John Ciciora
English Language Institute Director
Hi! My name is John Ciciora. I am the director of the English Language Institute at Wisconsin Lutheran College.
I love language and communication. I received a B.A. in Linguistics from the University of Illinois. During that time, I also earned a Minor in Teaching English as a Second Language. These two degrees allow me to help others in their pursuit of attending a university with English-language instruction.
This is something I have a heart for, as I, too, know what it is like to study a second language in a foreign country. I've been studying Arabic since my junior year in college. During my studies, I lived in Cairo, Egypt, for six months and studied at The American University in Cairo. I've also studied Spanish and Latin at the college level.
Between my own studies and my education, I know how important it is to understand more than just grammar and vocabulary: I can't remember how many times I've tried to say something in a foreign language, sure that I was using the right word in the right sentence, only to find out that I was pronouncing it wrong, or that it was the wrong context to use the word! But that's okay; it's part of the learning process. While I've traveled to places like Afghanistan, Costa Rica, and the Middle East and learned much about different cultures, I'm amazed how much I can learn in my own backyard. Milwaukee is a beautiful city with a diverse population that teaches me every day.
Since moving to Milwaukee in June 2011, I've spent time hanging out with my wife, working on my photography business, studying other languages, volunteering, and spending time with friends. I like trying new foods, innovative marketing and design, reading, and mountain biking. I look forward every day to teaching my students and to building friendships that exist in and out of the classroom.