We’re asking students, recent grads, teachers, and counselors five questions on how languages play a role in shaping personal and professional success…
Meet Naor Oshaya—a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania English Language Program.
Being in an English-speaking environment pushed me out of my comfort zone daily. I was determined to take full advantage of the opportunity, challenging myself to communicate in English in every situation—whether I felt confident or not.
1.
Please tell us a little about your earliest experiences with languages at home and at school. What motivated you to learn English?
Growing up in Netanya, Israel, my primary language at home and in my community was Hebrew. English was present in our education system, but instruction was mostly passive: focused on vocabulary lists and reading comprehension, with little opportunity for active use or fluency. The importance of English, however, became very clear to me through my family’s experiences. My father faced significant challenges due to limited English proficiency. I saw firsthand how this language barrier impacted his work, as he struggled to navigate diplomatic and international business communications effectively. Meanwhile, my three sisters, all senior lawyers in their firms, also found handling cases in English difficult.
Seeing my family encounter these language challenges deeply influenced me. My father often emphasized that his greatest professional regret was not gaining professional fluency in English. With English becoming increasingly essential in Israel, I knew I couldn’t afford to overlook this skill. I realized that English was not only necessary for global communication but also an essential tool for success within Israel itself.
2. Tell us a little about being an international student in the English Language Program (ELP) at the University of Pennsylvania: What has been the most rewarding or surprising part of this experience?
Being an international student in the ELP has been an incredibly enriching experience. One of the most rewarding aspects has been the opportunity to connect with peers from diverse non-English-speaking countries, allowing me to engage with a wide array of cultures. My classmates came from all corners of the globe—Saudi Arabia, Oman, South Korea, Japan, Colombia, Bolivia, and beyond—creating a vibrant tapestry of perspectives and experiences. These exchanges offered me a unique opportunity to understand different viewpoints and appreciate the complexities of global perspectives.
At Penn, I joined a professional communication club specifically for international students, where we focused on developing global and cross-cultural communication skills in business. This experience not only broadened my understanding of communication dynamics but also helped me refine my own viewpoints and approach to global issues. Engaging with such a diverse community has not only enriched my language learning journey but has also deepened my understanding of the world around me.
3. What would you say has been the main difference you’ve noticed between learning a language in Israel and learning a language in the U.S.?
I see two main differences between learning a language in Israel and learning it in the U.S. First, in Israel, most language teachers aren’t native English speakers. Learning from a native speaker in the U.S. offers a richer perspective; they understand the language’s nuances, cultural expressions, and subtleties that non-native speakers might miss. This adds an authentic layer to the learning process that’s hard to replicate in a classroom in Israel.
The second difference, and by far the most impactful, is the immersion. In the U.S., the experience extends beyond the classroom. After class, you’re still surrounded by English—it’s at the grocery store, in conversations with friends, on the street signs, everywhere. You learn a grammatical structure or new vocabulary in class, then immediately encounter situations outside where you need to apply these skills. When your daily life revolves around the language, you’re living it in real time, and that makes all the difference.
4. Why it is important for students of language and culture to seek out immersive experiences where they can use their skills outside of the traditional classroom environment?
One significant difference I noticed between my experiences in Israel and the U.S. was the communication style. In Israel, we are known for being direct and often sarcastic, openly expressing our thoughts without hesitation. In contrast, Americans tend to communicate more delicately and indirectly. This cultural nuance is not something you typically learn in a classroom, where students hail from diverse backgrounds. However, through my interactions, I quickly realized the importance of adapting my communication style to connect effectively with my American peers. Navigating everyday conversations taught me how to express myself in a way that resonates with their sensibilities, which was essential for meaningful interactions.
Additionally, being surrounded by people who were also learning English made me feel more comfortable. In class, my peers were often non-native speakers like me, which created a supportive atmosphere where making mistakes felt less daunting.
Spending time with my American friends was especially beneficial, as it introduced me to everyday slang and expressions that are vital for casual conversation. These were aspects of the language that formal education might overlook. I discovered that the nuances of language, such as humor and informal phrasing, play a crucial role in socializing and building relationships.
5. What's next on your language journey?
Since returning to Israel, maintaining and strengthening my English skills has become a priority. A friend of my family uses English daily in his work, but he still meets with a private English tutor every week to refine his skills. Despite reaching near-native fluency, he continues to improve—a reminder that language learning is a lifelong journey.
To keep my English sharp, I read English books, regularly speak with my American friends, and often find myself narrating my thoughts or day-to-day experiences in English. I believe that language is something we constantly shape and refine, and I’m committed to practicing English as a key part of my personal and professional development.
BONUS QUESTION
Complete this thought: "Learning another language means..."
Learning another language means crossing the cultural borders that separate us in order to form genuine connections. It pushes you out of your comfort zone, inviting you to embrace new perspectives and cultures and to view failure as part of the journey.
Check out our Connect with Languages or Language Programs & Funding pages to explore language scholarships, university programs, testimonials, and more! And, as always, visit @LangConnectsFdn on social media to share your story with us.