App English Language Studies (AppELS) is a new academic program for English language learners at Appalachian State University. This program is a partnership between the College of Arts and Sciences and the Office of International Education and Development (OIED) which aims to offer a pathway for more international students to study at both the undergraduate and graduate level at Appalachian.
In July, Rebecca Yoon joined Appalachian as the Director of the new program. She brings 11 years of experience in preparatory programs for international scholars to enter and successfully contribute to U.S. higher education degrees. Yoon has worked in teaching, assessment, program development and administration, most recently in the secondary education field in Orlando, Florida. She has a B.A. in Legal Studies and an M.A. in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) from the University of Central Florida.
“With the variety of programs offered in the College of Arts and Sciences, students in this English language program will have an opportunity to experience many aspects of Appalachian. I'm excited to welcome Rebecca as the founding director. Her experience working with international students is invaluable as we start this new initiative,” said Neva J. Specht, Dean, College of Arts and Sciences.
Yoon hopes to connect with areas around campus on how AppELS can contribute to existing programs. Her desire is to combine innovation and content to create an academic English program that is uniquely an Appalachian experience.
"OIED has been looking forward to opening an Intensive English Program for a long time, and we are so excited Rebecca is here to lead us into this new chapter with her wealth of experience and with fresh ideas,” said Lindsay Pepper, Assistant Director, International Student and Scholar Services and Outreach.
For more information about coming to Appalachian as an international student, visit https://international.appstate.edu/international-students.
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About the College of Arts and Sciences
The College of Arts and Sciences is home to 16 academic departments, one stand-alone academic program, two centers and one residential college. These units span the humanities and the social, mathematical and natural sciences. The College of Arts and Sciences aims to develop a distinctive identity built upon our university's strengths, traditions and unique location. The college’s values lie not only in service to the university and local community, but through inspiring, training, educating and sustaining the development of its students as global citizens. There are approximately 6,100 students majors in the college. As the college is also largely responsible for implementing Appalachian's general education curriculum, it is heavily involved in the education of all students at the university, including those pursuing majors in other colleges. Learn more at https://cas.appstate.edu.
About the Office of International Education and Development
The OIED is responsible for spearheading the internationalization efforts at Appalachian. The internationalization mission of Appalachian is to develop awareness, knowledge, appreciation and respect of cultural differences in both domestic and international contexts in its students, faculty, staff and the surrounding communities. The university is also dedicated to creating a campus environment that builds the theoretical and practical skills needed to interact effectively in a global society. Learn more at https://international.appstate.edu.
By Ellen Gwin Burnette
BOONE, N.C.
August 12, 2019
Rebecca Yoon, Director, App English Language Studies (AppELS) is a new academic program for English language learners at Appalachian State University. Photo by Chase Reynolds.
Rebecca Yoon, Director, App English Language Studies (AppELS) is a new academic program for English language learners at Appalachian State University. Photo by Chase Reynolds.