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International volunteers work with American volunteers in on-campus programs

Similar to many students, English in Action volunteers meet with international students to take a walk around the lake, go shopping or sip coffee. Not only does the program give international students a chance to make new friends, but it also helps participants to improve their speaking skills during their one-on-one time with an American student.

The English in Action program has been going on for more than 20 years on campus and is designed to help international students meet American students and perfect their English skills. Students are paired up through International Programs and Services, located in the Northwest Annex. Students are paired up with their match based on similar interests and are then required to meet at least one hour a week over the course of a semester. The student matches can participate in any activities that interest both people as long as it improves speaking skills.

IN GEAR is another program created to inform others about different cultures and allow international students to speak out about their country.

"The international students want to learn about culture on their level, and American students can help them learn the ropes," said Beth Mochnick, community program coordinator for International Students and Scholars. "They have already passed English proficiency tests to come to America, but their English pronunciation and speed needs help."

Mochnick also said international students like to learn slang from their American matches because slang is not something they are taught when learning the English language.

English in Action is not only helpful to international students but to American partners as well. American students get to meet people from different countries and learn about different cultures.

Sandra Piedrahita, who is pursuing her doctorate degree in psychology, has had three international buddies so far at SIUC. She said some students speak English better then others, but all of her experiences with English in Action have been good so far.

"They have all been very sweet girls with the intention to learn," Piedrahita, from Dallas, Texas, said. "No one wants to sound stupid when learning a new language, but their enthusiasm to learn gets me more interested."

International students also take pride in volunteering on campus and teaching people about their culture. The Mary Wakeland Scholarship is awarded to an international student each year for the student≠s participation on campus and in the community.

"Mary was the first foreign adviser and volunteer at SIUC," Mochnick said. "She did everything for the students from picking them up at the train station to helping them find housing. The scholarship was designed after she passed away to help students to learn to be as giving as she."

This year≠s winner was Argus Tong, a graduate student in business administration from Singapore. He is involved with the World Hunger Sale, is a student life adviser, the International Student Council festival coordinator, president of Asian Student Association and Friends and a member of the IN GEAR program, among other activities.

Tong said he goes to high schools to talk about his culture, Singapore's history, lifestyle and food through the IN GEAR program.

"Some students ask strange questions, but I always try my best to answer," Tong said. "I also try to teach them a few words in Mandarin."

Tong said he decided to apply for the scholarship because he has been at SIUC for five years and participated in many activities while he was here.

"I was very surprised to receive the award because I am sure there were a lot of good candidates," Tong said.

Tong notices many differences between American and Singaporean culture since he has lived in the United States.

"Americans are more outgoing and express their views openly," Tong said. "People from Singapore are more reserved. We don't celebrate the Fourth of July, Thanksgiving or Halloween, so that is a new experience for me."

"There are a lot of opportunities on campus for domestic students to meet international student through programs like English in Action. Conversation partners help students to learn more about different cultures."