Spring 2013 Service-Learning Opportunities: Good Samaritan Society

This past Spring 2013 semester at Upper Iowa University’s ESL Institute has included some excellent opportunities for ESL students to be involved in service-learning in our community! Each year, students have the chance to collaborate with a few different groups in Fayette County, extending their hands in service and their learning beyond the classroom. In fact, these service-learning experiences go hand-in-hand with their American Culture curriculum and are included in the semester’s field trip schedule.

This semester’s 3 service-learning opportunities each gave ESL students the chance to share their cultures with community members of all ages through different avenues. Outings to the Good Samaritan Society in West Union, Iowa; Oelwein High School in Oelwein, Iowa; and North Fayette Middle School in Fayette, Iowa comprised this well-rounded service-learning itinerary.

The students’ first service-learning opportunity occurred in mid-March at the Good Samaritan Society (GSS). To give a bit of background information, the GSS is a residential home that primarily serves and cares for the elderly. The project for the afternoon comprised of students sharing stories from their cultures with GSS residents, followed by a sampling of cultural food. This visit to GSS was in conjunction with the center’s Community Coffee event where residents, staff, and local community members are invited to gather together to enjoy a special program with different featured guests each month. For the past few years, students enrolled in the UIU ESL Institute have been March’s featured guests.

Prior to their afternoon here, as part of their American Culture classes, students went to the UIU library to search for children’s books that told classic stories from their native cultures. This past semester, 8 different countries were represented by our ESL student body, and each of them was able to be well represented by the books the students found in the broad children’s collection here. Students then practiced English conversational and oral reading skills before preparing to read these stories aloud one-on-one to GSS residents during their visit.

ESL student Chenle (Bill) from China reading to a Good Samaritan Society resident

Students wrapped up their time at GSS with some light refreshments they’d brought to share with the residents they’d read to. The night before, 3 French ESL students prepared crepes with the help of the UIU cafeteria. Heated and coupled with delicious toppings, some students served crepes and tea to the residents while others continued building relationships with those they’d gotten to know that afternoon. Upon departure, the GSS staff and community volunteers also present at this event thanked the students for their service with chocolate chip cookies!

ESL students Johnathan from Martinique (left) and Romain from France (right) preparing crepes

ESL students expressed that they all had unique experiences interacting with the residents. In fact, some of them even stated they’d like to come back for another visit in the future! In addition, many of them had never visited an American care center before and learned about the differences between elderly care in their home countries and the US. Grateful for this opportunity of service and reciprocal learning, it was clear that both the ESL students and those at the GSS had a positive and enjoyable afternoon sharing stories, cultures, and even a snack.

ESL student Lucie from France getting to know a Good Samaritan Society resident

Next, check out the second and third service-learning opportunities of the semester ESL students had at Oelwein High School and North Fayette Middle School!