Cross-cultural Educational Journals (click on blue text)

    These are journals in English and Chinese for the purpose of assisting immigrants in adjusting to American culture. Some have additional responses in Chinese. 

FAQ:

1. Do I have to sign up in advance?  

No, just come on Tuesday evenings!

2. Do I have to speak English to come? 

Some basic conversational English will help you get started, but we talk with a wide range of English skills.  It is not a class to get you started in English, but a time to sharpen your skills in English.  The history of our program will help you understand.

"Since February 2004, Faith Lutheran Church has offered opportunities for immigrants to improve their English language speaking and comprehension skills in a relaxed environment with individual attention from a volunteer. 

Each Tuesday evening we start with refreshments and registration, and then match a volunteer with one or two students who practice reading and speaking English. 

Typical instruction consists of the student reading a short prepared lesson during which his or her pronunciation and comprehension are reviewed; the lessons include questions to stimulate further conversation. At the end of the lesson, the students and volunteers carry on conversations on any topic that they desire. 

Students are encouraged to bring questions if they need help on other topics, such as understanding American slang, accepted behavior in social situations, filling out forms, workplace issues, etc.  Each class stands by itself, so attendance every week is not necessary.  Students may attend as their individual schedules permit. 

Occasionally we conduct special programs to explain topics such as American holidays and customs. Children can be accommodated in the nursery, while the parent converses with their volunteer."