Introduction
By 'thematic' we are literally referring to 'themes', or how English applies culturally in real life settings based upon specific themes that our curriculum is based upon. For example, driving a car, going to the movies, or paying bills. Each student's semester is divided into eight unique American culture themes. The themes cover a range of topics and traditions that will contextualize the student's English learning. Cultural competency plays a crucial role in effective communication with native English speakers, as understanding their culture enhances your ability to connect with them. In our ESL classes, such as Grammar, Integrated Skills, and Practical English Workshops, we weave together grammar and cultural principles, ensuring a comprehensive learning experience. This approach fosters an increased sense of community among students; despite learning different concepts, like prepositional phrases or adjectival clauses, everyone engages with the same cultural themes, making it easier to form friendships and feel a sense of belonging. Moreover, as you progress to new levels, you will encounter familiar cultural topics presented with new vocabulary and grammar. This continuity allows you to grow and deepen your English skills while reinforcing your cultural understanding.
The impact of cultural competency in applied ESL
Cultural competency has a significant positive impact on ESL students, especially those on F-1 visas aiming to attend university. Understanding cultural nuances and social cues enhances their communication skills, enabling them to connect more effectively with native speakers and peers. This improved communication fosters a sense of belonging and helps build valuable support networks, both academically and socially. Furthermore, cultural competency plays a crucial role in academic success; students familiar with the cultural context of American universities are better equipped to participate in discussions, group work, and meet your teacher's expectations. This adaptability can lead to a more positive university experience, as students learn to navigate classroom etiquette and interaction styles. Additionally, cultural competency broadens students' worldviews, allowing them to appreciate diverse perspectives, which is beneficial in academic settings and essential for global citizenship in their future careers. Employers increasingly seek individuals with strong intercultural communication skills, making cultural competency a vital asset for F-1 students pursuing future job opportunities (Institute of International Education, n.d.; National Association of Foreign Student Advisers, n.d.; American Council on Education, n.d.; University of Southern California, n.d.). In addition to this, there is a comfort to being able to engage in an English setting with your peers and effectively communicate, say your opinions about the latest episodes in a series, and use cultural idioms to express your opinions about them. See idioms posts on our Instagram
Cultural Integration, A Real Life Story
The following is a fictionalized example of a students experience, that is based upon real life stories gathered on how cultural integration played an important role in students lives in adapting to the English language, and succeeding academically.
This story is of Sofia, an international student from Brazil, who came to the United States on an F-1 visa to pursue her bachelor's degree in business administration. Initially, she faced many challenges beyond language barriers — she struggled to adapt to American social norms and academic expectations. Here's how learning American cultural principles through her ESL program helped her integrate:
At university, Sofia found classroom interactions different from what she was used to. Group discussions, critical thinking, and openly expressing opinions were encouraged, whereas her previous education emphasized rote learning and respect for authority. In her ESL program, she learned about the importance of active participation and voicing her ideas respectfully, as well as strategies for managing group projects. These insights gave her the confidence to contribute more effectively in class discussions, making her feel like an active part of the academic community. She even built connections with professors by learning to greet them after class or visit during office hours — practices emphasized in her ESL cultural training.
Sofia was also introduced to nuances of American social life, like the importance of punctuality, individual space, and small talk. Through role-playing exercises and discussions in her ESL classes, she learned how to navigate these subtleties. She discovered that small talk was a friendly way to break the ice in social situations, something she’d previously found awkward. This new understanding helped her connect with classmates and neighbors, leading to a stronger social support system and helping her feel more at home in the U.S.
When it came time to apply for internships, Sofia felt more prepared for the American job search process. Her ESL program had covered topics like resume building, interview etiquette, and the importance of maintaining eye contact and a confident tone. With practice, Sofia became comfortable talking about her skills in a concise and positive way, something she initially struggled with. During her internship, she used feedback skills learned in her ESL training to communicate effectively with her manager and coworkers, helping her to establish herself as a valuable team member.
In the end, Sofia’s ESL experience went beyond language; it gave her tools for successful integration, helping her thrive academically, socially, and professionally. (Learn about Nomen Global)
Nomen Global's Correlated Classes
Our curriculum connects grammar and culture principles throughout to give you a complete learning experience. This is done through our Integrated Skills classes. Our Integrated Skills classes follow The Nomen System and focus on reading, writing, listening, speaking, and grammar. While many foreign language classes cover these skills, we are one of the few schools that specialize in English as a Second Language to do so.
In our Integrated Skills approach, we use both content- and task-based teaching. Our goal is for students to perform at a level that matches our specific language proficiency scales. We present content through our unique modules, which cover themes like family, environmental issues, and current events. Each lesson includes Lower Order Thinking Skills (LOTS) and Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) to help students engage with the material. These skills are also included in the final exam for each two-week module, which tests students on their understanding of the content as well as their reading and listening abilities.
Additionally, we assign end-of-module projects where students must create something—like an essay, presentation, or demonstration. These projects also incorporate LOTS and HOTS, allowing students to show what they can do with what they have learned. For Levels 4 through 7, our modules, lessons, assessments, and projects also focus on developing Cognitive Academic Language Proficiency (CALP).
Conclusion
At Nomen Global, the commitment to empowering students to become "world ready" is evident through a thoughtfully designed curriculum that integrates grammar and cultural principles. Our Integrated Skills classes, rooted in The Nomen System, not only focus on essential language skills—reading, writing, listening, speaking, and grammar—but also emphasize the practical application of these skills in real-world contexts. This unique approach distinguishes us as a leader in English as a Second Language education.
Through these comprehensive learning experiences, Nomen Global stands ready to help students achieve their goals and thrive in an interconnected society. We believe that by preparing our students to understand and engage with diverse cultural contexts, we are equipping them for success in their academic pursuits and future careers.
For more information about how Nomen Global can support your journey to becoming "world ready," please visit our website.
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