He dances again!

And another short dancing video :)

More dancing!

Apparently, our students have got the moves.  Check out this video and leave some comments!

Interview with Bridge Students

We interviewed the Bridge students. Here are their answers.

[Nanami]

“If you can be born again, whom do you want to be?”

・Marco:

  He wants to be a best car driver because a driver has passion and controls the engine.

・Rosalio:

  She wants to be one of the most popular hockey players, “Luciani Aymar.” It is because Rosalio belongs to a hockey club at ODU. She admires her.

・Cristopher:

  He wants to be his father. He respects him so much, and he said that his father is best person for him. I want his father to see my note-taking. He will be happy.

・Gelareh:

  She wants to be born in U.S. and be a more successful person. I think she can be more confident.

・Alex:

  He wants to be Taiwanese again because Taiwan has freedom and many kinds of culture. Being Taiwanese has many advantages. He said Taiwanese food was so good. I want to try it someday.

・Musaad:

  His answer amazed me. He said he wanted to be himself. How confident he is! I like this answer.

[Juan]
“Have you been in love with your best friend? If you say yes, explain it!”

I asked a lot of guys, girls and boys, but they were a little bit afraid to answer at this question, and i understand it because its kind a personal question. Some people don’t like to share their privacy with anyone, anyways this is what people said.

I asked a girl called Cristina, and at the first moment she was a little bit afraid, but finally she answered to my question, she said that she was in love with her best friend, but she never told him. She was so close to him in her native country, she also said that her best friend was dating another girl i mean a lot of girls, and she never get mad at him, and she doesn’t know why, but everything went down when that guys started doing bad things and then she came to usa.

I also ask people from Senegal, his name is papa but he never pass through this.

I asked a guys from Puerto Rico, his name is Christopher, he is a soccer player at ODU. He told me everything, he was excited to answer me that question, he just came to the past on his brain and he started laughing. He told me that he was in high school before he came here to usa, he has the best friend ever, but one day they started liking each other and they started dating , he said it was really amazing he felt in the air but he found out that he was about to move to usa and everything went down. After he came to usa, they broke up, but they decided to be best friends again, it was last year and Christopher went to his native country to spend his summer with her father who lives in Puerto rico, they say each other and he said it was pretty amazing everything.

Also I went to another class where it was only 3 guys, kind of empty.
They were from Saudi Arabia and they just told me that in their country they respect the girls to much and they don’t usually do that .

As you can see in the world we have so many different cultures and not everyone is the same.

By Juan, Sultana, Nanami

The Help -Movie Review-

We want to recommend you one movie.

The name of the movie is “The Help.”

The director is Tate Taylor. This story is originally written as a novel whose writer is Kathryn Stockett.
Main stars are Emma Stone, Viola Davis and Octavia Spencer.

This movie is about discrimination against black people during 1960’s.
Then, one woman stands up to remove the movement of discrimination from this world.
Totally, the theme is serious and sad.
However, there are many scenes that you will laugh loudly.

We can’t tell you about the details because we want you to be excited about it.
But, we expect you to enjoy this movie. You can see the lifestyle at that time and differences from present one. For example, you’ll find out the fashion is different: cloth, hairstyle, and behavior.

Sometimes it is hard to understand what the actresses and actors say because they speak so fast. But the action is easy to understand, so you don’t have to worry about it.

You can find not only the difficulties of living in America for black people but also comical points of this story.

Therefore, we want to recommend it.

You can see it in Regal MacArthur Center that is near from here. It takes about 10 minutes by a car.

So, if you’re interested in our review, go to a theater!

By Juan, Sultana, and Nanami

Two Wild and Crazy Guys

Some of our intermediate students dancing for us.  Happy Friday, everyone!

La Herradura

 We went to the Mexican restaurant to eat dinner. It is La Herradura. We chose this restaurant because of the reasonable price, delicious food, and good atmosphere. As soon as we entered, we could see that the restaurant was in the Old Mexican style. In the restaurant, they provided us with some chips and salsa for free before we ordered our food. We ordered chicken quesadillas and steak quesadillas, which Osama preferred. We were satisfied with the food. As time went on, the restaurant changed into big bar. We enjoyed some drinks.

Interview Intermediate students

We interviewed the Intermediate students.  Here's what we learned:

Anne Song

Where are you from? Korea

Do you have a dream? What is it? Yes, I want to be a nurse.

Have you ever play tricks on classmate or teacher in this class? No.

MO

Where are you from? Saudi Arabic

Do you have a dream? What is it? Yes, I want have a sweet family.

Have you ever play tricks on classmate or teacher in this class? No.

Abdul

Where are you from? Saudi Arabic

Do you have a dream? What is it?  Yes, I want to be a professor.

Have you ever play tricks on classmate or teacher in this class? No,

Mert

Where are you from? Turkey

Do you have a dream? What is it?  Had a good job in the future.

Have you ever play tricks on classmate or teacher in this class? No.

Shahin

Where are you from? Iran

Do you have a dream? What is it? Yes, I want fly into the sky.

Have you ever play tricks on classmate or teacher in this class? No.

Muma

Where are you from? Russia

Do you have a dream? What is it? Yes, always do the best.

Have you ever play tricks on classmate or teacher in this class? No.

Minsang

Where are you from? Korea

Do you have a dream? What is it? Yes, to be a president.

Have you ever play tricks on classmate or teacher in this class? No.

Ahmad

Where are you from? Saudi Arabic

Do you have a dream? What is it? No.

Have you ever play tricks on classmate or teacher in this class? No.

Pierre

Where are you from? France

Do you have a dream? What is it? Yes, he want to be a painter.

Have you ever play tricks on classmate or teacher in this class? No.

Marion

Where are you from? France 

Do you have a dream? What is it? Yes, to be a air force.

Have you ever play tricks on classmate or teacher in this class? No.

Moshen

Where are you from? Saudi Arabic

Do you have a dream? What is it? Yes, I want have a biggest airlines.

Have you ever play tricks on classmate or teacher in this class? No.

Hanh

Where are you from? Vietnam

Do you have a dream? What is it? Yes, to be a best CPA.

Have you ever play tricks on classmate or teacher in this class? No.

Faris

Where are you from? Saudi Arabic

Do you have a dream? What is it? Yes, I want to graduate in university and get a good job.

Have you ever play tricks on classmate or teacher in this class? No.

Ammar

Where are you from? Jordan

Do you have a dream? What is it? Yes, want to graduate in ODU.

Have you ever play tricks on classmate or teacher in this class? No.

Bader

Where are you from? Saudi Arabic

Do you have a dream? What is it? Yes, I want major in business and finance and graduate.

Have you ever play tricks on classmate or teacher in this class? No.

Saqer

Where are you from? Saudi Arabic

Do you have a dream? What is it? Finish ELC, Go back and Get a job.

Have you ever play tricks on classmate or teacher in this class? No.

Abla

Where are you from? Morocco

Do you have a dream? What is it? I want to travel all around the world to meet people.

Have you ever play tricks on classmate or teacher in this class? No.

Majed

Where are you from? Saudi Arabic

Do you have a dream? What is it? Graduate as BHD (Math) 
Have you ever play tricks on classmate or teacher in this class? Yes(after presentation ask funny question)

Nurah

Where are you from? Saudi Arabic

Do you have a dream? What is it? Graduate as management

Have you ever play tricks on classmate or teacher in this class? No.

Events for the week of October 3-9

In Hampton Roads:  
Monday, October 3: Latin Dance Night at TCC, Care-A-Van: Norfolk
Wednesday, October 5:  Coffee Club with THELMA DRAKE
Friday, October 7: 3rd Annual AT&T Town Point Brewfest
Saturday, October  8: Holly Point Art And Seafood Festival
Sunday, October 9: 2nd Annual Bikers for the Prevention of Child Abuse & Bullying

At ODU:
Monday, October 3: The Music of Paul Bowles 
Wednesday, October 5: Student Activities Council GA Meeting
Saturday, October  8: Alternative Fall Break
Sunday, October 9: Alternative Fall Break

Do you know any other events going on in Norfolk or on campus?  Leave a comment, and let us know!

Interview with UP students

We interviwed UP students at the mid-session party. Unfortunately our class schedule and their schedule are same time, so we couldn't interview all UP students, sorry!!

We asked...
1. If you can go on a date with your favorite type of girl/boy, what would you like to do with her/him?
2. Would you break the law to save your lover?



○Hong (South Korea) says...
1. I would like to watch movie with him, especially romantic comeday! After watching movie, I want to go driving near the beach.
2. No, I'll find another one.

○Masanobu (Japan) says...
1. I would like to drive her to shopping, and eating at italian restaurant.
2. No, because I don't want to be arrested.

○Maho (Japan)
1. I would like to enjoy talking, going to gym and play sports, and watching soccer game with him.
2. No, I will keep the law.


We were dissapointed at nobody answered "yes" for question 2.
We could interview only three students, so feel free to leave your answer in the comments :D

Mid-Session Event

Last Wednesday, I attended a Mid Session Party and hung out with classmates from the same and different levels at the party.Then I got in the line, suddenly, our kind and generous instructors cut the line and stand in front of me. I didn't know what to say. (Ashley's note: You were so nice to let us cut in line, Chittra. Thank you!)

There were two classrooms, with two movies prepared for students "Happy Feet" and "I am Legend." Both movies were famous and entertaining. At the party, baked beans, hot dogs, pasta salad, chips, veggie burgers,fruit, desserts,drinks and hamburgers were served. They make great party food.

Speaking of a hamburger or two buns with meat in the middle, a slice of cheese, green vegetable, this food is a favourite choice for visitors to the US for sure. It is well-known that American burgers are the most popular food in the world. When you taste it, you will know why

We had a very pleasant experience trying American food. Many thanks to all the instructors for organizing this event.

Events for the week of September 26-October 2

In Hampton Roads:
Wednesday, September 28: Latin Dancing Lessons
Friday, September 30: Friday Night Films at the Hermitage Museum; TCC presents Selena
Saturday, October 1: Virginia Children's Festival, Fall Festival at Main Street United Methodist Church
Sunday, October 2: Aida Backstage Tour

At ODU:
Wednesday, September 28: Super 8
Thursday, September 29: Tres Vidas
Friday, September 30: Super 8
Saturday, October 1: Super 8; ODU vs. Massachusetts! (get tickets to the game)

Do you know any other events going on in Norfolk or on campus?  Leave a comment, and let us know!

Interview Advanced I students

Last week, we interviewed the Advanced I students.  Here's what we learned:

From Kemmanant's interview:

How long have you been here?
- Three Japanese students: two weeks.
- Two South Korean students: one month and three months.
- One Saudi Arabian: almost two years.
You will continue your education at ODU, won’t you? Why?
- Yes, I will because I like ODU (Kyeongdeck, South Korea).
- Yes, I will because living in USA is very fun and I wanted to learn English more (Kazunari, Japan).
- Yes, I will because I want to make friends, and I like many places where I want to go (Masahiro, Japan).
- I don’t know because it is too far from where I live (Jane, South Korea).
- Well it up to my TOEFL score I get (Saud, Saudi Arabia).
- I have to go back to Japan at the end of this month, and I’ll attend classes in my university (Shunsuke, Japan).
What are you goals through the ELC classes?
- I want to improve my English skill (Kyeongdeck, South Korea).
- Make many friends, improve my English skill (Kazunari, Japan).
- I want to be able to talk with shop stuffs (Masahiro, Japan).
- I just want to improve my speaking and listening skill (Jane, South Korea).
- I want to learn more English and improve my skill (Saud, Saudi Arabia).
- I’ll go back to Japan (Shunsuke, Japan).
Why did you choose studying English at ELC in ODU?
- Because of ODU is closer my home (Kyeongdeck, South Korea).
- Maybe I’ll need English skill when I get a job (Kazunari, Japan).
- Because my college has a project at here and my friends said ODU was nice place (Masahiro, Japan).
- Because of the Visa (Jane, South Korea).
- Because my friend brought me here. He told me that ELC is a good school (Saud, Saudi Arabia).
- Because I want to be an international engineer, and work around the world (Shunsuke, Japan).

From Gyudong's interview:

Name : Sukainah, from Saudi Arabia
What is your goal through the ELC classes? I want to improve English and wants to gen high score TOEFL or IELTS.
Why do you study English at ELC? ODU ELC program has easier plan to study. Because I studied in San Diego but there isn’t specific plan.
How long have you been here? I’ve been Norfolk only 3weeks but in America 5months.
Do you want to continue your education here or not? Yes. I want to major in dental hygiene.

Name : Maha, from Saudi Arabia
What is your goal through the ELC classes? I want to complete her master at ODU
Why do you study English at ELC? My husband lives here, so she also studies in here. And my friends recommend to her.
How long have you been here? I’ve been here 1 year but in America 3 years.
Do you want to continue your education here or not? I want to study in here.

Name : Yao, from China
What is your goal through the ELC classes? I want to pass the TOEFL and starts academic programs
Why do you study English at ELC? My professor recommended him
How long have you been here? I’ve been 11 months.
Do you want to continue your education here or not? Yes. I want to finish his major in here.

Name : Emre, from Turkey
What is your goal through the ELC classes? I want to study continue at ODU
Why do you study English at ELC? Someone recommend me.
How long have you been here? I’ve been here 11 months.
Do you want to continue your education here or not? Yes. I want to get bachelor degree.

Name : Daichi, from Japan
What is your goal through the ELC classes? I want to study English and want to learn America jokes.
Why do you study English at ELC? My university offers me.
How long have you been here? I’ve been here 3weeks.
Do you want to continue your education here or not? Yes. I will be a regular student next semester.

Name : Youngmin, from South Korea
What is your goal through the ELC classes? I want to improve English skill.
Why do you study English at ELC? First, Norfolk price is not expensive and second, ELC cost is not too much expensive. Last is that I can’t find other school in Norfolk.
How long have you been here? I’ve been 1 month.
Do you want to continue your education here or not? No, but I want to study in the USA.

Name : Adel
What is your goal through the ELC classes? I want to improve my English skill.
Why do you study English at ELC? I like this area.
How long have you been here? I’ve been 1 year.
Do you want to continue your education here or not? Not sure. I want to transfer University.

Events for the week of September 19-25

In Hampton Roads:
Tuesday, September 20: TCC presents "Fiesta"
Friday, September 23: So You Think You Can Dance
Saturday, September 24: Cape Charles Fall Festival

At ODU:
Tuesday, September 20: The Avett Brothers concert
Wednesday, September 21: The Hangover Part 2
Friday, September 23: The Hangover Part 2
Saturday, September 24:The Hangover Part 2

Do you know any other events going on in Norfolk or on campus?  Leave a comment, and let us know!

Interview with Basic students, Part II

Then we interviewed Lesley's Basic Listening/Speaking class.  Thanks for letting us visit with you!

Li Wen Zhou 

Where are you from? I’m from China

How long have you been here? I’ve been here about 3 yearswhat do you usually do after the class? I usually do the homework or hang out with friend.
What is your plan when you finish this language course? I want to study business in ODU.   
 

Ashraf 

Where are you from? I’m from Saudi Arabia

How long have you been here? I’ve been here 1 month

Where do you live and who do you live with? I live in Virginia Beach with my family.

What do you usually do after class? I usually stay with my family.

What is your goal after finishing this language course? My major is educational technology and I want to get PhD.

Chen Yang

Where are you from? I’m from China

How long have you been here? I’ve been here 1 month

Where do you live and who do you live with? I live near here and I live with my sister

What do you usually do after class? I usually listens to the music after class or do homework.

What is your plan when you finish this language course? I want to study accounting in ODU.

Sultan

Where are you from? I’m from Saudi Arabia

How long have you been here? I’ve been here 6 months

Where do you live and who do you live with? I live in Norfolk with my family.

What do you usually do after class? I usually spent time in the Webb center.

What is your plan when you finish this language course? My major is chemical engineering and I want to study in Arizona.

Abdulrahman

What is your major? Finance

Where are you living? In Norfolk

How long have you been here? 1 month ago

What is your plan for today? Go out with my family

Fahad

Where are you from? Morocco

What is your major? I want to study electric engineering

What do you like in Norfolk? Macarthur Center and downtown Norfolk

What is your favorite sport? Soccer

Manea

Where are you from? Saudi Arabia

How long have you been here? 2 months ago

What is your favorite subject? Mathematic

What is your major? Diploma in Clinical laboratory