University of Nebraska-Omaha’s English learning language program growing

OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) - Natalia Macias, a student at UNO, told 6 News she learned many new things this summer.

“Improved my English, met people from all around the world, and made connections,” Macias said.

She is a part of ILUNO, UNO’s English learning program. It’s made up of six session every year for those who want to better their language skills personally, academically, and professionally.

“Then, I heard that I can apply to get a masters here and that’s something I want to do in the future,” Macias said.

The program is growing and opening doors of opportunity for those like Macias.

According to data from UNO, for the 2023 to 2024 school year the percentage of enrollees for permanent residents was at 14-percent. This was up seven-percent from the previous school year.

“They’re in the community, they may be refugees, they may have family working in the community,” Emily Hassenstab, Director of International Programs for UNO, said. “They may have other family that are attending an institution here and they want to become proficient in English.”

UNO is also seeing more students who are studying abroad or simply coming to Omaha to learn English before then going back home.

“We have refugees from Syria, from Sudan, Congo, Myanmar, Cote d’Ivorie,” Hassenstab said. “Then, we have local participants that have different nationalities like China and Korea.”

The students in the program come from at least 25 countries. While ILUNO is growing, Hassenstab said they’re keeping up with the demand.

“We have a very competent pool of instructors to teach English language so we don’t have any issues to teach,” Hassenstab said.

Hassenstab expects more students to enroll this school year and like Macias she said she’s ready to keep learning.

“I know in the future I’ll have more opportunities knowing English,” Macias said.

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