JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas –
The Defense Language Institute English Language Center at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland drives the American Members of International Goodwill to Others, AMIGO, sponsorship program to create an outlet for students to better learn about American culture and practice the English language.
In creating this channel of communication, between students and volunteer sponsors, both parties mutually benefit in international relations and personable communication.
As provided by the DLIELC webpage, under the U.S. Security Assistance Program, the school's mission is to teach English to international military members; with tailored courses that address the specific language requirements of those students' career field. The DLIELC has students from more than 90 different nations at the school at any given time.
Dawna Hollie has been the AMIGO program manager for the last eight years and knows the significance in the interactions between students and their sponsors.
"Often times our students have never been to America and are unclear on what to expect upon arrival," said Hollie. "The program is comprised of U.S. Citizens who volunteer to make friends with the students and expose them to how we live, work, and play. This program gives them a more personal experience and affects what they know and learn about American culture and way of life."
Additionally, the students participating in the AMIGO program have the opportunity to meet someone to practice the English skills being learned in class.
Lt. Aboudou Ganihou Fadikpe, a DLIELC student from the country of Benin, explains the benefits of the sponsorship program on his cultural experience and English speaking skills.
"I wanted to join the program so that I could meet native English speakers, and get an opportunity to practice the skills I am learning in class," said Fadikpe.
Fadikpe then described his first time attending an American church with his "new AMIGO friends" as a memorable cultural experience.
"My AMIGOs helped me learn firsthand about American culture and everyday American life," Fadikpe explained.
In addition to the impact on the international students, Kay Grosinske, Air Force Civil Engineer Center program manager and base environmental coordinator at JBSA-Lackland Kelley Field Annex, described the positive experience of the program for the sponsors.
Grosinske has been an AMIGO sponsor for more than 10 years and says the program gives her "a sense of the world."
When Grosinske was active duty, she had the opportunity to live in Europe for eight years. She said that she missed the international aspect of life over seas.
"You can't always travel, because of cost or time, and this program creates a way for the world to come to you," explained Grosinske. "Most Americans don't get the opportunity to travel outside of the states. This program gives volunteers a little glimpse of what other parts of the world are like."
Grosinske has sponsored about 800 DLIELC students, and owes her success to her English teaching abilities and her drive to make friendships with the students.
"My goal is to help (the students) with English and build a friendship; when I meet someone it's not just for that period," said Grosinske. "We stay friends when they go on to their following training, when they return to their country and when they come back to the states. So, the friendship doesn't end for me."
The dedication and kindness of the AMIGO sponsors does not go unappreciated.
The students understand that the AMIGOs are volunteers, so the time we spend with them is their own to give, said Fadikpe.
"Volunteers are greatly appreciated," continued Fadikpe. "I wish there was more AMIGOs to help with this program. It really helps students who want to learn about American culture, while we are studying the English language."
"The AMIGOs do not get paid for their support of the program, so they participate out of the goodness of their hearts," said Hollie.
In the AMIGO sponsorship program description, it reads "good AMIGOs serve as an extension of the DLIELC and as Ambassadors for the United States. For many students, this may be the only exposure they will have to Americans and the United States."
"At the base of the program, friendship fosters a positive impression of Americans on the international students," said Grosinske. "I think if you get two people to try to get to know each other, regardless of background, they can find a commonality and become friends."
The AMIGO sponsorship program description reads, "Being a 'sponsor' in the AMIGO program is simply being a friend."
If you are interested in becoming a AMIGO sponsor, contact the program manager at 671-7700.