As writing consultants in the Center for Writers, Michael Bashford and Joshua Anderson realized students who are non-native English speakers could benefit from more interaction with native English speakers outside the classroom.

Bashford and Anderson worked with Eunice Johnston, English Club adviser, and Jade Sandbulte, English Club president, to organize informal, weekly meetings called the Conversational English Circle (CEC). The goal was to create a community of co-learners designed to improve English communication skills of ELL students and improve the cultural understanding and empathy of native English speakers. 

More than 38 participants are involved, including non-native and native students, faculty and spouses. Participants informally share experiences, discuss cultural differences and explore idiosyncrasies of English dialects, American culture and cross-cultural misunderstandings.

The CEC meetings are held on Thursdays from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. in room 314 in South Engineering. All interested undergraduate and graduate students, faculty and spouses are invited to attend. Additional native speakers are especially needed to converse with non-native speakers.

For more information, contact Michael Bashford at michael.bashford@ndsu.edu or Joshua Anderson at joshua.t.anderson@ndsu.edu.