Meeting #2

My second meeting with my conversation partner, Essa, was at the EIP conversation partner social. I left work and made my way to the TCU recreation center. As I walked out to the patio, I could smell the aroma from pizza and ethnic foods on the table. Essa cooked a rice and chicken dish (I forgot the name of the cuisine), which he strongly encouraged me to try. Since I can eat pizza any time, I grabbed a plate and headed straight for the rice and chicken. After I helped myself to a handsome serving of food, I sat down with Essa and one of his friends. We talked about various subjects, mostly school related issues. Essa discussed the classes he was taking and exams that were coming up. School seems to be one of the biggest adjustments for Essa. His strongest subject is math, but he struggles with his statistics class. It must be hard, as an international student, studying and attending classes in a second language. I can empathize to some extent with Essa. When I studied abroad in the summer after my freshman year, I listened to lectures from native Hungarians, Czechs, and Austrians. Although the lecturers spoke in English – though very rough –, it was still difficult to understand what they were saying. The subject I was studying – international politics – was complex enough, so the language barrier created an even more difficult learning environment. I am sure that Essa’s situation is on a more extreme level. His English is actually pretty good, but he does have trouble now and then finding the appropriate word. He said the language barrier does make school difficult sometimes. He noted that writing essays are particularly difficult. I told Essa, if he ever needed help, not hesitate to ask me, especially for writing assignments; I used to work at the Writing Center and spent a fair amount of time helping international students.

I enjoyed the conversation partner lunch party because I had the opportunity to mingle with other international students, many of whom experience the same challenges and trials of studying in a foreign country. As a student in an unfamiliar place, spending time with those similar to you is an easy and comfortable decision. Meeting people from different backgrounds and speaking in a second language probably intimidates many foreign students. The IEP program is useful and effective because it fosters the intermingling of students from different backgrounds and encourages students to learn about different cultures. Events like the lunch party are enjoyable and they reinforce the idea of meeting new people. I am not sure if there are going to be more events like this. Regardless, I think they are a positive way of engaging social activity of all students. Putting myself in the shoes of the foreign students, I would find it quite intimidating to interact with English speaking students, especially if I was not comfortable speaking the language. People find strength in numbers, so a setting with many students – foreign and American – interacting is ideal for the less confident. Furthermore, I think social gatherings like the lunch part create a relaxed environment for American students. We get to talk with our conversation partners AND interact with other international students; it is a great opportunity for everyone.