For many immigrants, International House, and especially our English Tutoring Program, is a lifeline in a new world. For many it is the only available option to learn English. The very nature of ETP’s one-on-one component gives students who have financial and time constraints a unique opportunity to learn. And, our English class has proved to be the perfect vehicle for basic-level students to become more confident in their English language abilities. The positive impact that learning English has on the lives of low-income immigrants is critical to them and to our entire community.

Consider Mr. Agbesse, one of our ETP clients:

One of the first things you notice about Mr. Agbesse is his bright smile. When he first came to the United States eight years ago, it was one of his only means of communication. He didn’t speak English and was alone in Charlotte, having left his native Togo, West Africa, because of political unrest. Someone introduced him to the services of the International House, and the staff and volunteers here helped him settle into a new life in a new place.

Now, Mr. Agbesse feels at home and is fluent in U.S. language and culture. Today, his smile is brighter than ever.

“The International House helped me so much. They helped me learn English, to read,” he said. “They gave me the tools to communicate.”

The language skills gained by our students are only one part of their success. More important is the confidence they gain in themselves and the desire to continue learning English so that they can ultimately achieve their “American Dream.”