Embedded Files
Session 4, 2023: From the Melting Pot to the Mosaic
In session 4, 2023, our American Experience theme was From the Melting Pot to the Mosaic, in which we explore some of the many ways that immigration and multiculturalism have influenced the American identity. We were joined by Stephen and Greg from the Ellis Island Foundation. We got a virtual tour of the Registry Room (Great Hall), through which millions of immigrants passed, shaping America's future in many ways. We learned about some significant Americans who immigrated through Ellis Island, and we had a chance to ask some questions and learn more about the history of Ellis Island itself.
Check out the Ellis Island Foundation website at: https://www.statueofliberty.org/ellis-island/
The video of the interview can be found on our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/m31tYPVSJkk
Session 2, 2023: Nature in the US
In session 2, 2023, our American Experience theme was Nature in the US. We learned about the different biomes of the US, and the many amazing opportunities for spending time in nature that exist in the US. One of the highlights of this unit is the emphasis on the US National Park Service, or NPS. The NPS manages some of the most beautiful and important nature reserves in the United States. The oldest park in the NPS system is Yellowstone National Park, and we were fortunate enough to be joined by Ranger Shannon, one of the rangers at Yellowstone. Check out Yellowstone's NPS page, as wall as our interview with Ranger Shannon!
Official Yellowstone NPS page: https://www.nps.gov/yell/index.htm
Yellowstone Instagram: @yellowstonenps
Zoom recording:
Passcode: e$FAZX8P
~~ Also, scroll down to see our guests from this theme last year, and check out the galleries page to see our positivity playlists!
Session 1, 2023: Music
In session 1, 2023, our American Experience theme was music! We learned some English vocabulary relating to music. We shared music from our own cultures, and we learned a little bit about American history and culture through the lens of music.
We were also joined by an interesting guest, The Mysterious Breakmaster Cylinder. Breakmaster is a composer and producer who specializes in producing music for podcasts and radio. He has also written music for video games and has a large collection of original music that he has published. He joined us to talk about his life as a music producer.
Breakmaster's Bandcamp: https://breakmastercylinder.bandcamp.com/
Breakmaster's Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/breakmaster-cylinder
Zoom recording:
(Passcode: 6p!%YJVw)
~~ Also, scroll down to see our guests from this theme last year, and check out the galleries page to see our positivity playlists!
Session 11, 2022: American History and Government
In Session 11 2022, our American Experience theme was "American History and Government." While we certainly to not attempt to teach a comprehensive US history course in a few hours, our goal is to give our students a general narrative feel of some important moments in American history which make us who we are today.
We were joined by Linda Dean, who is the Teacher Resource Developer at the Museum of the American Revolution in Philadelphia, PA. Linda gave us a virtual tour of the museum, showing us some of their amazing exhibits, including the actual tent that General George Washington used during the Revolutionary War! We also learned a lot about what the lives of ordinary people were like at the time. It was an informative and stirring presentation!
Zoom recording:
https://us06web.zoom.us/rec/share/MLkfylD5juQtjGCgyM8TgNHldgL9eWqMgKxNm8PrGzC7bP9jZI69noZmvVwZnq_e.Wirmi5UvxJjHO7DN?startTime=1667570323000
(Passcode: $8b0wLu@)
Session 10, 2022: Cultural Diversity and Culture Shock
In Session 10 2022, our American Experience theme was "Culture Diversity and Culture Shock." Throughout the session, we talked about diversity in the US and how international students may experience culture shock when they come to the US (and when they return home!).
We talked to Janée Kelly, who is the director of the Office of Multicultural Affairs (OMA) at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. Janée talked about the ways that the OMA helps minority and international students find representation and security on campus. We talked about what culture shock is, and how finding a strong community is so important. This was great advice for our students, regardless of where they go after completing their ELS studies.
Zoom recording:
https://us06web.zoom.us/rec/share/QLw0PYSw0_vwR7z4WcVNWrPcadgLwkcCNtiGVqJHRfTVneAxwXzdxFRslllnIbQ.VkFvbO0St4ACwCO0
(Passcode: n.i*UN9f)
Session 9, 2022: Speaking in America
In Session 9 2022, we talked about Speaking in America. We learned about different American accents and dialects, as well as conversational norms in the US.
We also talked about American slang, which is almost like another whole language! To help us understand American slang better, we called in an expert: David "Slangman" Burke!
David is the author of the Slangman Street Speak and Biz Speak textbooks and learning products. He is also all over social media on Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and Facebook!
David talked a lot about the work he does, why he is interested in slang, and why it's so important for English language learners. We had a fun conversation — check it out below!
Zoom recording:
Meeting Recording:
(Passcode: ys$?5YPD)
Session 8, 2022: Helping Others
In Session 8 2022, we talked about Helping Others. We discussed both volunteerism and the helping professions.
Our guest speaker provided a lot of information on both those topics. Kim Moore is the Vice President of Communications and Community Engagement for Kids' Food Basket, which is a non-profit located in West Michigan. Kids' Food Basket has been addressing needs of food insecurity for 20 years. They work to address immediate the immediate hunger needs faced by families and children in the community while also working to enact systemic policy changes that will help those in need.
Kids' Food Basket Website: https://kidsfoodbasket.org/
Instagram: @kidsfoodbasket
20th Anniversary Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SpafWY5nBHs
Zoom recording:
Meeting Recording:
Access Passcode: %6V.8@k8
Session 7, 2022: The University Experience
In Session 7 2022, we talked about the University Experience.
Our guest speaker was Jim Crawley, the Director of International Recruitment at Hope College in western Michigan. He works with students around the world as they begin their university process here in the US. He talked to us about how international students can look for a college or university that fits then, and he gave some tips for applying to a university as well.
Hope Website: www.hope.edu
Jim's Email: crawley@hope.edu
Zoom recording:
Access Passcode: zKe7W.xQ
Last year when we covered this topic, we heard from several former ELS students, all of whom have attended (or are attending) university in the US. They shared their experience and advice with us. If you are an international student thinking about attending college or university in the US, you should hear their experiences!
Topic: Former ELS Student Panel Discussion
Date: Jul 16, 2021 10:04 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Meeting Recording:
Access Passcode: ca3*rKMx
Session 6, 2022: Travel and Hometowns
In Session 6 2022, we talked about travel and hometowns. We had two guest speakers and a special event!
Our first guest speaker was Taylor Dustin, who goes by The Wandering Michigander on social media. She runs two social media accounts with a total of over 150,000 followers! She is based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and focuses specifically on the many underappreciate travel destinations in Michigan. She also documents her travels around the US with engaging social media content.
Instagram: @thewanderingmichigander
TikTok: @thewanderingmichigander
Our second guest speaker was Courtney Murray, who runs the Live Lovely travel and lifestyle blog, as well as Live Lovely Photography, a photography company that specializes and destination wedding and engagement photographs. Courtney talked about how she got into the photography and travel business, and how she makes her blog and her photography enterprise so successful.
Instagram: @livelovelytravel, @livelovelyphotography
Courtney's Travel and Lifestyle Blog
Courtney's Photography Business
In addition to the theme of "travel," we also discussed and shared about our hometowns. Our instructors prepared short presentations about their hometowns, and our students "traveled" to different Zoom rooms to meet with each teacher to learn about their hometowns. The students learned a lot, and the instructors had a fun time sharing!
Here, you can see screenshots from Teachers Jonathan, Chelsea, and Isaiah.
Session 5, 2022: Photography
In Session 5 2022, we talked about photography and photojournalism in the US.
We were joined by professional photographer and photojournalist Neil Blake. Neil shared some of his experiences and work as a photojournalist with us. He also shared some special tips for how to take better photos!
http://www.neilblakephoto.samexhibit.com/singles - Neil's website
Guest Speaker: Neil Blake, Photojournalist
Access Passcode: 2pwnks@4
Session 4, 2022: American History
In Session 4 2022, we talked about American History, specifically about the role of immigration in US history.
One very important part of US History and Immigration is Ellis Island. Ellis Island functioned from 1892 - 1924. Millions of immigrants, mostly from Europe, came through Ellis Island as the immigrated to America.
We were joined by Stephen Lean, the director of the Ellis Island Foundation, as well as Ranger Kathryn Gilson, who is a park ranger for the National Park Service. They talked about the history of Ellis Island and showed us some really interesting pictures!
https://www.statueofliberty.org/ - Ellis Island Foundation Website
https://www.nps.gov/elis/index.htm - National Park Service's Ellis Island Website
Guest Speakers: Ellis Island Foundation
Access Passcode: 1Ugt+Nat
Session 3, 2022: Creative Writing
In Session 3, 2022, we were joined by poet Sara Ries Dziekonski.
Sara talked about her personal experiences and how those have impacted her writing. She discussed her writing process and the various accomplishments in her writing career. She talked about her experience in education and as a teacher as well. Finally, Sara shared some of her poetry with us. Here are some links to Sara's work, as well as the video of this interview.
https://creativepinellas.org/artist/sara-ries-dziekonski/
https://www.instagram.com/sarapoempies
https://mainstreetragbookstore.com/product/marrying-maracuya-sara-ries-dziekonski/
Guest Speaker: Sara Ries Dziekonski
Access Passcode: DxsU&Wf6
Session 2, 2022: Nature
In Session 2, 2022, we had two guest speakers join the ELS Online program.
First, we were joined by Katie Clouse. Katie is the Community Outreach Manger at Blandford Nature Center in West Michigan. The mission of Blandford is to engage and empower the community through enriching experiences in nature. Their vision is a thriving, diverse community that supports a healthy, natural world. Katie told us about the work they do at the nature center, and recommended some ways that could participate in conservation ourselves.
Guest Speaker: Katie Clouse, Blandford Nature Center
Access Passcode: kSwT4Ns^
Blandford Nature Center: https://blandfordnaturecenter.org/
iNaturalist: https://www.inaturalist.org/
Second, we were joined by Bracy Koenig. Brady is an Interpretive Ranger at Saguaro National Park, which is located near Tucson, Arizona. He talked about the history of the park and some of it's many unique features. He described the ways that the Saguaro cactus is so important to the local ecosystem.
Brady Koenig - Saguaro National Park - ELS Online
Access Passcode: 9v6DQ%#m
Saguaro National Park: https://www.nps.gov/sagu/index.htm
VIDEO: "A Delicate Balance"
Session 1, 2022: Music
In Session 1, 2022, we had two guest speakers join the ELS Online program.
First, we were joined by Dr. Sookkyung Cho. Dr. Cho is a professional pianist and music professor at Grand Valley State University in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She will joined us to talk about her experience with music, in education, and as an international student in the US (Dr. Cho is originally from South Korea).
Guest Speaker: Dr. Sookkyung Cho
Access Passcode: 9w0FO!f0
Second, we were joined by Sandy Kotesky. Sandy is the Director of the Music Therapy Program at the Franciscan Life Process Center in West Michigan. Sandy talked about how music can be used to work with clients with a variety of developmental disabilities. This was a very insightful look into a fascinating type of treatment.
Guest Speaker: Sandy Koteskey, Life Process Center
Access Passcode: n7&.BHcF
Session 11: American Government and US History
In Session 11, we learned about different important eras of US history. In turn, this allowed us to learn a bit about how the US government works. The United States has a unique form of government, and a basic understanding of how the government works can help international students understand a bit more about US culture!
We were joined by Joel Westphal, the Deputy Director of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library and Museum. Joel told us about the National Archive and Records Administration, which administers his museum. He also told us a bit about the "REAL Accidental President," Gerald R. Ford.
We ended up talking about the Green Bay Packers and the Simpsons as well! To see how, check out the conversation here:
Topic: Guest Speaker: Joel Westphal
Start Time: Nov 5, 2021 10:12 AM
Meeting Recording:
https://zoom.us/rec/share/f-iObRbiEGYCV47yq1xFqcQZB-sRVRGpBXghyim7RIYleriM7pQL4vnF-ef8tE8d.44h9GWayHG3pY6uH
Access Passcode: 8wn^kE?t
Session 10: Cultural Differences and Culture Shock
In Session 10, we learned about many cultural differences, and how those differences can turn into "culture shock" when you go to a new country—and when you return home! We talked to psychologist and therapist Dr. Abraham Eapen about his experiences counseling people in cross cultural situations, as well as crossing cultures himself!
Re-watch the conversation here:
Topic: American Experience Guest Speaker: Abraham Eapen
Start Time : Oct 8, 2021 10:08 AM
Meeting Recording:
https://zoom.us/rec/share/xxj60nWJfBNHowhcjQJeC8rZmbQ-c9JlRT9Det1wHYvj2_0hQe2qAuh-5B0FG125.AketKt8_OMqltsAm
Access Passcode: 23yEmb%s
Session 8: Helping Those in Need
In Session 8, we learned about ways that we can help other people. This includes people who work in the "helping professions."
On that topic, we spoke to Lisa Wahl, who works for Bethan Christian Services. In her job, she helps "unaccompanied minors," who are young people who come to the United States as refugees. See our interview with her below!
Topic: Guest Speaker: Lisa Wahl
Date: Jul 16, 2021 09:10 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Lisa also shared with us a video that explains who unaccompanied minors are and what their process is like.
She also shared a video that explains the "Norther Triangle," which is an area where many unaccompanied minors come from.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lBKb4uJPn18
Session 7: The University Experience
In Session 7, we had two guest events.
First, we heard from Jim Crawley, Director of International Recruitment at Hope College. He gave us lots of great advice about choosing and applying to a college.
Topic: Guest Speaker: Jim Crawley
Date: Jul 16, 2021 09:10 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Meeting Recording:
Access Passcode: m8.Tu4+R
Next, we heard from several former ELS students, all of whom have attended (or are attending) university in the US. They shared their experience and advice with us.
Topic: Former ELS Student Panel Discussion
Date: Jul 16, 2021 10:04 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Meeting Recording:
Access Passcode: ca3*rKMx
Session 6: Traveling and Hometowns
In Session 6, teachers gave presentations about each of their hometowns. Click below to watch some of those videos.
Teacher Isaiah:
Passcode: *+XND#u3
Teacher Chelsea:
Passcode: 7@9VfG!x
Teacher Jonathan:
Passcode: #fmN.E9?
Session 5: Photography
Did you miss last session's guest speaker presentation by professional photojournalist Neil Blake? Check it how here to learn all about his experience as a photojournalist, plus some tips about improving your photography!
Topic: American Experience w/ Photojournalist Neil Blake
Date: May 14, 2021 10:11 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Meeting Recording:
https://zoom.us/rec/share/6kgOTkOWzLMy-Lz5aXbQmGRuPYRA6NsJo9CK6V-P4qeIHRZxBkgaD-paMCxN9ues.DEUkoMPcidk9NV6d
Access Passcode: P$DER%2U
Session 4: Interior Design
Did you miss last session's guest speaker by professional author Priscilla LeBerte? Check it how here to learn all about her experience with interior design and real estate.
Topic: American Experience Priscilla LeBerte
Date: Apr 7, 2021 10:57 AM Central Time (US and Canada)
Meeting Recording:
https://zoom.us/rec/share/-hRKNW0shfllnlHJ4XwVKfEta6j5wgqAHGguiHFO3fxXAvGKdC3u8Eu9vFenBY81.byYx0W7CsefNu7IT
Access Passcode: di8Qdi0$
Session 3: Creative Writing
Did you miss last session's guest speaker by professional author Kristin Contino? Check it how here to learn all about her experience writing two novels and being coming a Chief Report for Royal Central.
Topic: American Experience: Professional Writing
Date: Mar 19, 2021 11:06 AM Central Time (US and Canada)
Meeting Recording:
https://zoom.us/rec/share/Qv1BC9MgM0jOZDqMHAWfBRhea9S2m-IwcSS_ntLm5AbkilsHpdU147IKvOiAzdXh.Oc_kHae-A4TIns-h
Access Passcode: AzH0*s32
Session 2: Mentorship
Did you miss last session's guest speaker Dr. Wytress Richardson? Check it how here to learn all about her experience studying mentorship and starting her organization Girls of Grace!
Topic: American Experience: Dr. Wytress Richardson
Date: Feb 26, 2021 10:08 AM Central Time (US and Canada)
Meeting Recording:
https://zoom.us/rec/share/F-vpaGijG8dIvBfDUT59_eSwLnz-0bcjpNfZZoTK_TqB5CJvonmSaFMm_mUWT8g.vNoXPXcfNc2PWuHB
Access Passcode: JNa0SFB+
Session 1: KPOP Fandom
Did you miss last session's guest speaker Shae Perring? Check it how here to learn all about her experience studying Korean Pop Fandom and how it differs from American Pop Music!
Topic: American Experience: Shae Perring
Date: Jan 22, 2021 11:09 AM Central Time (US and Canada)
Meeting Recording:
https://zoom.us/rec/share/zmZ7ZUElBDD1lxaq3IEoC_TYfKDEHAlDbDF4UrE3CajfEJYsmJgb_YyUIATTr5km.pRWeiBJR3TnCf1z7
Access Passcode: 9a8H%Vh#
Session 13: Animation
Did you miss last session's guest speaker Amy Duarte? Check it how here to learn all about her experience in the animation industry!
Meeting Recording:
https://zoom.us/rec/share/nr_kXec1O-wdnaa-ELhOTF-gU5aZscevU7TNqWxctaZB4AQV4Opun-O7e6YYER5M.FANFToEhljjyO9xa
Access Passcode: 6d@ReudB
Session 12: Etiquette
Did you miss session 12's guest speaker? Check out what Robert Dimmick had to say about the importance of etiquette in the 21st century!
Meeting Recording:
https://zoom.us/rec/share/NyZQv9lTe0x-GN9F3b9CwxarNRtMl750F9RzXbe2GSmykrb3IzLwbIzqGlDiq-j1.7jZVjjYfjW8jfvXV
Access Passcode: g9bp9z#B
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