ESL Program looks for native speakers to teach students proper accent, pronunciation

A  cultural opportunity has arrived for students fascinated with the world. This spring the Gonzaga University program for students practicing English as a second language is looking for volunteers.

The Gonzaga student reputation is one that involves an interest in international issues, which has been displayed through the popularity of Gonzaga Study Abroad programs and the fact that Gonzaga University has been ranked seventh among universities, with a high volunteer class in the Peace Corps and other international volunteer programs. In accordance with this student community interest, the International Student Programmers at the Schoenberg Center have devised a way for students to engage in cultural diversity on campus.

ESL students at Schoenberg need conversation partners to help them hone their communication skills while staying in the U.S. The conversation partnership program is intended to benefit the entire student population at Gonzaga by increasing cultural awareness and providing an opportunity to volunteer with students from diverse backgrounds.

Gonzaga sophomore Anne Skold has been volunteering at Schoenberg since the fall semester of 2008.  She's had four main conversation partners in this time, all of which have arrived from culturally diverse countries such as Colombia, Mexico, South Korea and Saudi Arabia. She was drawn to Schoenberg as a freshman by the appeal of exploring foreign cultures.

 "Our conversations can be about anything; religion, politics, philosophy, sports, or just regular life," Skold said. "We're constantly asking questions back and forth. I've learned a lot."

Sophomore Chelsea Quilling was encouraged by Skold to join in 2009.

"I really enjoy volunteering each week," she said. "The schedule is convenient and flexible and the program offers a wide range of what you can do. You really get out what you put into it."

Chelsea has a passion for speaking Spanish, and she's paired with one of the less fluent students at Schoenberg. 

Each week volunteers like Skold and Quilling meet with their conversation partner for one hour of simple communication. This meeting is scheduled casually between partners.

According to program leader Sarah Alami, volunteers are not required to know a second language. The focus of the ESL conversation partnership is to allow ESL students to practice speaking English and to get them acquainted with Americans and the culture of the University community.  Conversation partners provide a way to form bonds with students outside the ESL program and to learn about American culture. The goal is cultural assimilation and awareness.

Skold points out, "We don't just provide conversation. Last year my conversation partner and I would play soccer, or as a conversation partner I'm available to help with grammar and homework. This year I often meet my partner at Crosby for coffee."
Before college, Skold was an exchange student in Africa.

"It would have been nice to have someone to clarify certain language barriers. It's amazing how much can get lost in translation," she says.

"There are a lot of benefits for volunteers," Quilling said. 

Some students are required to volunteer to fill university class requirements, but many come because they enjoy being a conversation partner. Volunteers are able to expand their cultural horizons and form international relationships.

"I would definitely recommend it to anybody and everybody," Skold said.  "Everyone can benefit from a better perspective on the world. I've definitely learned how to be better at communicating. Schoenberg is always looking for more students who want to be conversation partners.  The more diverse you are the better."

Schoenberg is located at the far side of campus by Jundt and Dussault appartments. Students interested in volunteering are encouraged to contact Sarah Alami.