During my first semester as an English lecturer at this university, I became aware of some of the fundamental problems that VSE students face. First of all, why do students only get one ninety – minute English course each week and why are conversation courses not required? Why does the university segregate the international and regular students from each other?
During my first semester as an English lecturer at this university, I became aware of some of the fundamental problems that VSE students face. First of all, why do students only get one ninety – minute English course each week and why are conversation courses not required? Why does the university segregate the international and regular students from each other? After all, these international students, mainly Americans, live in separate dormitories and attend classes with each other. This situation does not offer a chance for the two separate groups of students to interact and meet one another, which also means that VSE students have less opportunities to speak English and to create a student community here.
In fact, as I see it, there is such a lack of student organizing and involvement that I feel it is time for a real change. Instead of remaining apathetic to the situation, I propose a student interaction and discussion group in English so that VSE and International students have an opportunity to meet each other and for students to speak English. But, I need your help. I have some ideas about various activities and discussion topics, am in contact with International students, and I could bring various speakers to the discussion group, but I’m not a student. I don’t know which days and times would be best to hold meetings and I’m quite busy this semester. As a teacher, I could be a contact person for an organization, I could manage an email list to tell everyone what topics or events will arise and I could even suggest or organize a few activities, but the change begins with YOU.
I have met with a couple of lively students who are very interested in organizing this group and I have also spoken with others who are definately interested in participating, but it can’t be done alone. Do you have ideas or knowledge and experience about various topics? Are you interested in speaking English? Would you like to know International students? Are you tired of a lack of student involvement at your university? If so, please contact me and I will bring all interested students together so that we could have a meeting and start speaking! Think about it.
Alison Wilson
autorka je lektorkou angličtiny na VŠE
piscespoet@hotmail.com
