The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, welcomed four Argentinian high schoolers to campus this summer where as part of the English Language Institute’s (ELI) English Experience Camp (EEC).

Students attended three hours of classes each day during the camp and participated in activities on and off campus that included a trip to the Smoky Mountains, Nashville, a Knoxville Smokies baseball game and a tour of the McClung Museum.

The students arrived to Knoxville as part of International Camp USA with director Rodrigo Martinez.

“The most impactful part of our experience was the personal connection our students built with their instructors, their classmates and the entire EEC community,” Martinez said. “From the very first day, we felt genuinely welcomed. The atmosphere in the classrooms was warm, inclusive and inspiring. Our students felt comfortable expressing themselves, asking questions and participating fully not only in academic sessions, but in every activity.”

Martinez complimented the strong foundation that was build during the visit with ELI and noted excitement for continued collaboration. Plans are to bring another cohort of students in January of 2026.

“UT is a fantastic place to discover, to connect, and to grow. Together, ELI and UT create the perfect setting for young people to explore new ideas, challenge themselves and imagine futures they may have once thought impossible,” Martinez said. “It’s a partnership built on trust, shared values and a belief in the transformative power of education and cultural exchange.”

For more information on the camp, visit https://eli.utk.edu/english-experience-camp/.