Yesterday was the 3rd "English Conversation Group" class (the 2nd one I've been to). Every other week, Elisa (U.S.A.) and I gather along with ladies from several different countries to help improve their English skills. When I am in town, the classes are held at my apartment and while I was in Poland they held their class on a boat by Gorky Park that is docked where a Russian lady regularly teaches English. My goal in helping with this group was three-fold;
1. To help out other attache spouses. Because English is the common language we all speak at receptions and dinner parties, it is important for them to speak English. Some of them speak very little English, which makes it difficult for them to fit in and have a conversation with anyone who does not speak their language. I feel very fortunate that it is English we all have in common. I can't imagine if I had to communicate in a 3rd language (not English or Russian). One evening I spent just a few minutes peaking to a lady in Russian and it was definitely a challenge.
2. Because I wanted to get to know the ladies in a different setting outside of the receptions where it is more personal, relaxed and fun.
3. I wanted the ladies to get to know me better.
28 ladies are currently signed-up for the classes and they are from all over including; Peru, Romania, Austria, Japan, Turkey, Hungary, South Korea, Czech Republic, Kazakhstan, Germany, Uruguay, Thailand, The Netherlands, Brazil, etc.! It's pretty amazing, when you think about it - to have that many nationalities in one room all learning English together.
Yesterday's class was a small group where we focused on "food" and "adjectives" and here are a few photos from the class. They take the lessons quite serious, but we also like to have fun and give out prizes! I need to remember to take more photos!
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| Doing the exercise on her own before she needed to |
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| We were playing an "opposites" game here... your partner says "big", then as quickly as you can, say the opposite, "small" |
