 | Raquel Arvelo ConceptionHello! My name is Raquel Arvelo and I am a second-year majoring in Biology. I am from Venezuela but have been living in the U.S. for almost six years. I love watching movies, reading, and traveling, although I have not visited many places yet. I find languages and language-learning extremely interesting. I am fascinated by the brain’s ability to adapt and change from learning a new language. I can’t wait to meet everyone and hope you all have a great semester! |
 | Daniela BarrantesHi everyone! My name is Daniela Barrantes, and I am a third-year majoring in Political Science and International Studies on the Latin America and the Caribbean track. I am from Miami, Florida, but my parents are from Nicaragua and Peru. I love traveling, especially to my home countries, and learning about all the different cultures, identities, and languages that call this planet home! In my spare time, I love finding new music, going to the beach, trying new foods, attending local concerts, and re-watching my favorite movies. I’m incredibly excited to make so many memories this semester and get to know you! |
 | Nicole BecerraHello everyone. My name is Nicole Becerra, and I am studying political science. I was born in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, but my parents are Colombian. Growing up, my parents' English was not the best and I often became the bridge, translating and connecting cultures for my family. My parents are the reason why I became interested in this program and why it is dear to my heart. I consider myself truly fortunate to serve as an LA with the ELI because I cherish the opportunity to meet new individuals, immerse myself in diverse cultures, and, most importantly, create a welcoming space where people can feel at ease as they embark on their journey to master the English language. I hope to encourage open dialogue, embrace the beauty of learning through mistakes, and share lighthearted moments along the way. I'm excited to meet everyone and hope everyone enjoys their time here at UF! |
 | Danielle BetancourtHello Everyone! My name is Danielle, and I'm studying English Literature and Linguistics at UF! I’m also working on getting my TESL certificate! I’ve been a Language Assistant for a few semesters now and I’m still so excited every time! I'm interested in learning about other cultures and languages, and I hope to be able to gain more experience with this through the ELI program. I spend a lot of my free time practicing other languages, reading and writing, and finding interesting media from anywhere abroad. I’m looking forward to getting to know everyone! |
 | Talia BockHi everyone! My name is Talia, and I’m majoring in criminology and costume design at UF. I love learning about different languages and cultures and am specifically interested in art around the world. I am excited to learn more about art in the form of fashion, music, dance, etc., through all my students! In the future I hope to practice fashion law, in order to help protect the creative identity of small designers around the world. In my free time I love reading, sewing, vintage shopping, or practicing yoga. I’m looking forward to meeting everyone and am excited for an amazing semester! |
 | Joey ClerveauxHi everyone! My name is Joanna Clerveaux, but you can call me Joey. I'm a fourth year Political Science and International Studies major on the Asia track with a minor in African American Studies. I’m from Coral Springs, Florida! This is my third semester with the English Language Institute. I'm so excited to interact with you all once again and learn more about where everyone is from and what they're all about! I love engaging in cultural exchanges, whether that would be through simple conversations, asking questions, engaging in activities, and more. Since I do want to work in foreign service eventually, I think that this would be the best opportunity to learn more about the world around me, and make others feel welcome and comfortable in America as well. I'm incredibly pleased to meet you all! |
 | Bridget CraigHi everyone! My name is Bridget Craig and I am from Stuart, Florida, a small beach town where I love to hike, snorkel, and hang out with friends. At UF, I am studying International Studies with a concentration in Latin America and the Caribbean, along with minors in Spanish, Dance, and Sustainability Studies. I am super excited to be a Language Assistant with the ELI again this semester to meet all of the amazing international students and work with such an amazing team! I really enjoy learning about different cultures, languages, and getting to meet new people, and the ELI combines all of those things perfectly. Outside of school, you can catch me hiking, riding my bike around campus, or reading a book in my hammock. I can’t wait for another spectacular semester! |
 | Aiden EricsonHey everyone! I’m Aiden Ericson, a senior biochemistry major with a minor in French and Francophone Studies. I plan on going to medical school to pursue a career as a physician. One of my biggest passions is helping people grow and become better versions of themselves. My love for language learning, different cultures, and teaching pushed me to become a language assistant! This is my second semester at the ELI, and I am loving every second of it. In my free time, I like to practice speaking French, cooking, and working out. Don’t hesitate to come up to me and strike up a conversation! I can’t wait to meet everyone! |
 | Paola FregoneziHey everyone! My name is Paola Fregonezi and I am a third-year student at the University of Florida! I am pursuing a bachelor's degree in Psychology and am on the pre-law track. I am originally from São Paulo, Brazil but have lived in Orlando, Florida for most of my life. I am so excited for my first semester as a Language Assistant, I love learning about new cultures and meeting new people! During my free time, I enjoy traveling, working out, going to the beach, reading, and spending time with friends and family. I can't wait to meet everyone and to have an amazing semester! |
 | Jack IsleyHi everyone! My name is Jack Isley and I’m a 4th year student studying Business Administration at UF. I’m also planning on pursuing the MS-ISOM degree after graduation. This is my second semester as a Language Assistant and I couldn’t be more excited! My interests include the beach, movies, music, and weightlifting. Above all else, I really love learning languages! I cherish every opportunity I get to speak in other languages and make meaningful connections with people from all over the world. In the future, I hope to work and travel abroad so that I can continue to interact with people from different cultural backgrounds. I look forward to getting to know everyone and can’t wait for this amazing semester! |
 | Shawn KapersaudHey everyone! My name is Shawn Kapersaud and I am a third year international studies major with an area focus on Latin America and the Caribbean. The fall 2024 semester is my first semester here as a language assistant although I participated in the conversation partner program for a few semesters prior. I am super excited to hear the different stories of ELI students that come from around the world to study here! When I am not at the ELI, you can catch me learning other languages, reading a good book, or trying out new spots to eat. As an avid language learner myself, I know some of the struggles of trying to pick up a foreign language or culture. I also know the glow on someone’s face when you speak to them in their native language. These experiences have inspired me to be on the other side of that journey: I can’t wait to help others navigate the English language and American culture. |
 | Claire LutzHi everyone! My name is Claire Lutz and I am from Philadelphia, PA. This is my second year at UF and I am majoring in International Studies and minoring in Economics on the pre-law track. I am so excited that this is my first semester as a language assistant! I love meeting new people and learning more about their cultures. Outside of school, I love spending time with my two cats, traveling, painting, and watching new movies. I’m looking forward to a great semester! |
 | Leah MazurHello! My name is Leah Mazur and I am a fourth-year student at the University of Florida! I am pursuing a bachelor's degree in History with minors in Italian Studies and Event Management. It is my fourth year as a language assistant at the ELI and I'm excited for a new semester! I love learning about languages and cultures as well as the chance to meet so many new people. I enjoy reading, art, crocheting, playing soccer, hiking, dogs, trips to the beach, and spending time with friends and family. This semester is going to be amazing, and I can't wait to meet everyone! |
 | Rachel NuytenHi everyone! My name is Rachel and I’m from St. Petersburg, FL. I’m currently in my 3rd year at UF studying Linguistics and teaching English and I’m passionate about teaching languages and meeting people from different cultural backgrounds. When I'm not at work you can find me practicing yoga or hiking around Gainesville. After I graduate, I will pursue a career teaching languages abroad. I’m so excited to work as an LA this semester and to share my experience with students through the Cultural Immersion Program and to learn more about the world through them. |
Mathis PaulhiacHello! I am a second-year student studying International Studies and Marketing. I have lived in Miami my entire life and am half French, half Colombian. Currently learning Portuguese and hoping to work in diplomacy after graduation. In my spare time, I enjoy traveling the world and playing sports. The place I want to visit the most next is Australia. Looking forward to learning about all of you and practicing English. |
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 | Sophia Ruiz De AlejoHi everyone! My name is Sophia! I am a third-year linguistics major at the University of Florida. This is my first year as a language assistant. I am beyond honored and excited to be teaching at the University of Florida English Language Institute. I am thrilled to get to know and work with everyone at the ELI! In my free time I love to spend time with my family, friends, and dog. I also love to travel, watch movies, and listen to music. After graduation, I hope to teach abroad. I look forward to learning more about different cultures and meeting new people. I hope that everyone has a wonderful semester |
 | Emily SzydlowskiHi! My name is Emily and I am currently a senior majoring in international studies, and minoring in Japanese here at UF. I am from Gainesville, Florida and have lived here my entire life. I am passionate about connecting with others through learning about different languages and cultures, and have studied several languages including Spanish, Mandarin, and Polish. Outside of class, I love to dance, go to the gym, listen to music, crochet, and explore nature. It is my first semester serving as a language assistant at the ELI and I am super excited to get to meet everyone and learn about you. You are always welcome to contact me with questions about anything! Looking forward to a fun semester with everyone! |
 | Kemarah ThermidorHi everyone! My name is Kemarah Thermidor, and I am a second-year student studying General Psychology and Criminology on the pre-law track. This is my third semester as an ELI Language Assistant, and I am overjoyed at having this position. In my free time, I love running, reading all sorts of books, and writing. I also make an effort to learn other languages and about other cultures. I speak Haitian Creole fluently, am an intermediate Spanish speaker, and learning French. I’m very excited to continue this position as a language assistant this semester as I adore meeting new people and being able to help in any way I can! The ELI program is a great opportunity for me to share my love of words and language and meet new people from various backgrounds. I can’t wait to get to know everyone better! |
 | Lexa ThompsonCIP AssistantHello! My name is Lexa, and I am a graduate student here at the University of Florida. I am so excited to meet with people from different countries, cultures, and backgrounds. I have been with the ELI for three semesters, and each one has been an amazing experience! Outside of school and work, I like to read or watch movies, and sometimes go dancing. Also, a fun fact about me: I was born and raised here in Gainesville, so if you have any questions about the city I might be able to answer them! I can’t wait to meet you all! |