For more than 15 years, the nonprofit Intercambio has been building bridges between the diverse communities of Boulder County, based on the belief that communities are safer and stronger when everyone can communicate – and it begins with language. To that end, Intercambio offers an array of affordable English language classes for adults in convenient locations in their neighborhoods at times that work for working families. The ultimate goal is to improve immigrants’ lives and the lives of their family. “When immigrants succeed, we all succeed,” Intercambio’s website states.
Last week, I had the chance to get involved with Intercambio during a “Conversation Team” event in Longmont. The concept couldn’t be simpler: a selection community volunteers visits group classes to practice English with Intercambio students. It’s basically speed dating (with romance taken out of the equation), during which you get to know several people who are in the process of learning English. As someone who’s on the shy side of the spectrum, I had to psyche myself up to converse with complete strangers – but once it got going, it was easy and fun. The students (from such locales as Brazil, Albania, Russia and Mexico) were friendly and enthusiastic, eager to talk in a casual setting. We talked about family, Colorado, food, and much more. Before I knew it, the two-hour session was over. I’ll definitely do it again!
There are Intercambio locations in Boulder, Longmont and Louisville. Conversation Team members volunteer on an ad hoc basis and no long-term commitment is necessary. Sign up to participate in Conversation Team here.