The first information session about University Scholars’ Language Exchange program was held Tuesday at 4:30 p.m. in the Sullivan Classroom.

The Language Exchange is a program that pairs students with N.C. State staff members whose native language is not English. The program allows students and faculty to get together and converse in the language they are trying to learn.

Bengt Carlson, University Scholars program, said the although the program’s foundation is fundamental.

“It is a simple idea about people getting together to talk,” Carlson said.

According to Carlson, this is the program’s sixth active semester. The program’s previous semesters have encompassed as many as 40 students.

“The common denominator is that [students and staff] want to learn a language,” Carlson said. “Talking with a real person is the substance of the exchange. You are both a teacher and a learner.”

According to Carlson, the Language Exchange is an eight week program that meets once a week for half an hour.

One week there will be a conversation in English, Carlson said, and the next week there will be a conversation in the other desired language.

“It is a difficult situation to acquire a brand new language, you need to have some root knowledge of the language and be able to speak a little bit,” Carlson said. “The program conversations depend on your desire to learn and converse.”

According to Carlson, past exchanges have included the following languages: Arabic, Keren (Burma), Chinese, Creole, French, Spanish, Twi (Ghana), Swahili, Vietnamese, as well as many African Tribal dialects.

Carlson said the program’s experience is very different from the traditional classroom experience because you’re working hands-on with another person.

“The conversation is very different than writing something down on a piece of paper,” Carlson said. “It is different learning experience and you have to be ready to just jump in.”

“”You need to commit to come to each half hour session because it is a pretty big deal, it’s not class, it’s a relationship with another person,” Carlson said.

According to Carlson, the program will occasionally provide topics for conversations, and other times it is up to the members of the session.

Carlson said the exchanges meet in different locations around campus and the program is not just open to students in the University Scholars program.

William Laundon, a sophomore in Industrial engineering, said he’s going to the exchange to prepare for a study-abroad experience.

“I took Spanish in high school and I plan to study-abroad in Spain,” Laundon said. “I really want to learn the language, to improve my Spanish and attain it before I go to Spain.”

Jennifer Chu, a senior in special undergraduate studies, said she’s not only excited about learning another language, but she’s also looking forward to teaching someone else.

“Learning another language a great advantage, to be able to communicate not just in the classroom,” Chu said. “I’m also looking forward to teaching, you both benefit, and it’s great.”

Jude Jackson, a freshman in psychology, said he wants to supplement his Japanese course with the extra dialogue he’ll gain from the program.

“I’m looking forward to be able to converse in Japanese, I am also taking a class on it right now, and I’m looking forward to teaching English.”

Carlson said this year looks promising, and he expects the program connect with campus.