bringing more international students to LSU Shreveport has opened on campus.
Edmond, Oklahoma-based The Language Company relocated its Louisiana operations from Northwestern State University in Natchitoches earlier this year, according to Rob Hatfield. He’s The Language Company Louisiana center director at LSU Shreveport. Currently, he has four students enrolled with a goal of about 35 by the end of the year.
“We will provide them an I-20, which is a student visa, to allow them to come to the states to study intensive English. Upon completion of our Level 9, the students that graduate here will receive three LSUS credits if they wish to continue here and stay at LSUS,” Hatfield said.
Shagair Aldawich, 24, is working five hours a day on his English preparing to apply to an MBA program. Aldawich is from Dammam, Saudi Arabia. It’s the main port city of a million people on the Persian Gulf. He hopes to return to Saudi Arabia and join his family’s real estate development business.
“My dream is to be a successful businessman, so I hope I do that,” Aldawich said, who joined his brother in Shreveport.
Hatfield says students can choose to live in its Homestay program – that’s room and board with a local host family -- or in an apartment near campus.
“A lot of the students from the Middle East want their own apartments and one of the wonderful resources of Shreveport is there are lots to choose from as well as the bus service comes to campus, which his great,” Hatfield said.
Hatfield says he’s preparing to bring 10 Panamanian students next month and he’s seeking host families in the Shreveport/Bossier area. He says it includes a $625 monthly stipend in exchange for offering one bedroom with a desk and internet access. The Language Company piece.
Copyright 2016 Red River Radio
