As an institution firmly focused on firsthand experience, it’s no wonder Berry College Spanish students are actively learning the language by speaking it with Spanish natives in the Rome community.

Berry’s English as a Second Language program is in its fourth year on campus and has gained attention as a valuable forum for Berry students to learn how to interact with Spanish speakers and for Spanish speakers to interact in English. Associate Professor of Foreign Languages Julee Tate said Latinos comprise 10 percent of the local population, making Rome the largest non-rural population of Latino residents who speak mostly or only Spanish in Georgia.

The ESL program works to break down language barriers and promote growth between teacher and student. Tate described the program as one that “promotes intercultural dialogue and contact.” Her advanced Spanish students now have the challenge of using their language skills in a reversed role as instructors. During the fall semester, between 30 and 40 volunteers rotated through teaching and childcare for two evening sessions per week. Many of the students were required to participate as part of their grade for their upper level Spanish courses; however, Tate said a number of students volunteer solely because they love it.

Trey Kilgore is a student who hasn’t been able to stay away. He achieved the requirements for his Spanish courses, but continues to serve because he can’t get enough.

“The best part about teaching ESL by far is the look of excitement you see on a student's face when they understand a key point of your lesson whether it be grammar, comprehension or speaking.” Kilgore said. “What adds to that is when they start using those concepts in class and apply them to their daily lives. It's really encouraging to see them compound on what they've already learned and use it in conversation.”

The program registered 75 students from Rome’s Hispanic community for the fall semester and expect a similar number this spring. The cost is $45 for textbook materials and classes are offered in beginner, intermediate and advanced levels. Tate said a number of the Hispanic students who made it through the classes later took the GED in an effort to find better employment.

“I want to learn English to be able to communicate with Americans and to learn more about the culture and history of America,” said Eric Sanchez, a student in the program.

Berry students have not only found personal enrichment in the program, but have received scholarships related to their volunteer work. The program’s first student director, Samantha Hiner, was awarded the Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship scholarship in 2010 due in part to her work through ESL. She now teaches English classes in a bilingual program at a secondary school in Madrid, Spain. The student director last year, Caleb Bloodworth was recently awarded the Dean’s Fellowship Scholarship that will allow him to get his master’s degree in Hispanic linguistics.

Contact faculty advisor Tate at jtate@berry.edu or student director Juli Obenauf at juli.obenauf@vikings.berry.edu for details on attending or volunteering.

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