The International Language Institute of Massachusetts

📚 Do you work at a Massachusetts library? Your next language class at ILI could be FREE!

Did you know that eligible Massachusetts library employees can apply for Massachusetts Library System (MLS) grant funding for language learning?

We’ve already had the pleasure of welcoming several employees from Forbes Library to language classes at ILI, and we’d love to see more library employees from across Western Massachusetts take advantage of this opportunity! 💛

Eligible courses can include:

🌎 English for non-native English speakers
🇪🇸 Spanish
🇫🇷 French
🇮🇹 Italian

Depending on the class, courses may be available in person at ILI in Northampton or online.

The MLS grant supports eligible language courses that can help library employees communicate with the communities they serve. Individual tutoring is not eligible.

🔎 Learn about the MLS grant and eligibility:
https://guides.masslibsystem.org/cats/training_grants

📚 Explore language classes at ILI:
https://ili.edu/language-courses/

And a special hello to our friends at Library who are already part of our language-learning community! 👋📚

Know a librarian or library employee who might be interested? Tag them or share this post with your local library!

Early bird pricing ends this Sunday!

Fall classes at ILI start the week of September 13, and this term we’re offering Spanish, French, Italian, and English.

Classes meet once a week for 1.5 hours, making it an easy way to keep learning without overloading your schedule.

Register by this Sunday, August 16 and save $30 on your 12-week class.

Learn more and register here: https://ili.edu/language-courses/

What a difference!

Thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor, the windows at ILI have been professionally cleaned by Renew Window Cleaning —and the transformation is spectacular.

We don’t always notice how much a little extra care can brighten a space until we see the difference. Our students, staff, volunteers, and visitors can now enjoy a much clearer view of the world outside.

Thank you to Jake and Jacob of Renew Window Cleaning, one of ILI’s valued business sponsors, for not only doing exceptional work, but also for giving back to organizations like ours. And to the anonymous donor who made this gift possible—thank you for making this wonderful gift possible. Together, you’re helping create a brighter, more welcoming place for everyone at ILI.

IEP English students visited First Churches in Northampton to learn about local history, community service, social justice--and how to ring the bell! Thank you Elliot for an informative and friendly conversation. As part of the Intensive English Program, our ESOL learners go on field trips like this not only to learn English but also to gain intercultural understanding.

This week, we had the pleasure of welcoming Laura McIndoo, level four Master Trainer and Game Developer for the Color Vowel® System, to ILI for a special professional development workshop with our English instructors.

While spending the month in Northampton, Laura reconnected with ILI through one of our current students and generously reached out to offer her time and expertise. As a nonprofit organization, we know how meaningful gifts like this are, and our teaching team was thrilled to learn from one of the people helping shape the Color Vowel® System today.

Many of our English classes already use the Color Vowel® System to help students build confidence with English pronunciation, word stress, and listening skills. During the workshop, Laura introduced us to new activities, games, and visualization techniques that will make these concepts even more engaging and memorable for our students.

One of the things we love most about the language education community is its generosity. When educators share ideas and support one another, everyone benefits, especially our students.

A heartfelt thank you to Laura White McIndoo and the Color Vowel team for your generosity, creativity, and passion for helping English learners around the world. We are grateful for your partnership and look forward to continuing to learn together.

Because when teachers continue learning, students continue thriving. 💙🌎

🌍 Your teaching journey starts with one decision.

The right TESOL program offers more than a certificate. It gives you a supportive community, hands-on teaching experience, and the confidence to grow as an educator.

Not all TESOL programs are the same. In our blog article, we share what to look for when choosing a program that will truly prepare you for success in the classroom.

📖 Read the full article here: https://ili.edu/news/choosing-a-tesol-program-environment-community-and-flexibility/

Some of the best parts of learning a language happen long after class ends.

This past Saturday, three students of our Italian classes got together to participate in the Holy Cannoli 5K's two-mile walk at Springfield Italian Feast. 🇮🇹👟 Along the way, they celebrated Italian culture, supported a great cause, and enjoyed spending time together.

Moments like these make us smile because they remind us that ILI has always been about more than learning vocabulary and grammar. It's about building friendships, finding community, and creating connections that continue well beyond our classrooms.

Thank you, Kristina, Julie, and Bettina, for sharing this photo with us. Seeing friendships grow beyond the classroom while our students give back to the community is one of the greatest compliments we could receive.

Sometimes the language you learn is just the beginning. 💙🌍