Where Am I?

Where is this piece of art located on the campus? This is Terri's Trivia question this time. (see below)

Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory

Thank you to those who attended the Host Family Appreciation night. I'm sure we all agree that the play, "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory" was great.

It was fun to see everyone and enjoy an event together.

Here is a picture of a couple of the Oompa Loompa characters with Host Family Kiera Duffy.

Letter From A Proud Host Parent

While some students are content to graduate from the IESL program or earn their AA degree from GRCC, there are a rare few who find the time and make the commitment to pursue and master other disciplines  while they are here. Yuske Murasaki is one of the rare few; this statement is made based on my experience as a host Mom for the past six years and sitting on the Advisory Board.

Yuske attended his graduation at the Meridian Grange in Kent and graduated as a Mainstream Square Dancer on March 24, 2009. Many U.S. residents may not even be aware that Square Dancing is the folk dance of the United States and the official dance of Washington State. Square Dancing requires 4 couples who dance together and form a square, hence the name. A caller makes the calls telling the dancers what to do. It requires mastering 69 different calls which is no easy task if you are still learning English.

Yuske is currently a Level 5 IESL student in the bridge program at GRCC. He started weekly square dance lessons with the Wagon Wheel Squares in September when invited to go with us. Bob and I attend the classes as “Angels” and support new square dancing students. Yuske did not miss a single class. He also started attending student level dances a few months ago with us. Yuske can now attend any Mainstream Square Dance in the world. Yes, Square Dancing is a worldwide passion and is always called in English no matter what country you might be in. Yuske has already found the nearest Square Dance clubs for when he returns home to Japan. Yuske has not only received the benefits of exercise and learning American culture through square dancing, but he has also had the opportunity to practice his conversational English with many native speakers he would never have met without dancing and taking the risk to venture outside the confines of college. Yuske has done so well in Mainstream Square Dancing he is now in the next level which is called Plus Square Dancing. He also started attending Round Dancing, choreographed ballroom dancing, lessons with us. Round Dancing and Square Dancing are both done at the Mainstream Square Dances. Yuske encourages everyone to move outside their comfort zone and explore Square Dancing as a hobby.

Beginning classes will start again on September 15, 2009 for more information contact Bob or Sheri.

Submitted by: Sheri Mertens

Short Term Programs Update

French Business Interns Green River is host to a group of French students from our partner school, the ESCI de L’Ain – Ecole Superieure Commerce & Industrie in Bourge-en-Bresse. This is the second year of this program, which is expected to be ongoing. The nine students in this group are here for five months to participate in a course that combines business studies with a practicum/internship at local manufacturer/distribution center. Most students are enrolled in a Master’s degree in Industrial Management at the University of Lyon and will have the opportunity to apply their training and skills in supply chain management, LEAN manufacturing, and ISO standards in a practical setting while learning all about American business culture and practices. Two students are enrolled in a Master’s of Marketing with similar goals appropriate to their training and educational goals. Under the leadership and supervision of Jeff Perlot, the students will be interning at REI in Sumner, Flow International Manufacturing, Evo Gear, Office Depot Distribution Center, and Adeneo in Bellevue. The students are living with host families and are looking forward to exploring all that this area has to offer. Many thanks to all GRCC staff and faculty who have contributed to this effort. Thank you, Edith Edith Bannister Vice President for Extended Learning and Economic Development.

Teach English Abroad

Earn an English Teaching Certificate (15 hours x 4 weeks).

If you have a 4-year degree (or are close finishing) and want to:

• Travel, Teach, Earn …
• Spend a year teaching English overseas

This training qualifies you for international teaching opportunities and is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to:

• live and work overseas
• understand and value other cultures
• experience new horizons and adventures ….

We can assist you with finding a teaching position after successful completion of the program. Don’t miss out on this exciting program which qualifies you to teach English abroad!

Course Fee: $995
Dates: June 29 – July 24, 2009
Location: Main campus, Green River College, SE 320th ST., Auburn, WA
Contact: Kai Hibbeln, Program Director  for details, or call on 253 833 9111 (ext. 2135)

Register Today!

Metro Bus Passes

Did you know your student can purchase a monthly Metro Pass or Metro coupon book with individual bus tickets at the cashier’s office. It is located on the 2nd floor of the Lindbloom Student Center (LSC building).

Refer a Friend

If you know someone that has been thinking about becoming a great host family like you, please tell them about our program. The first thing they would need to do is come to a host family orientation. Heather will be conducting them about once a quarter for now. The next meeting is July 14th. They can call the information line at 253-833-9111 ext. 2129 to find out about the next meeting time if they miss one. When they complete the process and become one of our host families, we will give you a Starbucks gift card. Thank you for referring quality host families!

Upcoming Events

Are you looking for things to do with your students?

Student Programs is putting on a Yard Sale.

Date: Saturday June 13th 2009 Time: 9:30 am - 2 pm. Set up starts at 9 am. Location: Campus Corner Apartment (CCA) - outside Townsend center (Weather permitting. Otherwise CCA Community Room). Fees: $5/ student table and $8/ non – student table. 2 people maximum/ table. Sign up at Student Programs - Lindbloom Student Center 2nd floor. Deadline to sign up: June 5th 2009 at 4pm

All plays are in the Performing Arts Building All performances begin at 7:30 p.m. General Admission $9, Senior Citizens and Students $7, Season Tickets $20 and $17

The next play is: The Merry Wives of Windsor, May 29-30 and June 5-6 Shakespeare's favorite rowdy bad boy, Sir John Falstaff, creates merry mayhem among the lusty wives of Windsor's Garter Inn.

Did you know? For walking and jogging enthusiasts, Green River maintains a beautiful 1.2 mile trail throughout the campus. A portion of the trail is paved and accessible for wheelchairs. There is also a great view of Mt. Rainier from the trail!

Terri's Trivia Challenge

 Can anyone tell me what this is (pictured above) and what building it is located next to on Campus? E-mail your guess to Terri.

The correct answer will be published in the next HostPost  eNewsletter.

Last trivia answer;  International Programs has been a part of GRCC since 12/29/88

Congratulations to Nancy Kremer for guessing the exact date. There are quite a few staff members that started the program that are still here.

Contact Information