The Triangle has many attractions for foreigners, chief among them arejobs at Research Triangle Park. Many people in a group of foreign students at Wake Tech are in the Raleigh-Durham area because their spouseshave jobs at foreign-owned companies in the park.
Tali Bernstein arrived here last month from Jerusalem, Israel. Now she'slearning how to speak the language.
"People are very polite here, very lovely," Bernstein says. "They're allthe time trying to help you."
Here at Wake Tech, more than 1400 foreign students are enrolled in classesto learn English as a second language (ESL). Others will move on todegree tracks at the school. It's a sure indication of just howpopular the Triangle has become internationally.
Foreigners are the fastest growing population among students at Wake Tech.The school offers more than just English classes. Students are taken onfield trips to learn more about the area.
"I think there's a great potential for students, teachers and community,"explains ESL Coordinator Edith Cooper. "Our goal is to help them be apartof the community, and I think it enriches our community greatly."
Vietnam refugee Thuan Phan's life has greatly improved since coming toAmerica. He wants to settle down here, and hopes to buy a gas stationsomeday.
Right now the ESL classes are free. As the demand increases, the schoolwill look for more space and more funding to continue the program.
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