A decade later, ESL alumna builds a global engineering career

KALAMAZOO, Mich.— It was at Western Michigan University’s Center for English Language and Culture for International Students (CELCIS) that Momoka Ichikawa made her first friends in the United States.

Now, 10 years later, the English she learned on campus is helping propel a global engineering career with Denso Corp., a multinational automotive components manufacturer.

Ichikawa returned to southwest Michigan last year from Nagoya, Japan, as part of an employee training program at Denso’s Battle Creek location. The company operates in more than 35 countries and employs approximately 158,000 people worldwide.

“I loved my life in the United States,” says Ichikawa. “I have so many memories from CELCIS. I wanted to try to work here too.”

“An engineer who can speak English is more valuable,” she says. “The industry cannot continue only in Japan. We have to connect with other countries.”

Humble Beginnings

At 20, Ichikawa wasn’t sure moving with her family from Japan to Kalamazoo for her father’s job was the right choice. She wouldn’t have any friends in Michigan. She would need to pause her university studies, and her English skills were limited. “At that time, I couldn’t speak English at all. I could only say, ‘Hello,’” Ichikawa says.

Still, she didn’t want to stay behind while her family moved abroad. She also wanted to experience snow. 

The transition was difficult. Most of the other Japanese families she met had young children, and she didn’t know how to make friends in English. "I tried so hard, and I cried every night,” she recalls.

Then she found CELCIS on WMU's campus and began building friendships and a profession. 

Established in 1975, CELCIS provide instruction in English as a second languags (ESL) to non-native speakers who will use English to study at an American college or university or in the workplace. The Center offers comprehensive language instruction and cultural orientation through its year-round Intensive English Language Program.

Students can also enroll in Western Michigan University's Pathway Program and take ESL courses while pursuing a University degree. Short-term, customized study is also available.

A Life-Changing Program

Explore Programs and Apply Today

Ready to become a Bronco? Apply as an international student: wmich.edu/international/apply.

• Interested in ESL programming? Apply to  the Center for English Language and Culture for International Students.
• Already at Western as an F-1 visa student? F-2 dependents can study at the Center for English Language at a discounted rate.