Every other Thursday night, the McCormick Classroom in the High Library fills with students who come together for one purpose: conversation.
The program, called English Corner, is a space for practicing English in a relaxed setting. Sessions run biweekly on Thursdays at 7 p.m. and are open to all students.
English Corner was created to meet a need expressed by international and exchange students who wanted to improve their English-speaking skills in ways that traditional classes do not provide.
Sessions focus on casual conversation rather than formal instruction. Some weeks, students talk about food, hobbies or cultural traditions. Other weeks, discussions cover current events, life on campus and even slang words.
While English Corner addresses an expressed need from international students, its impact does not stop there. Native English speakers can attend for their own benefit as well. After all, the only requirement for English Corner is that you show up ready to talk.
“It’s not just for international students, anyone can benefit from practicing conversation in a supportive environment,” said Maria Petty, director of international student services.
The program helps international students adjust to college life and build connections. Domestic students also attend and are encouraged to practice speaking, meet new people, and learn about other cultures.
“We try to make each session fun and informal, so everyone can feel comfortable joining the discussion,” Ellie Muskens, student coordinator of English Corner, said.
Muskens and Petty also identified some ways to grow this program through collaboration with other programs on campus. By connecting with existing groups, English Corners could reach more students and expand its impact.
One possibility is a partnership with the Center for Global Understanding and Peacebuilding (CGUP). This center regularly hosts events that encourage intercultural dialogue and community building, which align closely with English Corner’s mission of supporting international and domestic students through conversation.
Muskens acknowledged her enjoyment of running this program but is open to the idea of connecting with Etown’s Education department and allowing someone who is considering a teaching career to host an English Corner as well. This would look like a student or group of students who are native English speakers preparing conversation topics for attendees to engage in.
These potential partnerships highlight how English Corner could integrate into multiple aspects of campus life, strengthening its role as both an academic and social resource.
The college’s core values of peace, human dignity and social justice are visible in this program’s approach. English Corner provides a space where students of all backgrounds can share experiences, learn from one another, and support each other’s growth. Etown’s motto, “Educate for Service,” emphasizes learning that extends beyond the classroom and into the community. English Corner does just that.
