SUNY Fredonia has launched a new English as a Second Language (ESL) Workshop series, “Everyday English for Adults,” which offers non-credit classes developed at the request of international graduate students to help their family members build English skills and understand American culture.
The focus of the workshop series is introductory American English language proficiency, and the curriculum includes use of American currency, social customs and ideas about etiquette, major American holidays, common forms of paperwork – such as school enrollment and medical history – and other topics based on the needs and interests of the participants.
Nicole Nichter, who earned her master’s in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) at SUNY Fredonia, serves as the lead instructor and curriculum developer. She is a full-time ESL teacher in the Buffalo Public Schools system and has also taught English to refugees through Journey’s End Refugee Services, also in Buffalo.
The spring pilot workshops, conducted by Lifelong Learning and Special Programs with assistance from the College of Education, are geared to families of Saudi Arabian students enrolled at SUNY Fredonia.
The series will be opened for the campus community in the fall semester. Future programming will address academic language, formal English and pathways to U.S. citizenship. “Everyday English for Adults” began on April 20 and continues for five Saturdays through June 1, excluding Commencement, May 18.
Registration for the class, which meets from noon to 2 p.m. at 174 Fenton, remains open. Tuition for the workshop series is $195. Children 10 years of age and over, accompanied by a parent, may enroll in the workshop. For more information about the workshops or to register for the current series, call 716-673-3177 or contact lifelong.learning@fredonia.edu.
