Fernando Cordova

Mexico

The most important thing I think I learned in TIEP was to have confidence in my English speaking abilities. Before coming to Austin, I had not practiced my English in years, so I was worried that people would not understand me or just ignore me. After being a couple of weeks in TIEP, I started to gain trust in myself again and could have long conversations with English speakers very easily. I also learned some important writing and research techniques that have helped me in my transition from ESL to an American university.

I had the intention of attending The University of Texas at Austin when I first arrived, but I wasn't confident in my writing or speaking abilities in English. It's been 2 years since TIEP and I couldn't be better. I got accepted into the University and I am now majoring in Biomedical Engineering. I also have a job at the University's gym, I'm a volunteer at a local hospital and I am a member of the Silver Spurs, a spirit organization that takes care of the University's mascot Bevo.

Definitely the people you meet at TIEP are the ones that make this whole experience great. I am from Mexico and never in my wildest dreams would I have thought of meeting people from all over the world. I met people from Korea, Japan, Morocco, Taiwan, Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Brazil, Colombia, etc. Looking back and thinking of all the good times I had at TIEP gives me goose bumps. I will always have those memories in my heart. [More...]