The Diversity Achievement Center is hosting Language Tables on campus - a chance to talk with students from another country.
A team of students from Chile, China, India, Vietnam, Saudi Arabia, Korea, Portugal, and the Philippines have signed on for conversations with inquisitive students in the DAC.
"It's a good opportunity for students to expand their mind and make friends," said Richenda Hawkins, library department chair.
At the Language Tables students teach basic phrases from their countries while also learning some from the United States. Some have prepared handouts with their language basics, such as their alphabet.
“The table leaders are very excited about their job and take it very seriously, being prepared with the weekly topic of questions for discussion,” said Kim Sullivan, adviser of Global Connections.
Engagement at the Language Tables gives international students the opportunity to converse with students whom they may otherwise not approach on their own. It also gives them a chance to connect with others on campus through sharing stories about their homeland.
"It's much more comfortable to approach a total stranger when you understand that you will be chatting with them in this structured scenario," said Hawkins.
Country flags representing each student at the tables are currently on display in the library window.
The idea of the Language Tables came from Bryan Miyagishima, reference and instruction librarian, who heard of something similar at Chemeketa Community College. He thought it would be fun and helpful for international student integration to LBCC campus life.
Miyagishima asked the English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) department and the Global Connections club for help to recruit students. The panels began at the start of spring term.
"I think what we're doing right now is working out the kinks to get something bigger and better next year," said Miyagishima.
The panel will be available from 12:15 to 12:45 p.m. every Tuesday for the rest of the term. Feel free to bring your lunch, feeding your body and mind at the same time.
Anyone wanting to get involved can contact Kim Sullivan at sullivk@linnbenton.edu.
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