Video: Picnic gives LCI students a taste of American culture

International students at the Virginia Tech Language and Culture Institute enjoy food, companionship, and some unique learning opportunities at the summer picnic in Blacksburg.

Benefits of going outdoors with classmates and professors

An LCI student in Fairfax wrote the following essay after last week's (rainy) picnic adventure:

We are students at Virginia Tech, located in Virginia. The school administration agreed to organize a scientific and recreational trip by visiting Nottoway Park, located in Vienna. We were eager to learn about the beauty of this natural park. On the morning of Friday, July 28, we attended the park early, and each of us brought a small back bag. This bag contains some sandwiches, bottles of water and some other things that we need. This type of trip is not only for entertainment; it has many purposes, it is a very extensive activity. Such as strengthening interpersonal relationship, developing in skills, and identifying of different type of traditional foods.

Trips can assist to increase love and strengthen human relationships between students. In this context, trips may be an important way for establishing many new relationships. For example, I met my old friend who used to study with us in VT. I really missed her. And I was worried about my other friends if they can come because the weather was rainy. Moreover, I have learned many things about my friend May such as, her real name, I also realized that after three weeks of studying with her in one class she didn't know my name! That was so funny. This kind of picnic can make a significant change in student skills. For instance, increase self-confidence of the person, and develop in educational skills such as speaking and listening. For example, I think I have spoken with all students and professors without feeling of shame or worry to make some mistakes in speaking. That was a great experience.

It is always good to go out of doors. Going out of school can gain knowledge about traditional food from different countries. When the rain stopped Mr. Bratichko started preparing the lunch for us. Each of us brought something traditional. For example. I brought with me some dates, traditional sweet called camel’s eyes which has caramel inside, and Arabic coffee. And some of my friend brought drinks also the professors brought burgers and hot dogs so we could grill them. Others made sweets by themselves. This trip taught me that the traditional foods are almost the same but it has a different name. I was surprised that the camel’s eyes exists in Switzerland as Natalia side they have it in their country with the same taste and almost same shape.

A picnic is a beneficial change. It takes people away from boring days and routine, it produces effect to life. Life has not only existed for work, but it needs human balance, enjoyment. Trips can make some changes in people for example, strengthening relationships by talking with friends and know them very well, developing skills by listening carefully and catch a new vocabulary, and identify of different types of traditional foods. It is good to run away into the open air for a day when one has the time.        

National Capital Region parties in the park

Students, faculty, and staff from the National Capital Region gathered recently for an end-of-term picnic at Nottoway Park in Vienna. See photos and student essays about the celebration.

'People from Around the World All Gathered in One Place'
By Alanhoof Alotaibi

Thursday has arrived and the day we get to have a picnic with everyone from VTLCI begins. Thanks to Professor Bobal’s video, no one got lost and managed to find the park. 

The weather at first was very hot and humid, but everyone managed to fan away the discomfort. The park was filled with a chill atmosphere. It still fascinates me to see people from around the world all gathered in one place, and the fact that they get along makes it so much greater. You can hear the many different conversations, jokes, and even songs going on in the park.

One of my favorite moments was meeting Professor Sereda’s mother, who only speaks Russian; she is lovely. Not to mention the many delicious foods there were! Just remembering that feast makes me want to travel back in time to eat those yummy burgers Ashley grilled for us.

The picnic ended as soon as the rain started to pour, but it was wonderful.

See photos from the National Capital Region summer picnic

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See photos from the Summer Picnic in Blacksburg

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Posted by Virginia Tech Language and Culture Institute on Friday, June 5, 2015

Radford students celebrate at first annual spring cookout

Students, teachers, and staff at the Language and Culture Institute at Radford University cheered the end of spring classes and the arrival of summer at the first ever LCI@RU spring cookout.

The picnic was held at Radford's Bisset Park right after students finished their writing test. It was a good stress reliever, joked Associate Director Charlene Dandrow.

Attendees were treated to grilled hamburgers and hot dogs as well as a variety of other picnic classics. They played Frisbee, badminton, and soccer.

See more photos below.

Photos from the summer LCI picnic

Post by Virginia Tech Language and Culture Institute Humphrey Fellows.

Photos from the LCI spring picnic