Winter Vacation

MESLS' students have a nice long break for winter vacation.  Returning students, we'll see you again on Monday, January 12th!  New students, orientation will be on Thursday, January 8th!

Holiday Party at the Capitol

MESLS' Holiday Party took place that the Wisconsin State Capitol on Friday, December 19th. 

Go Badgers! (Hockey)

Photos from the UW Hockey game (and some pre-game festivities at the Nitty Gritty) on Friday, December 12!

Origami and Hockey

There's something for everyone in terms of activities at MESLS.  Today, Friday, December 12th, Mara taught an advanced origami class and Barbara is taking students to the UW Men's Hockey game this evening.  Photos to follow!

Chicago

On Saturday, December 6th, MESLS took a field trip to Chicago.  We love visiting the Windy City!

We took pictures by the Shedd Aqarium, went up the John Hancock (360 Chicago) tower, experienced the TILT, ate delicious food, saw the Christmas Markets, walked around Millennium Park and of course went shopping. What a day!

 

Madison is happy and healthy place to be!

Madison is a hub of happiness and health! Our beautiful city was ranked in the top 10 happiest, healthiest cities in America. Read more: here!

Happy Thanksgiving!

MESLS wishes everyone a happy Thanksgiving!  (Thursday, November 27, 2014). 
Looking for something festive?  Check out these Thanksgiving song lyrics!

MESLS is closed until Monday, December 1st.  Have a wonderful long weekend. 

Free Class: Thanksgiving

Monday, November 24th, Barbara taught students about the origins and traditions of Thanksgiving. Why does America always celebrate this holiday the last Thursday in November?  We have Abraham Lincoln to thank for that. 

Thanksgiving, currently celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November by federal legislation in 1941, has been an annual tradition in the United States by presidential proclamation since 1863 and by state legislation since the Founding Fathers of the United States. Source.

Free Class: History of Chicago

Friday, November 21st, Mara offered students a free class on the history of Chicago. We learned all about gangsters, pizza and the urban art scene.

Mara will give a second class about Chicago on Friday, December 5th!  Come learn more about this iconic American city before we take our field trip there on Saturday, December 6th!

Winter in Wisconsin

Monday, November 17th, Barbara taught students how to prepare for their first winter in Wisconsin.  The class focused on wearing layers, buying affordable winter attire, and how to not only survive but ENJOY winter in Madison.

Mini Golf

 

Mini Golf and Driving Range fun on Friday, November 14th!

Slang Class

International students always want to know more about American slang. What is it? How do you use it? Who do you use it with? These questions and more were answered during Barbara's free slang class on Friday, November 7th.  We have another free class coming this Friday! Stay tuned.

Congratulations, Abood, Abady and Maria!

Abood received straight A's AND was our #1 green ticket winner on Monday, November 3rd-- that's why he's in both pictures!  Maria received straight A's and Abady was our #2 green ticket winner.  These three are unbelievable role models at MESLS.  Keep up the great work!

MESLS Used Book Sale

After a long day of orientation and placement testing on Thursday, October 30th, current and past MESLS students gathered to sell their books to new students on Friday, October 31st. Then, the Halloween festivities began!  What a culturally rich way to start a new session!

Congratulations, Abdullah!

One of our students recently became a father!  In his country, it is common for new fathers to offer a large meal to his family and friends to celebrate.  In America, our student adapted this tradition and bought pizza for everyone.

Spill the beans

Friday, October 17th, students learned all about American slang and common idioms.  What does it mean to "spill the beans?"  What does "an apple a day" do? 

Boyhood

Friday, October 17th, students went to the Union South and had dinner together before watching "Boyhood."  What a revolutionary film.  We loved it.  Have you seen it? 

Tailgating

"A tailgate party is asocial event held on and around the open tailgate of a vehicle. Tailgating, which originated in the United States, often involves grilling food. Tailgate parties usually occur in the parking lots at stadiums and arenas, before and occasionally after games and concerts. People attending such a party are said to be tailgating. Many people participate even if their vehicles do not have tailgates" (Read more: here!)

Badger Bash!

Saturday, October 11th, Students will learn about America's tailgating culture at Badger Bash before watching the Wisconsin take on Illinois.  Gooooooooooo Badgers!

Cultural Faux Pas

Monday, October 6th, MESLS students learned about what things are considered to be "cultural faux pas" in America. Sometimes what seems totally naturally in one's country of origin is completely unacceptable in a foreign country.  Can you give any examples?

Haunted Forest

This evening MESLS students will discover Schuster's Farm and the infamous Haunted Forest.
Haven't heard about this before?  Take a look: http://www.schustershaunt.com/

Halloween Free Class!

Wednesday, October 1st, Barbara taught students about American Halloween traditions.  They even came by the advising desk to try their hands at trick-or-treating!

Henry Vilas Zoo

Monday, September 29th, Barbara brought a group of students to the Henry Vilas Zoo to see the animals AND Wisconsin's beautiful fall foliage.  It's a beautiful, beautiful season in Madison, Wisconsin!

September 26, 2014

Friday, September 26, 2014, Sean from Taiwan and Karolina from the Czech Republic won our English ticket prizes.  They are fantastic English speaking role models!

Also!  One of MESLS' former teachers, Amy, stopped by to offer a free class about her new book: "god-thing and other weird and worrisome tales."  Learn more here!

Library Trip

Tuesday, September 23rd, MESLS students discovered Madison's newest Public Library branch downtown. This library has a wonderful selection of books and media from American and around the world.