The ELI Student Spotlight series is designed to honor students who demonstrates outstanding commitment and enthusiasm in ELI courses. 

Meet Guan-Lin Lai! Guan-Lin was nominated for the fall 2021 ELI Student Spotlight by Trisha Dowling. Guan-Lin was nominated because of his work in ELI 532, with his instructor stating, "Guan-Lin began his University of Michigan journey in summer 2020 and deferred his start. Before even arriving, he had a lot of love and excitement for Michigan. I was so happy to see that his enthusiasm and dedication were just as high when he participated in ELI 532 in Fall 2021. He has been fully taking advantage of all Michigan has to offer while being an attentive and active member of his ELI course. "

Name: Guan-Lin Lai

Hometown: Taipei, Taiwan

Degree Program: M.S. in Law (L.L.M.)

What inspired you to take a class at the English Language Institute? Before I took class at the English Language Institute (ELI), I joined the English summer camp for Academic Purpose last year, which is also run by the ELI. During summer camp, I learned not only English skills, but also the culture of America and of the U of M. In addition, I found all the teachers in the ELI are all very professional on the subject they taught. Besides, they are all very kind and patient, so I can learn English with them without too much pressure. Therefore, joining classes at the ELI is never a question to me.

What have you enjoyed the most about your class? Why? In Understanding Spoken English, the instructor combined Jazz music and English learning together to illustrate why listening to English sometimes can be hard. This was the part I enjoyed the most in the class, because you can discover creativity, and learn interesting things from the instructor.

What do you hope to do after graduating from Michigan? I hope I can become a lawyer with good knowledge, and find a good job that I can do for life.

What advice would you give to other international students at U-M? Try everything you haven't tried before, and don't be shy to talk with people no matter if you have confidence in your English skills or not.