Spouse circle starts English discussion

As America’s midterm election brought politics to the forefront of discussions, a group of 12 guests from seven different countries also took part in the debate

This week’s International Spouses Circle at the Leo R. Dowling International Center, created by the center in 2005, the program provides a venue for married international students to have English conversations, share cultural experience and make new friends.

“We felt that most of the international spouses do not have a good command of the English language, which keeps them from meeting new people and getting involved,” Director Sandy Britton said of the weekly conversation.

Every Tuesday, a small group of married couples gather at the center and get to know more about American culture, current issues and each other.

This week’s conversation started with the spouses’ Halloween adventures and extended to American manners and customs.

Class instructor Janice Goddard — a representative from Bloomington International Student Ministries — has been volunteering part-time at the international center since 2008.

Goddard said she has been using special means to help the spouses to benefit from the hour and a half sessions.

“We use small talk that can be used in day-to-day life,” Goddard said. “I chose topics based on the survey I handed out and ranked their interests. Usually we cover practical things such as telephone skills.”

Goddard said she will also add current issues to her class calendar regularly to keep her students up to date with trends.

This week’s discussion on politics went from the ongoing U.S. midterm election to electoral procedures in their own countries.

The group is also planning a trip to the Monroe County History Center on Nov. 11 to help the couples learn more about American culture and history.

Hyejone Jang, from South Korea, has been accompanying her doctoral student husband to the circle.

Jang said activities in the program really deepened her understanding of American culture, and most importantly, helped make America feel like home.

“We are coming here for the same reason,” Jang said of the weekly meeting. “The circle gives us a chance to know each other, as we all come from outside the United States.”