929 Sever Drive, East Lansing MI 48823

FRIENDSHIP
HOUSE MSU
FOR MSU
INTERNATIONAL
STUDENTS, SCHOLARS
AND FAMILY
MEMBERS

57-7778

Class Schedule Winter/Spring 2020

English Classes Enrichment Classes Bible Classes

 MONDAY
Adventures in
American Vocabulary

Starts Jan 6 Friendship House | 2nd Floor

Ends Jan 27 9:30 am – 11:30 am
Teacher Tim

Do you know that the word "draft" has at least four different
meanings, and that it can be used as a noun, a verb, and an
adjective? Do you know the difference between "fairy" and "ferry"?
If you'd like to learn about words like these, and many, many others,
this class will help you to do so. During our four weeks together, we
will explore American vocabulary, not only learning new words but
also learning about the variety of meanings that individual words
(and phrases) can express.

Teacher Tim is a retired college English professor.

Adventures in American
Grammar and Usage

Starts Apr 6 Friendship House | 2nd Floor

Ends Jun 8 9:30 am – 11:30 am
Teacher Tim

In this class, we will have weekly workshop sessions. In each session,

we will focus on one specific area of American grammar and usage
that many people find challenging as they learn to speak and write
in English. These sessions will provide you with clear explanation and
many, many opportunities to practice your skills and ask questions--
lots of questions, I hope!

Teacher Tim is a retired college English professor.

 MONDAY
Ask the Experts

Starts Feb 3 Friendship House | 2nd Floor

Ends Mar 30 9:30 am – 11:00 am
Moderator Rich

The goal of this class is to expose Internationals to a different speaker

from the MSU and Greater Lansing communities each week who are
experts or specialists in their field. Each week a different “expert” will
come to class and: (1) present information about their
specializations, and; (2) engage the class in English conversation
about their topic. This class emphasizes English listening and
speaking skills improvement at a more advanced level.

The class is moderated by Friendship House Director Rich.

Open Class Time

Starts Mar 9 Friendship House | 2nd Floor

Ends Jun 8 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm Teacher

New Class Information Coming

Soon – Stay Tuned!
 MONDAY
Bible Truths, Promises &
Facts

Starts Apr 13 Friendship House | 1st Floor

Ends May 18 10:00 am – 11:30 am
Teacher Becky

Bible students, beginners and seekers are all welcome at this class.
The key truths, promises and facts contained in the Bible will be
explored. English conversation, reading and speaking are tools used
to make Bible discoveries both relevant and meaningful.

Teacher Becky is a retired educator and has taught at Friendship

House for many, many years. Her husband, Peter, also teaches a
Bible study class on Saturdays at 11:30 am.

English Conversation Class

Starts Jan 27 Friendship House | 2nd Floor

Ends Jun 8 11:00 am – 12:30 pm
Teacher Laura

This class will focus on listening and speaking skills to help improve
everyday conversations. We will cover various topics and discuss
grammar features and idioms that are frequently used in
conversational English.

Teacher Laura holds a Master’s degree in Teaching English to

Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) and is an adjunct instructor
at MSU’s English Language Center.
 MONDAY
Who is Jesus?

Starts Jan 6 Friendship House | 1st Floor

Ends May 18 11:30 am – 1:00 pm
Teacher Clyde

By studying who Jesus is, we learn how that knowledge changes

everything about how we live our lives, from personal relationships,
to dealing with stress and worry, to knowing where we came from
and eventually end up. Specific areas of everyday life are used,
applying the teachings of Jesus as found in the Bible, to better
understand the help He provides so that we can live peaceful, joyful
lives.

Teacher Clyde is a retired graphic designer and has taught at

Friendship House for many, many years.

English Phrasal Verbs

& Idioms

Starts Jan 13 University Lutheran Church

Ends Mar 2 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm

Teacher Jo Ellen

Note: will be gone in March 2 weeks – she may or may not resume her class in April.

Are you a “fish out of water” when it comes to English vocabulary?

Are you “up in the air” about how to use certain English words or
phrases, convinced that you don't “get it”? Come to Friendship
House on Monday afternoons starting January 13 th to discover new
and exciting ways to express yourself in English. Learn how to unlock
the meaning of everyday phrases that might be puzzling you. Bring
your love of learning and your questions! And please, "feel free" to
bring any “mystery words” you’d like to explore with the class!

Teacher Jo Ellen has 30 years’ experience teaching American

English pronunciation to non-native speakers from over 25 countries.
 MONDAY
Tight Knit

Starts Jan 6 University Lutheran Church

Ends May 18 4:30 pm – 6:00 pm
Teacher
Terrie & Vicki

Tight Knit is a group that knits and crochets items for people in need
(e.g. children’s clothing, winter clothing). Yarn, knitting needles,
crochet hooks and patterns are provided free of charge. All
International students are welcome to join any, or all, classes. The
activities are done in the context of English conversation and
typically a light meal is served each time the class meets.

Teacher Vicki has a BS from MSU in Crop and Soil Science and an MS from
MSU in Resource Development. She is retired from the US Department of
Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service where she worked for
over 30 years. She currently works part-time for the MSU Institute of Water
Research.

Teacher Terrie is retired, an avid reader and married with adult

children. She loves to knit and also volunteers to make lunches for
the homeless.

Bible study takes an intermediate level of English

proficiency. All students and all faiths are welcome.
You do not need to be Christian or intend to
become Christian to attend and participate. You
will certainly improve your English comprehension,
use, vocabulary and grammar in addition to
learning about Christianity.
 TUESDAY
Bible The Book of John

Starts Jan 7 Friendship House | 2nd Floor

Ends May 26 9:00 am – 10:30 am
Teacher Dick

This class will focus on the Book of John from the Christian Bible.
Sometimes called the Gospel (Good News) of John, this book is the
last of four Gospels which describe the life and words of Jesus more
than 2,000 years ago, The book begins with the witness and
affirmation of John the Baptist and concludes with the death, burial,
resurrection and post-resurrection appearances of Jesus Christ.

Teacher Dick is retired and an MSU graduate.

Casual English Conversation

Starts Jan 7 Friendship House | 1st Floor

Ends May 26 9:30 am – 11:00 am
Teachers
Tom & Kathy

Many Internationals come to Friendship House seeking help and

improvement with informal English conversation. This class focuses
on informal, or casual, English to help students build their
confidence using everyday English in ordinary settings. There is an
emphasis on everyone speaking, improving English listening skills
and practice using American idioms. The class is fun, lively and
informative. The class also goes on different outings including
hiking, biking, visiting local museums and golf.

Both Teachers Tom & Kathy are retired educators with Master’s
degrees in education.
 TUESDAY
English Pronunciation

Starts Jan 7 Friendship House | 2nd Floor

Ends May 5 11:00 am – 12:30 pm
Teacher Meghan

Being able to communicate is a two-way street: you must be able to

speak clearly, as well as understand what is being said. This class
focuses on English pronunciation through both speaking and listening
comprehension. We will cover basic pronunciation rules, practice
your pronunciation through speaking exercises, expand your
vocabulary, and learn about regional accents and how they affect
pronunciation. You will also improve your listening comprehension
through hearing recorded dialogue and music with native English
speakers.

Teacher Meghan is college-educated and retired from the Michigan

Legislature.

BEGIN: Basic Bible Study

Starts Jan 14 Friendship House |1st Floor

Ends May 19 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
Teacher Jan

This is a study of the key concepts of the Bible for those who have
never read it. However, those who are more familiar with the Bible will
also find this class valuable as a review of its basic teachings. Note:
each student will receive a copy of the book titled, “BEGIN.”

Teacher Jan is a former parochial schoolteacher and principal. She

holds a Master’s degree in Teaching English to Speakers of Other
Languages (TESOL).
 TUESDAY
Introduction to Spanish

Starts Feb 11 Friendship House | 2nd Floor

Ends May 26 2:30 pm – 4:00 pm
Teacher Mariana

Introduction to Spanish (and More)

The objectives of this class are to explore grammatical, vocabulary

and cultural contents, which will give the basic knowledge of the
Spanish language. Using these tools, the student will have the
capacity to describe and narrate some personal life aspects and
also express simple opinions about a great variety of current topics.

Doctor Mariana is a native Spanish speaker from Mexico and is also a

medical doctor.

friendshiphousemsu@gmail.com
+1(517) 657-7778

friendshiphousemsu

@FriendshipHouseMSU
http://friendshiphousemsu.global/
 WEDNESDAY
American Idioms

Starts Jan 8 Friendship House | 2nd Floor

Ends May 6 9:30 am – 11:00 am
Teacher Meghan

Come practice your English while learning some popular American

idioms. Idioms are phrases or sentences used differently than what
the words mean. Don’t get “cold feet” (nervous) about learning
idioms. This class will be a “piece of cake” (easy) with games and
activities to help you learn. So “get the ball rolling” (begin) and
check out this class!

Teacher Meghan is college-educated and retired from the Michigan

Legislature.

What Does it Mean to

be Christian?

Starts Jan 8 Friendship House | 2nd Floor

Ends May 6 11:00 am – 12:30 pm
Teacher Meghan

What better way to practice your English speaking, listening, and

reading than joining us as we explore the Bible and discover “What is
Christianity?” Each week we will explore an important element or
concept of the Christian faith and discuss how it can apply to your
daily life. Whether you are merely curious or already a believer, we
welcome everyone for this time of fellowship, thoughtful discussion,
and spiritual growth.

Teacher Meghan is college-educated and retired from the Michigan

Legislature.
 International WEDNESDAY
Spouse Connection

Starts Jan 29 Friendship House | 1nd Floor

Ends Jun 10 11:00 am – 12:30 pm
Leading by
Teacher Laura
ISC (International Spouse Connection) is a group for, and organized
by, spouses of MSU International students and scholars, both men
and women, under the sponsorship of MSU’s Office of International
Students & Scholars’ Community Volunteers for International
Programs. Spouses practice English while talking about different
topics every week. There is usually lots of humor and always lasting
friendships. All International spouses and English conversation levels
are welcome.

Teacher Laura will be leading the meetings She holds a Master’s

degree in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)
and currently teaches at MSU’s English Language Center.

Watercolor Painting

Starts Jan 8 University Lutheran Church

Ends May 20 11:30 am – 1:00 pm
Teacher Clyde

This class is about releasing the inner artist within and expressing
yourself through this beautiful art form. The class deals with a basic
understanding of color, value relationships., design and techniques,
using watercolor books by professional artists the teacher has used to
develop his own painting style. No new students can be accepted
after January 22.

Teacher Clyde is a retired graphic artist and professional water-color

painter.
 WEDNESDAY
Lectio Divina

Starts Jan 8 University Lutheran Church

Ends May 20 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm
Teacher Pastors
Gary & Haley

Meaning “Divine Word” in Latin, Lectio Divina is a practice of

scriptural reading, meditation, and prayer. All are welcome! Practice
your English listening and comprehension skills while growing in faith
through prayer and community.

Pastors Gary and Haley are the faith community leaders at University
Lutheran Church.

Art Discussion Group

Starts Jan 15 Friendship House | 2nd Floor

Ends Mar 4 12:30 pm – 2:00 pm
Teacher Olga

Would you like to know more about art? During weekly meetings of
the Art Discussion Group, we’ll talk about art and explore artists, art
pieces, and art techniques. No previous art experience is required.
Immerse yourself into the exciting world of art!

Teacher Olga has a Master's degree in Art History and is currently the
docent at the Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum at MSU. Prior to that,
Olga has worked at the Kiev (Ukraine) National Museum of Russian
Art as a research fellow for seven years. We are excited to have
Teacher Olga join the Friendship House faculty!
 THURSDAY
Open Class Time

Starts Friendship House | 1nd Floor

Ends 9:00 am – 10:00 am Teacher

New Class Information Coming Soon

– Stay Tuned!

Intermediate English
and Life Skills

Starts Jan 16 Friendship House | 2nd Floor

Ends May 7 10:00 am – 11:30 am
Teacher Jan

This is an Intermediate English Course that focuses on increasing

students’ English language proficiency. Each class provides
opportunities to practice speaking and listening, improve grammar,
learn and apply life-skills and use American idioms.

Teacher Jan is a former parochial school teacher and principal. She

holds a Master’s degree in Teaching English to Speakers of Other
Languages (TESOL). She is also currently an English tutor for many
International students.
 THURSDAY
English Presentation
Skills

Starts Jan 9 Friendship House | 2nd Floor

Ends May 7 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm Moderator Rich

English presentation skills are vital to success in U.S. academia,

professions and business. This class heavily emphasizes each student
speaking in every class. The format used is fast-paced, highly
structured and designed to rapidly improve your English
comprehension, pronunciation, grammar, speaking style and
mannerisms. Each student receives immediate feedback on the
presentations they do, whether affirming successful practices or
providing needed correction for improvement.

The class is moderated by Sandra and Rich, the current leadership

team at Friendship House.

English Life Lessons

Starts Jan 16 Friendship House | 1st Floor

Ends Apr 16 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
Teacher Mary Lou

This class offers friendly conversation and English speaking using high
interest topics. Wisdom from Bible references will be explored.
Questions and topic requests from students are always welcome.
Some of the planned topics for each week include: Thankfulness,
Perseverance, Success, Happiness, Friendship, Power Pack, Kindness,
Goal Setting, Love, Hope, Eternity, Daily Security, Community Service
Project and Field Trip.

Teacher Mary Lou is a retired educator who has taught at Friendship

House for many, many years.
 THURSDAY
American History

Starts Apr 9 University Lutheran Church

Ends May 28 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
Teacher
Pastor Moe

This class addresses what Internationals want to know about how

U.S. history affects American culture and vice versa. Pastor Rich is
an accomplished teacher and long-time student of American
history. He will guide students to an “insider’s view” of select
portions of American history and how those events, decisions and
milestones influenced our society. Students will build their English
vocabulary, improve their pronunciation and become much more
aware of how the American people think and function.

Pastor Rich holds a Master’s degree in Divinity, is a retired Pastor

and currently serves on the Friendship House Board of Directors.

OPEN Class Time

Starts Jan 9 Friendship House | 2nd Floor

Ends Jun 11 2:30 pm – 4:00 pm Teacher

New Class Information Coming Soon

– Stay Tuned!
 THURSDAY
U.S News & English
Conversation

Starts Jan 16 Martin Luther Chapel

Ends May 21 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm Teacher Dave

Many Internationals discover that paying attention to the news – U.S.

and world news alike – is an excellent way to improve their English
vocabulary, comprehension and practice. Newspapers, cable news,
online news, websites, blogs, magazines and idioms study help
Internationals grow their English conversation skills and start learning
the patterns of speech that are so important.

Teacher Dave has been a Friendship House teacher for many years.

If you have any questions, comments or

suggestions, please let us know. Friendship House
MSU staff is always available for constructive
dialogue.
Contact us in the office or by email.
Friendshiphousemsu@gmail.com
 FRIDAY
Practicing Oral Skills in
American English

Starts Jan 17 Friendship House | 2nd Floor

Ends Jun 12 9:30 am – 11:00 am Teacher Maritza

Each session has the goal of exploring the oral skills (listening and
speaking) to encourage the students to produce & comprehend
their own speeches through the exposition of authentic material such
as podcast, advertisements, songs, movies, etc., receiving enough
tools to become in active speakers and listeners, associating this new
knowledge with their personal, professional and academic life in East
Lansing. Although the focus is oral, also the English grammar, and
some reading texts are going to be presented, employing the
American literature as a cultural aspect that can be useful to
develop a better process of literacy, as well as other cultural aspects
about different societies in the world, to understand better the
diversity that is evident in Michigan.

Teacher Maritza is currently a TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of

Other Languages) Master’s student at MSU.

The Book of Romans

Starts Jan 10 Friendship House | Lower Level

Ends May 22 10:00 am – 11:30 am Teacher Don

The Book of Romans, the sixth book of the New Testament, was
written by the Apostle Paul in the year 56 A.D. or about 20 years after
the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Paul wrote it as a letter to
the Christian believers in Rome to outline the Christian faith on which
to base their daily lives.

Teacher Dr. Don is a retired Professor of Agriculture at MSU.

 FRIDAY
International Cooking
Class

Starts Jan 10 Friendship House | 1st Floor

Ends May 29 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Teachers
Ruba, Sandra & Noriko

Varied styles of International food will be prepared. We'll be sharing

recipes and tips for cooking International foods from many nations
every Friday. All classes are conducted using English reading,
listening and speaking. Of course, all will enjoy the delicious foods
prepared in class! Please note: There is a $3 fee per class or $45 per
semester to help purchase ingredients for this class. If you need fee
assistance, please contact Rich or Sandra in the office.

The class instructors are Ruba (Jordan), Noriko (Japan) and Sandra
(Mexico).

Classroom Locations

FH 1st: First Floor Classroom of Friendship House.

FH 2nd: Second Floor Classroom of Friendship House.

University Lutheran Church – 1020 S. Harrison Road, East

Lansing, MI 48823. Just around the corner from FH!

Martin Luther Chapel – 444 Abbot Road, East Lansing, MI 48823.

Located in easy-to-reach downtown East Lansing.
 SATURDAY
English Conversation,
Pronunciation & Vocabulary

Starts Jan 4 Friendship House | 1st Floor

Ends May16 10:00 am –11 :30 am
Teacher Maxine

This warm and friendly class emphasizes English pronunciation and

listening skills. The conversation among students and teacher not
only flows freely, it serves as the core of this long-running and
respected class. Teaching tools like analogy (comparisons), idioms
(slang) and International cultural similarities and differences are
frequently used. In addition to increasing English proficiency, the
class uses seasonal recipes, national (U.S.) holidays, Michigan
products and points of historical and scenic interest in our state.

Bible Study

Meets Jan 11&18. Starts Apr 18 Friendship House | 1st Floor

Ends May 30 11:30 am – 1:00 pm
Teacher Peter

Reading and discussing the Bible has two primary benefits to

International students. First, it´s a great way to improve your English,
including reading, listening, speaking, vocabulary and better
understanding the flow and rhythms of English language. Second, the
vital messages and information contained in Scripture can be
applied to your daily life.

Teacher Peter is a long-time Friendship House teacher and is a retired

banker.
 REGISTER ONLINE

❖ $20 registration fee per student

(per semester; you can attend
as many classes as you want)

❖ Free classes - no tuition

❖ Experienced teachers in English

as a Second Language (ESL) &
Teaching English to Speakers of
Other Languages (TESOL)

❖ ESL for beginner, intermediate

& advanced International
students

❖ 32 weekly classes meet

Monday – Saturday

❖ Optional Bible Study Classes

friendshiphousemsu@gmail.com
+1(517) 657-7778
friendshiphousemsu
@FriendshipHouseMSU

http://friendshiphousemsu.global/