NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ—Do you want to learn English as a second language? Would you like to do so in a relaxed environment?
Free ESL classes, known as the Conversation Cafés, are starting up again this month at several locations in the city of New Brunswick.
The Conversation Cafés are a great way to practice English speaking skills and meet new people.
Youth Empowerment Services (Y.E.S.) , the community center located at 270 George Street, is currently seeking adult learners who are interested in participating in the free English conversation classes.
Y.E.S. will be having their first meeting on Wednesday, February 24 from 8 to 9pm.
Classes involve group conversations and one-on-one classes on a variety of topics. All language levels are welcome, and all language backgrounds are welcome.
“Y.E.S. is looking for English-speaking volunteers and Spanish learners for the conversation cafe that has been done in the pats,” volunteer Lin Lan tells New Brunswick Today.
“As in the past, the program will involve food and small group discussions each week that focus on a certain theme to help non-native speakers feel more comfortable with using English in ordinary situations.
If you are interested in attending these classes, which start in February and run until April, contact the Youth Empowerment Services at (732) 937-9377.
The goals of the classes are to make adult students feel as comfortable when speaking English as a second language and to help foster a productive and fun environment where both the students and the teachers learn from each other in a unique sort of symbiotic classroom.
“Everyone is excited to come to the ESL classes,” Youth Empowerment Services Director Barry Smith told New Brunswick Today in a 2014 interview.
“The program is designed with a plan, and the English-learners get specialized help with specific vowel sounds and consonant sounds.”
Conversation Cafés are supported by the Rutgers Collaborative Center, Harmony Family Success Center of the Puerto Rican Action Board (PRAB), New Brunswick Free Public Library, New Labor, and Youth Empowerment Services.
Editor’s Note: Lin Lan is a former reporter for New Brunswick Today.
Molly O'Brien started writing for New Brunswick Today as a freelance reporter in February 2013.
Molly writes stories on government, arts, free events, bilingual events, education and more.
Molly graduated from Rutgers University with a B.A. in French Linguistics and Linguistics, where she also studied Writing and Journalism. Molly also graduated Rutgers Law School.
She is open to any suggestions for stories or tips. You may contact her via text at 732-743-8993.
