A recent addition to the many entertaining and educational services Intercambio de Comunidades provides its students is the first ever Intercambio book club. The book club meets once a month, always on the first Monday, and is an attempt to not only help those who want to improve upon their reading and conversation skills, but also provide a comfortable and friendly atmosphere to gather with friends and socialize.
Book club meetings are led by Rachel who, when describing the meetings remarked, “We just want to provide an enjoyable and relaxed learning environment where no one has to worry about not understanding content or having trouble with words, because everyone is there to help everyone.” Book club meetings are not limited to just students, however, and volunteers are highly encouraged to attend and see what it is all about.
The book list is comprised of novels with varying themes, settings, and genres, ensuring there is a book that entertains anyone’s fancy. Although the reading is mainly geared towards students with an Intercambio learning level of six or seven, everyone is permitted to attend the meetings and contribute what they feel comfortable with. The meetings are set up in a conversational group setting where discussion can cover virtually any topic. Students and teachers discuss topics including the general overall plot, underlying themes of the book, how the book relates to home old and new, and of course issues with words, ideas, and situations that are not so intuitive.
When coming to the Intercambio Book Club you will be greeted with a warm and friendly welcome, along with some great discussion. Although this discussion is mainly geared towards helping the students learn and practice their reading and conversation skills, the book club always provides a perfect opportunity to get out of the daily grind and enjoy seeing fellow friends, students, and volunteers. For more information, contact Rachel (rachel@intercambioweb.org)
