Peilin Chi, who emigrated from Taiwan a little more than a decade ago, has found success in learning the new language thanks to the nonprofit Volunteer English Program, writes Bill Rettew for the Daily Local News.

In the beginning, Chi had trouble with simple communication, like going to the grocery store. So she tried group English lessons, before discovering tutor Carol Linsenmann from VEP.

The two women met for a decade and spoken nothing but English. The lessons were so successful that Chi was able to earn an accounting degree from West Chester University.

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Chi is just one of the success stories from VEP, which focuses on listening and conversation. Tutors and students meet one on one in public places, like bookstores, libraries, and churches. Sometimes, the volunteers will lead a field trip.

Linsenmann once took Chi to a farmers’ market in Lancaster where there were hundreds of objects to discuss. During their sessions, the women talked about flowers, the weather, gardening tools, and many other things.

Read more about the Volunteer English Program in the Daily Local News here.

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