Though it is only mid-September and still early in the fall
semester, ESL students have already enjoyed some unique and exciting events as
part of their studies at Upper Iowa University! As the new ESL Program
Coordinator, I have had the privilege of regularly planning and organizing field
trips for the students as an opportunity for them to personally experience the
richness of American culture.
So far this semester, our group of 30 ESL students has gone
on two cultural field trips and acquired an initial taste of what Iowa has to
offer beyond the city limits of Fayette. Our first trip occurred during the
second week of classes on August 29th. One of our ESL instructors
and his family invited all the ESL students to his farm in Elgin, Iowa, for a
welcome gathering that day. The students enjoyed a sunny afternoon of yard
games, a scavenger hunt, a home-cooked dinner, and a chance to become more
familiar with ESL staff, fellow students, and the beautiful landscape of
northeast Iowa. We all were grateful for the hospitality shown to us and the
opportunity to get a first-hand look at the uniqueness of rural living.
Our field trip continued into the evening with a stop at a
local corn maze. The students divided into small groups and, with the help of a
map, weaved their way through the paths in the corn rows. The director gave
students a sheet of questions with answers hidden in the maze that they had to
search for in order to complete it. Once completed, everyone ended the field
trip by gathering around a bonfire to make their own s’mores – a delicious
American treat of graham crackers, chocolate, and fire-toasted marshmallows.
 | |
| Yard Games at ESL Instructor's farm |
Less than two weeks later on September 8th, ESL
students got to experience a new side of American culture during a field trip
to the Carriage Classic at the Villa Louis Historic Site in Prairie du Chien,
Wisconsin, and Pikes Peak State Park in rural McGregor, Iowa. The Carriage
Classic is a driving competition of different classes of horse-drawn carriages
reminiscent of the late 19th century. Competitors also dressed in
clothing and attire from this period in American history. After leisurely watching
the competition, students took group tours of the Villa Louis mansion. This
elaborately restored home is located on a private estate once owned by a family
who bred and raced horses in the late 19th century. The Carriage
Classic celebrates the nature and charm of this estate in its glory days. The
ESL students were intrigued by the history this event and site commemorates.
 |
| Picnic at Pikes Peak State Park |
 |
| ESL students at the Carriage Classic |
After touring the Villa Louis, the group crossed back over
the Mississippi River to Pikes Peak State Park for a picnic dinner and to
explore nature. After the meal, many of them hiked the park’s main trail to
view a waterfall hidden amongst the forest and rocky cliffs. Without question,
the highlight of the park was the spectacular scenic overlook view of the river
and bluffs of Wisconsin and Iowa that stretched for miles.
 |
| Overlook at Pikes Peak |
 |
| Overlook at Pikes Peak |
These two outings are only a mere sampling of all the
exciting events and field trips coming up this semester in ESL. The ESL staff
and I are looking forward to accompanying the students as they continue to
discover many more interesting areas of and aspects about American culture.
