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 (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.”

“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 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 in Japan, and her English skills were limited. “At that time, I couldn’t speak English at all. I could only say, ‘Hello,’” says Ichikawa.

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) for non-native speakers who will use English to study at an American college or university or in their workplace. The Center offers comprehensive language instruction and cultural orientation through a 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

The English Ichikawa learned at WMU changed the trajectory of her life, she says. Had she remained in Japan, her English language education likely would have focused on textbook memorization and proficiency exams rather than workplace communication and everyday conversation.

She also made friends, many of whom she remains in contact with today. While at CELCIS, Ichikawa joined Conversation Circles, found a language partner and filled her weekends with dinners, bowling, activities around town and college parties. 

When her family returned to Japan, she returned with them and  resumed her studies in engineering at Chubu University. She joined Denso in 2020 and is happy to find home again in Kalamazoo. Once her training program is complete she wants to consider work in Europe.

“I really recommend that everyone come to the United States to learn English, gain new experiences and see the world,” she says. “My life totally changed because of CELCIS. I have a lot of opportunities now because I know English.”

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
• For more information about engineering degrees at WMU, contact the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences