Me (and others) in a German newspaper
A newspaper article was written about me for the Würzburg newpaper, the Main-Post. I can’t find it online in their archives, but here’s a scan of it and the original picture from the article. I’ve also posted an English translation of the article below.
MTV is not America
Foreign language assistants from the USA loosen up school lessons
From our colleague Ines Schäfer
Würzburg - “Foreign Language Assistant? What exactly do you do?” - For many, this phrase is only a rough notion. If Joyce Weng, Olivia Haesloop, and Edward Dale
mention their work outside school, they often receive questioning looks. The
three Americans are spending a school year in Germany working with pupils from
5th through 12th grade in various types of schools to practice English
conversation and correct pronunciation.
They’ve found a successful cultural exchange and made a small contribution to
better mutual understanding. They experience how much such an exchange bring,
among other things, in their lessons. “For example”, says Joyce (26), “most of
the pupils believe they know the USA already. From MTV and from programs like
‘Date my Mom’. But that isn’t America! And therefore it’s good that they
discuss with Americans and can correct their impression.”
Roleplay
How the lessons from the native speakers are absorbed is completely varied.
From Edward’s experience, the younger pupils especially profit from the
activities. They’re enthusiastic when he does role-plays and simple language
exercises in small groups. With the older ones, sometimes the interest is
missing. “Most cooperate very well and have fun and learn a lot. Great
discussions arise, especially about political topics.” says the 25-year old.
While Edward had already taken a few language courses in Germany, Joyce and
Olivia are here for the first time and came completely without expectations.
Olivia (23), part Swiss, was quickly positively surprised. “The Germans are
less withdrawn and actually really cool after all.” she says with a slight
Swiss accent.
Through the possibility of shaping the lessons diversely and the relaxed
relationship with the teachers, the three feel all right at the schools. With
12 hours of work per week and many school vacations, they have the possibility
to extensively travel. Würzburg and surroundings, Germany, Europe - they want
to get to know everywhere while they’re already here.
In the meanwhile, Würzburg has become almost a second home. “When we’re in
Belin or somewhere else and have seen and experienced lots of new stuff, we
look forward to getting back home. Home in Würzburg.”
Their stay here is financed through the Fulbright Exchange program and PAD.
Only through the program do they know each other, while they actually come from
completely different corners of the USA. Edward is from Virginia, Olivia from
California, and Joyce from New Jersey.
In about three months, the program runs out. Then, they must leave Würzburg
behind them. And then there will be new foreign language assistants who can
explain to the pupils that MTV is not America.
Caption
Olivia, Joyce, and Edward (from left) on one of their many excursions. In the
background, Würzburg, where they are spending a scant year practicing English
conversation with pupils.
