Learning about U.S. restaurant etiquette can take some time. Who orders first? How much do I tip? How do I get the attention of restaurant staff? The nuances of cultural etiquette can be all the more overwhelming for a new language learner or someone who is in a country for the first time. Fortunately, UW–Madison has a program geared toward cultural learning where the campus community can practice language, learn about traditions, and foster new connections.
The Practicing English and Cultural Exchange (PEACE) program provides the campus community with the opportunity to improve their conversational English skills while learning about American culture. The program is open to international students, faculty, their family members, and Madison community members who seek to gain more confidence in their English-speaking ability through meaningful connections. PEACE events are also open to domestic students looking to connect with other peers from around the world.
The program is led by Kacha Fischer, the International Reach and ISSAB coordinator at International Student Services. In creating the program’s events, she draws on her personal experience from when she studied abroad in Santiago, Chile, and assisted Fulbright scholars in practicing their English.
“We’re trying to build confidence in their [participants] speaking abilities and provide a welcoming and safe space for English language learners to practice their conversational English, whether it’s slang or just asking questions about pop culture references or American traditions,” said Fischer.
Each PEACE event is planned around topics related to American culture, such as pop culture, American holidays, or tips for living in Madison. Past PEACE program events have focused on Thanksgiving’s history and traditions, preparing for the cold, and dining out with friends.
PEACE events usually begin with a short discussion about the topic, followed by interactive activities. During the PEACE program’s February event, participants were able to learn about American restaurant culture and practiced ordering in a simulated restaurant experience. Students were particularly interested in learning about unique customs of American restaurant etiquette, such as splitting the check or expected tips for servers.
The PEACE program implements student feedback to understand which topics students find most engaging. Outside of each session’s topic, students also have free time to converse with one another and practice their conversational English. Fischer looks forward to increasing program participation to help more people find a space to expand their language and cultural learning, while building a new community.
Learn more about how you can participate in PEACE program events at iss.wisc.edu/get-involved/peace/.