There is a program at the college to help ESL students in their studies, and the program needs volunteers.

The VISTA program is part of The Literacy Network, a United Way project, and is designed to help ESL students by getting volunteers in the classroom.

“It’s a great way to gain experience and to boost your resume, especially for students who are undecided about a major but are considering education,” said Amy Krill, program coordinator.

The program focuses on helping ESL students in their core English language skills — reading, writing and oral. Volunteers don’t need any experience in another language, and are likely to get a letter of recommendation from VISTA in addition to the invaluable experience of helping students learn in the classroom.

This semester, 22 teachers requested volunteers from the VISTA program, representing a little over half the total number of ESL classes here at Madison.  Parents and community members responded, even some UW-Madison students, but still none from our own college. Krill understands that “we are a community of busy people.”

But returning volunteers have nothing but praise to sing of the program.

“(It’s) incredibly rewarding, I feel as if I learn more than the students,” one told Krill.  “I enjoy helping people make better lives for themselves,” said another. And the program is improving, with Krill planning on adding more social networking and events for the volunteers.

So if you are looking to meet some new people, help teach some English and perhaps learn a bit about other cultures and languages while boosting your resume and helping out our school, come down to the Student Life office and ask about VISTA. You might be surprised at how much you enjoy it.