Victoria Jones CP #5

Conversation Partner #5: Mohammad Alaffasi
Date: October 26, 2017
Location: Momo’s Pizza

Topics Discussed: I picked Mohammad and his friend up from their apartment and we went to Momo’s for a local giant slice of pizza. They were both amazed at how large the slices were and commented how everything is bigger in America.


Cultural/Linguistic Topics Learned: I am always amazed and try to be empathetic whenever I ask the sensitive question: Do you miss your family? I remember what it was like to be away from home for five months and for these two young gentlemen it will be closer to one year or more. They explained the process of how the government in Kuwait is paying for their English education at FSU due to their marks and grades in high school in their home country. The rigor and focus required to receive this scholarship really surprised me and made me proud of my students. They said their schooling is paid for, but they also receive a monthly allowance for housing and other necessities. We also had a discussion about country music and Ed Sheeran on the way home when I decided to play some relevant American music on the radio.

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