An Interview with Dalila Tangara

Dalila Tangara of Bamako, Mali, has been enrolled in the University of Tennessee’s English Language Institute since January 2008.

Why did you decide to come to UT and the English Language Institute?

My uncle did ELI, and now he lives in Georgia. I was born in Ames, Iowa, where my father studied. When I was about a year and a half old, we moved back to Mali. I wanted to study English so that I can get a degree in the U.S. and get a good job.

I thought about studying English in Iowa, but my uncle said there were more Malian students here. He thought I would really like it here, and I do.

What does your uncle do now after attending the English Language Institute?

After my uncle got his degree, he found a job in the U.S. So he decided to stay and work for a while. He is still in Atlanta with his family.

What do you hope to do after you finish studying at the English Language Institute?

I want to study economics at a university in the U.S. I studied biology in Mali, but decided not to study medicine here because the technology is different than in Africa. I want to go back to Mali after I get my degree.

Do you know any other languages

We speak Bambara in Mali. I also know French because schools in Mali teach in French. To study in Mali you have to know French.

What has been your biggest challenge while at the English Language Institute?

Speaking English! I didn’t know English at all when I came and ELI has really helped me. I’m not perfect yet, but I can ask for what I want and need and I am able to get around. Living in the dorms on campus has really helped too, because my roommates speak English and I’ve had more practice.

What are some of your other interests?

I’m interested in traveling to learn more about other cultures and lifestyles. To do that, I need to speak English because it’s the international language.

What do you enjoy most about UT?

What I enjoy the most about UT is that it has not only helped me learn English, but it gives me the opportunity to make friends from different countries.

Contact This Department

English Language Institute
907 Mountcastle St
Knoxville, TN 37916
Phone: (865) 974-3404
Fax: (865) 974-6383
Email: eli@tennessee.edu