Global Connections

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The Community English Class is a free conversational English class, and it is open to all non-native English speakers. We integrate activities focusing on all four skills—reading, writing, speaking and listening—though we provide special emphasis on conversation skills through ample opportunities to connect with other attendees of the class and the teachers. Some class activities combine all proficiency levels (beginner, intermediate and advanced); we also divide up into smaller classes based on proficiency level, and we use a textbook for these smaller proficiency-specific classes. All attendees are assessed by the teachers through an assessment tool; attendees are then placed into the appropriate class for their level.



The Community English Class is free (except for the cost of the textbook), and it meets on Wednesdays from 9:30 – 11:30 am at BG Alliance Church (1161 E. Napoleon Road) from September 23, 2009 – May 5, 2010. You may come at any time and participate as often as you wish. Free childcare is also provided. Contact Julie at jgeorge@globalconnections-bg.org for more information.

Every month, Global Connections volunteers take internationals up to Toledo for them to shop at an Asian market, a Middle Eastern market, and an Indian market. Dates for the shopping trips are always listed in the monthly e-newsletter In Touch with Global Connections. You must reserve your spot as soon as possible since space is limited. Contact Julie at jgeorge@globalconnections-bg.org to begin receiving In Touch with Global Connections or to find out dates for upcoming shopping trips.

From September – June each year, we are happy to give away furniture that community members have donated. If you have a need of furniture or a furniture item, please contact Beth at bmannahan@woh.rr.com.



We are also happy to receive furniture donations as you return to your home countries or move to other locations. If your furniture and household items are in good shape, consider donating them to Global Connections for future use by other internationals. Contact Beth at bmannahan@woh.rr.com for more information.

We don’t want you to spend Christmas Day or Easter or Thanksgiving Day or other holidays alone. If you would be interested in spending the day with a GC Volunteer and family to experience a “traditional” way of celebrating a holiday, please contact Beth at bmannahan@woh.rr.com.

If you are an international or a current international student and you need a ride to the Toledo Express Airport, Toledo Amtrak Station, Toledo Greyhound Bus Station, or to Detroit Metro Airport, contact Julie at jgeorge@globalconnections-bg.org.



Please note: We cannot provide rides to the Cleveland or Columbus airports.



Also note: We need at least a week’s advance notice since GC Volunteers are arranging their schedules to provide rides.



One other note: Incoming new international students need to arrange for a pick-up from BGSU’s Center for International Programs. Please contact them at (419) 372-2247.



We are also happy to provide rides to area BG stores that the BGSU campus shuttle does not service. If you need a ride, please contact Beth at bmannahan@woh.rr.com. We need several days’ advance notice.