September 09, 2024
International students bring their culture’s food to local soup kitchen
A group of 13 Japanese university students studying at the Center for English as a Second Language (CESL) connected with the local community Sept. 5 by preparing and serving a traditional Japanese meal to guests at the Herrin House of Hope.
The students, who are from Kyoto University of Foreign Studies, are enrolled in CESL’s Community Engagement Program, a three-week experiential learning course based on the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals program. Students spend half of their time volunteering at local nonprofit organizations and the other half preparing for and reflecting on their visits, said Geoff Young, an assistant lecturer with CESL. The program culminates in a final presentation in which the students share their experience with an organization of their choosing and detail how the work of this nonprofit could be duplicated in the context of their home country.
The students’ prepared free meal consisted of onigiri (Japanese rice balls), miso soup and chicken teriyaki.
Young emphasizes the value of intercultural exchange for all participants.
“The goal in bringing the students to the Herrin House of Hope and having them prepare and serve food from their country is to create a meaningful opportunity for communication between people who would likely not cross paths otherwise,” he said. “Both the students and the guests are sure to remember this unique experience.”
CESL is the third oldest certified intensive English program in the United States and marked its 60th anniversary this year.