English Language Institute students meet for the “Conversation Hour” at Sacramento State every Thursday to practice what they learn in classes.

The conversation group started in the fall of 2008. It takes place every Thursday from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. The English Language Institute has five eight-week sessions per year and the conversation group usually meets for six or seven weeks during each session.

The classes are taught in Del Norte Hall by English professors to students of other languages. Instructors focus on grammar, composition, reading, vocabulary, listening, speaking pronunciation and speech.

It prepares them for the test of English as a Foreign Language, which is required to enroll in an American university.

Paulo Pinto, director of the International Programs at Sac State, said 242 English Language Institute students are enrolled and more than half attend the conversation group. He said the conversation hour is an additional opportunity for the students to mingle and to get integrated onto campus.

“The conversation group truly embodies the international spirit of our open-minded and multi-faceted campus where different voices find a common ground to discuss ideas and revel in the languages,” Pinto said.

English Language Institute professor Julian Elias had the idea of putting it together because some of his students said they wanted to meet people and use English outside of their classes. Helping Elias are facilitators Karla Estrada, Jonathan Elliot and other volunteers.

“I have to say, I’m really thankful for Karla, Jonathan and other volunteers because they aren’t only helping ELI students with English, they’re helping them to enjoy their time at Sac State and to have experiences here that I’m sure they’ll remember for many years,” Elias said. “Some students might forget what they learned in grammar class, but they won’t easily forget the fun they had outside of their classes.”

Every Thursday is a new theme teaching the students about American culture, but also during this time students take the opportunity to make new friends and learn about each others’ culture.

Estrada said students have a more positive attitude after each conversation hour and they do not feel as isolated as they do at the beginning of each session.

“I was myself an international student so I know firsthand what it feels like not understanding the language and not knowing anybody, so this is why I enjoy volunteering,” Estrada said. “It goes beyond the hour we meet in other places, we become friends.”

Mohamed Elfghi of Libya has been a student of the English Language Institute for two years. He has a master’s degree in hydrology and his goal is to enter an American university.

“I have attend the conversation hour since I been here because you not only meet new people and learn about their cultures, but because it has help me with my pronunciation,” Elfghi said. “I still miss everything from home especially my family and friends.”

Alumnus Kevin Mackey, administrative support coordinator for the Department of Kinesiology and Health Science on campus, said he enjoys helping the students during the conversation hour.

“As a student, Sac State was a huge benefit to me because everyone helped me out. As a staff, I want to give back to our current students,” Mackey said.

Rayan Alrehaili of Saudi Arabia has only been in the program for two months and he already has picked up more than the English language during the conversation hour.

“Sometimes I get in trouble during the conversation hour, because we are only suppose to speak English, but I want to learn five languages so I make friends from different countries to pick up their language,” Alrehaili said. “I still remember the first time I ordered a chicken sandwich; I do not like cheese, so I told the clerk that I did not want chicken. Instead of saying cheese, she asked if I was sure and I kept saying yes I do not like chicken, but when I realized it I told her that I do not want cheese.”

Mari Del Angel can be reached at [email protected].