Photo gallery: Language and Culture Institute celebrates spring graduates

The Language and Culture Institute marked the end of the semester with a spring graduation ceremony on May 5, celebrating the accomplishments of 34 students.

Fifteen students completed the Intensive English Program, which prepares students for the TOEFL exam and can take up to 18 months to complete. Nineteen students graduated from the AdvantageVT program, which allows students to earn academic credits toward their degrees while enhancing their English proficiency over the course of up to three semesters.

For many, graduating from the LCI represents a major milestone in their academic journeys. Many go on to pursue bachelor’s or master’s degrees at Virginia Tech.

In addition to receiving their certificates, 13 students were recognized for outstanding academic achievement. The ceremony featured inspiring speeches from two graduates — one representing the IEP and one from AdvantageVT — who shared reflections on their experiences and hopes for the future.

Following the ceremony, students and instructors gathered for a Cinco de Mayo–inspired potluck lunch, prepared and shared by LCI faculty.

Photos by Amanda Broome for Virginia Tech.