Hi, I'm Lynne Martin, I'm the Medway Campus Chaplain. I have been running TABLEtalk on a weekly basis since 2004 but this year, having to facilitate the event remotely, was definitely a first. It was great to partner with my colleague and friend, Kirsten Wynn (Associate Chaplain UoG) and I believe, this term, we have managed to deliver a useful and interactive TABLEtalk programme.
Together, Kirsten and I have had years of experience of working in cross-cultural settings.
A total of 33 unique participants took part in TABLEtalk this term, though some only came a few times. TEN of those students were awarded a certificate of participation for completing at least 70% of the programme.
This is what students said in response to the question 'What did you like about TABLEtalk?':
Arman (Italy) |
Nefeli (Greece) |
I like the opportunity to meet new people, this was the only opportunity to meet new people and get to know them better.
Dominika (Poland) |
To have stress free social chat and to meet new people.
Veron (Sri Lanka) |
I can practice my English.
TABLEtalk is a place where we can express ourselves freely and everybody listens to us with patience. Liked it a lot because it’s an interactive event and also includes games.
Lina (Colombia) |
I really liked that it was a regular weekly meeting and I liked that we had a chance to talk in smaller groups, because it allowed us to get to know each other better.
When asked which their favourite themed evening was, students said:
I think I liked [Culture Shock!] the best because I was struggling with culture shock at the time and it helped me to realise it was normal and that I was not alone.
[During the English Night] I learned new things about British culture.
[The Art of Public Speaking] was exciting to test my abilities.
[Studying in the UK] was very useful for new students.
[International Night] was like a mini holiday seeing all the amazing places and getting to know other countries.
17.5% student said TABLEtalk was ‘very beneficial’ and 65% said ‘supremely beneficial’.
Whilst all of the students would like to meet face-to-face, one of the positives of facilitating this event remotely has been that students have joined us from all over London and Kent, and recent alumni from as far afield as Edinburgh, Spain and Colombia.
If you would like to join us for our spring term, starting Jan 14th 2021, please email Lynne & Kirsten at:
welcome2tabletalk@gmail.com
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