It has been five years since the partnership between Miriam College (MC) and the United Board for Christian Higher Education in Asia (UBCHEA) began. Over the years, the Language Learning Center has become an Intensive English Language Program (IELP) hub for the United Board Scholars.
In 2019, the United Board’s mission to empower individuals for a life of personal and professional fulfillment, as well as meaningful service within the community, led to the collaboration with Miriam College, resulting in the launch of the Intensive English Language Program (IELP). This program was designed to improve the English language skills of teachers and administrative staff from various Asian countries whose English proficiency varies from lower-intermediate to intermediate levels. Moreover, the main goal of the IELP is to enhance the listening, speaking, writing, and reading, and viewing skills of the participants in academic and professional environments.
The  IELP 2023 application process officially began in March 2023. Of the 32 applicants, only eight (8) met the program requirements and were selected. The online sessions began in June 2023 with an Opening Ceremony and Program Orientation, providing an opportunity for teachers and participants to acquaint themselves with one another thus fostering a conducive environment for the 10-week program.
The IELP is comprised of three phases – Integrated English Language Skills Review, Fundamentals of Research Writing, and Effective Oral Communication in the Workplace. The sessions were facilitated by Ms. Kornellie Raquitico, MA, LPT, and Ms. Lourdes Abad, MA, LPT.
The program culminated with an online closing ceremony held on August 25, 2023. Dr. Hope Antone, the Director of Faculty Development of the United Board, delivered a remarkable opening speech. Throughout the event, Dr. Antone emphasized the multitude of advantages that come with mastering the English language, undoubtedly paving the way for the professional growth of the eight UB Scholars. Furthermore, Mr. Alexander Beny Pramudyanto, a UB Scholar from Universitas Atma Jaya Yogyakarta, Indonesia, shared his most cherished moments and experiences from the program.
The closing activity ended with a video presentation showcasing the UB Scholars’ journey and the distribution of Certificates of Participation.
