CIEP Spotlight: Grace Marin
Building Bridges Through Language, Culture, and Connection
At the University of Northern Iowa’s Culture & Intensive English Program (CIEP), instructors do more than teach English—they help students discover their confidence, share their stories, and build connections across cultures. Grace Marin, English Language Program Specialist, is dedicated to creating a supportive learning environment where students can develop the skills they need to succeed academically, professionally, and personally.
As an educator, Grace sees herself as a bridge between languages and cultures. Through teaching grammar, listening, speaking, and writing skills, she helps multilingual learners navigate the challenges of acquiring a new language while encouraging them to express their ideas and experiences with confidence.
For Grace, teaching is not only about language instruction—it is about relationships. She values listening carefully to her students, understanding their individual needs, and adapting her lessons to help each learner succeed.
"My favorite parts of my job are two aspects: studying TESOL fulfilled my goal of meeting people from diverse backgrounds through a shared language—English—and being a guide in my students’ learning journeys," she explained. "When my students make progress, that makes my job so meaningful and rewarding."
Growing Through Global Connections
Since joining UNI, Grace has experienced tremendous personal and professional growth. Coming from a more culturally homogeneous background in South Korea, she has embraced the opportunity to experience multiculturalism through her interactions with international students, colleagues, and the many cultural events offered at the university.
"I have grown to appreciate cultural differences and become more flexible and tailored to my students’ and the program’s needs," Grace said. "It has been a great experience tasting multiculturalism with English learners from around the world and colleagues through learning, multicultural events, and fun activities."
Beyond her growth as an educator, Grace has also developed as a team member and community contributor. She takes initiative, supports her colleagues, and finds meaning in knowing that students and coworkers view her as a reliable and caring person.
"When I heard that I am a reliable person to my students and colleagues, that fulfilled my presence and purpose," she shared.
The Importance of International Education
For Grace, international education plays a critical role in preparing people for today’s interconnected world. As globalization and technology continue to bring diverse communities together, the ability to communicate and collaborate across cultures has become essential.
"Working with global citizens requires mutual education and respectful attitudes toward different languages, cultures, and ideas," Grace explained. "Learning about each other creates a better world."
She believes international students and immigrants need opportunities to experience American culture, develop communication skills, and build relationships that prepare them to succeed as global citizens.
Be the best observer in a new culture and be happy to find differences
Advice for New International Students
Grace encourages incoming students to embrace every aspect of their experience at UNI—from academics to cultural exploration and language learning. Her first piece of advice is to seek support and take advantage of the welcoming community around them. "Welcome to Iowa! This is the friendliest state you could ever pick in the U.S. People in the Midwest are kind and supportive. Whenever you need help, you have wonderful people around you on campus. Never hesitate to ask for help with your classes and learning."
When adapting to a new culture, Grace encourages students to become thoughtful observers and appreciate differences.Be the best observer in a new culture and be happy to find differences," she said. "Your presence brings one way to enjoy your life, and what you observe will bring another lens to see the world. The more lenses you get, the better tools you have to understand the world and work with others."
At the same time, she reminds students to stay connected to their own identities while learning about others. "Do not lose yourself in the middle of observing a new culture," she advised. For language learning, Grace encourages students to embrace mistakes and practice as much as possible. "The only real setback is allowing the desire for perfection to prevent you from trying," she said. "Take opportunities in and outside of the classroom to practice English. Make friends, spend time with Americans, and use every conversation as a chance to improve."
She also encourages students to prepare questions they can ask others as a way to start conversations and build confidence in English."When you substitute AI tools for real-world practice, you train the technology instead of developing your own communication skills," Grace noted. "Your goal is to communicate with people, so take every opportunity to practice."
Setting Goals and Embracing the Journey
As students begin their journey at UNI, Grace encourages them to identify their purpose and set meaningful goals. "Set a big goal for what you want to accomplish. Once you have that goal, you can break it down into daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly goals," she said. "If you don’t know why you came here, start there—why am I here, and what do I want to achieve?"
Through her dedication, encouragement, and passion for intercultural learning, Grace Marin continues to make a positive impact on the CIEP community. By helping students find their voices in English and connect with people from around the world, she represents the heart of international education at UNI—where language becomes a pathway to understanding, friendship, and global engagement.
"I wish you all the best in your future endeavors," Grace shared with incoming students. "Make the most of your experience and enjoy your journey."
Go Panthers! 