Suresh's Fabulous Fulbright

Conducted ten sessions, as Group Leader, for Advanced Conversation Groups of ‘English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Conversation Program' during Fall – 2012. Counseling center of the university organizes such language based programs to help international students to improve their communication skills.

The amazing fact about the program is, the mentor and the group members learn from each other in a collaborative environment. I have learned so much from my group members who were the international students enrolled in different streams at UMD and most of them were non-native speakers.

The conversation program was designed in such a way that the learners of similar interest areas get together in one group. During the program, students have conversation on different topics related to their culture and other areas of common interest in an informal environment so that they get enough opportunities to speak.

During conversation itself, group leader corrects their english without making a noticiable remark. These activities are highly rewarding for both, students as well as the mentor, as they get to know about the culture around the world through fruitful discussions and learn by sharing.

The important thing is, there is enough scope of learning for all involved.

I thanks all my group members for registering with the group and the counselling center, UMD for the opportunity. It was a great fun!!