Our Language Table series, Something to Talk About, offers a chance to meet other people for fun, informal activities and casual conversation. Anyone in the Northwestern community is welcome to join and participate.
- Free and open to all members of the Northwestern community
- Events are mostly held online throughout the academic year (fall, winter, and spring quarters only)
- Advanced registration is required to access the session.
- Each event highlights a specific aspect of US English and/or American culture
- Ask questions, share experiences and opinions with peers and ELP staff
- A supportive environment for speakers at any level of English proficiency
Spring Quarter 2025 - Something to Talk About Language Table Events Series
- One sign-up form (click here)
- Register for one, two, or all of the language table events for this quarter
- If you sign up for an event but your availability changes, resubmit the form. We will contact you based on your most recent availability provided in the online form
- ELP will contact you with ZOOM meeting information for events that you have registered for
- Format for language table events for Spring Quarter 2025 -> 6 remote events (via Northwestern ZOOM)
- Note - This schedule is subject to change
- Language Table Event Schedule for Spring Quarter 2025
| Date | Time | Event Name (format) | Event Description | Hosted by |
| 4/18/25 | 12:00-1:00 PM | Interviewing Tips for Internationals: Communication, Confidence, and Preparation (remote) | Join ELP's Language Pedagogy Specialist, Tami Wysocki, for a discussion that focuses on interviewing tips for international students and scholars. Strong communication and confidence are key to succeeding in US job interviews. This interactive workshop will help international PhD students and postdocs refine their interview skills by focusing on clear communication, cultural expectations, and preparation strategies. We'll also explore how GenAI can support your practice and discuss key differences between online and in-person interviews. Expect practical tips, interactive elements, and resources to continue improving after the session. |
Tami Wysocki (ELP Language Pedagogy Specialist) |
|
4/25/25 CANCELED |
12:00-1:00 PM
|
English in the US: Fact and Fiction (remote) CANCELED |
Join ELP's Senior Director, Julia Moore, for a discussion about the English language as it is used and understood in the United States. This session will explore different aspects of the English Language and English language usage in the U.S. The session will also try to separate fact from fiction related to English language use here in the United States. |
Julia Moore (ELP Senior Director) |
| 5/2/25 | 12:00-1:00 PM | American History (Language, Culture, and Geopolitics) (remote) | Join ELP's Speech Language Pathologist, Mark Temenak, for a discussion focusing on American history. In this language table, we will discuss the history of the United States from pre-colonial times to the present. Included in this history, we will discuss various themes of the United States including the evolution of English communication, immigration, racism, conflicts at home and abroad, culture, and technology amongst many other topics. If you enjoy geography, politics, history, language, or just want to learn more about the nation you currently are living in, please join us! |
Mark Temenak (ELP Speech Language Pathologist) |
| 5/9/25 | 12:00-1:00 PM | Buying a Car: Experience & Advice (remote) | Join ELP's Assistant Director, Brian Hampson, for a discussion focusing on how to buy a car in the United States. Brian recently purchased a car, and the experience was both exciting and exhausting. Many international students and scholars arrive to Northwestern and start to experience car culture in the United States. This language table session will discuss why many people feel that a car is necessary. The session will also go through the car buying experience from start to finish. If you have experience buying a car in the United States, please join us and share your thoughts and stories! |
Brian Hampson (ELP Assistant Director) |
| 5/16/25 | 12:15-1:15 PM | Apartments (remote) | Join ELP's Speech Language Pathologist, Autumn Bryant, for an event that is all about apartments. Looking for a new place or just love swapping apartment stories? Join us for a fun and casual event where we'll chat about apartment hunting, share likes and dislikes, and discuss must-have amenities, accouterments, or choosing floor plan features. We’ll also talk about making an apartment feel like home—decorating, dealing with roommates, and the pros and cons of different types of apartments. Whether you're on the hunt for a new spot or just want to practice English in a relaxed setting, come connect with fellow international grad students over housing adventures! |
Autumn Bryant (ELP Speech Language Pathologist) |
| 5/23/25 | 12:00-1:00 PM | Things to do in greater Chicagoland, Michigan, and Wisconsin over the summer (remote) | Join ELP's Language Pedagogy Specialist, Jen Alexander, to talk about summertime activities and fun things to do in Chicagoland and the surrounding Midwest. Summertime will soon be upon us! There are lots of opportunities for fun and relaxation within just a few hours’ drive from Evanston. Whether you’re interested in the arts and culture scene, the beach, state parks, or athletic adventures, there’s something for everyone. Come with questions, or share your suggestions for things to do. Please join us! |
Jen Alexander (ELP Language Pedagogy Specialist) |