When Dana Cihelkova first arrived at West Virginia University from the Czech Republic in 2002, she had many valuable life experiences, but she didnt know English. At 29, she was also a little older than the traditional-age college student.

This, however, didnt stop her from pursuing a bachelors degree from WVU s Eberly College of Arts and Sciencesan accomplishment she will earn this month (Dec. 10) along with several hundred other graduates.

Cihelkova, now 33, credits the Universitys Intensive English Program (IEP) in the Department of Foreign Languages and WVU s Regents Bachelor of Arts Program, along with many faculty and staff, with helping her achieve her goals.

When I began IEP , I spoke no English; no English at all,said Cihelkova.Im thankful for this program because it not only opened the doors so I could study at WVU , but it also helped me master the English language.

Indeed, Cihelkovas English skills are now so well-developed, she sounds like she has been speaking English much longer than four years.

The great thing about WVU is that international students are not only taught English, but were introduced to American culture,Cihelkova said.The Intensive English Program does this in a way that is very sensitive and respectful of our own culture.

University IEP faculty Michael Wilhelm, Tracy Dingess and Helen Huntley go out of their way to teach and assist international students, Cihelkova said.

They were always available,the Czech student said.They took extra time and were very helpful.

After a year studying English, Cihelkova enrolled in WVU s Regents B.A. Program in 2003. The program is designed for non-traditional students. It allows students to apply career and life experience for college-equivalent credit (CEC) toward a four-year degree.

I really wanted a degree, from the time I was a very little girl,Cihelkova said.But the Czech Republic was a communist country when I was growing up there. You had to have a certain profile to go to a university. The doors were closed for me.

Not having the opportunity to attend college in her home country, Cihelkova began her career as a self-employed freelance journalist in Prague. She then went on to other jobs including public spokesperson for Poldi Steel and editor-in-chief of Prace Newspaper, both in Klando. She eventually landed at the Czech Republics Department of Defense, where she worked as a public relations specialist.

Through WVU s Regents program, Cihelkova has earned a total of 54 hours of college equivalent credit through her work/life experiences. The credit, earned for journalism, public relations and political science, was earned by completing portfolios of her career work and submitting them to those departments where the credit was to be earned.

Carol Hando, WVU Regents B.A. Program coordinator worked with Cihelkova as she completed the program.

She (Cihelkova) is just an excellent student,said Hando.Shes a joy, and shes very dedicated. She has a varied background, and is a very well-rounded person.

Most of the students in the Regents program are American, Hando said. There are 5-10 international students in the program, of approximately 220 enrolled in any given semester, she said.

Cihelkova cited several professors in the Eberly College of Arts and Sceinces, home to the Regents program, for helping her achieve her degree. These include English assistant professor Elizabeth Juckett, who taught Cihelkova in literature, and humanities and philosophy senior lecturer Carol Zwickel, who she had for Humanities 101 and 102.

My professors were very understanding and sensitive,Cihelkova said.They know international students have double-work. They were very patient, and I could talk to them about my classes.

Cihelkova completed her studies at WVU by earning scholarships each year. Her first two years, she was awarded the West Virginia Community Educational Outreach Service (WVCEOS) scholarship. The scholarship, which is awarded yearly, supports an international students study in West Virginia. As part of the program, international students travel to all 55 counties in the state to present information about their home countries.

Cihelkova finished her last two years by earning an Eberly College Certificate of Achievement and a Carrie Koeturius Scholarship for Returning Women Students administered through WVU s Center for Womens Studies.

Cihelkova wants to attend graduate school at WVU , where she plans to study rehabilitation counseling. When she was employed at the Czech Department of Defense in 1997-1998, Cihelkova was sent to Bosnia with the United Nations. She said her experiences there changed her perspective on life.

When I was younger, I was more self-focused,she said.But in Bosnia I saw the consequences of the civil war; people with no legs; children with nothing. So now I want to help other people. Thats why I want to continue my education and study rehabilitative counseling at WVU . Im willing to help other people wherever they may be.

The reason I decided to stay at WVU is I really encountered wonderful people,Cihelkova added.I have a lot of close relationships and friends here.

WVU s December Convocation will be held at 1:30 p.m. Sunday at the WVU Coliseum.