As we move into the fall months here in Houston, our first fall session gave Intensive English students two great chances to explore Rice campus. The first social activity was our Conversation Partners Meet and Greet, which took place in September.
Students made their way to Brochstein Pavillion after their classes to meet up with a conversation partner and practice their conversation skills. Undergraduate students at Rice can sign up for the program and pick which language they would like to practice. Afterwards, our ESL Program Coordinator pairs them with an Intensive English student who speaks that language.
At the Meet and Greet, conversation partners got to know each other, enjoying a delicious pizza lunch in the process. As well as pizza, students played a game of “Classmate Bingo,” which was an exciting way to meet new friends and learn a little more about each other.
As the afternoon continued, students got to enjoy the wonderful weather and continued practicing their conversation skills outside the classroom. Students are always encouraged to meet with their partners throughout the session, so at the end of the meet and greet, each group decided when they would next get together for even more practice.
Our second social activity of this session was also on campus this past Sunday. Intensive English students and teachers enjoyed their weekend with a performance of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, put on by the students of Rice Theatre.
The show started with a short introduction outside Hamman Hall. The audience was encouraged to bring picnic blankets and snacks for this part of the show, which was a great way to enjoy the sunny weather!
After this first act, the cast helped everyone move inside the theater and take their seats for the rest of the show. The performance was a wonderful way for the students to enjoy a classic Shakespearean play and all the drama that comes with it.
After the exciting closing act, the students applauded. Overall, students commented that they enjoyed the show and performance. The cast, with their colorful costumes, thanked the audience and bid them farewell.
Rice Theatre has many other performances taking place all year long. Students enrolled in the theatre minor at Rice make up the cast of each show, using their talent and skill for each performance.
Thank you for reading. Stay tuned to our blog and social media channels for more blog posts, stories, and spotlights in the future!
By Hadrian Barbosa