I-Evangile

LST Lausanne 2014 ends

June 23: Derrick, Jazzy and Ryan, the three students from the United States who spent six weeks in Lausanne giving english lessons, made it safely back home. The Let’s Start Talking project in Lausanne was a great success this year and we are very thankful to Derrick, Jazzy and Ryan for coming to Lausanne.
We hope to offer Englsih courses again next year (2015). For more information about the project, see below or call 021 646 75 05.

Derrick, Jazzy and Ryan

What is Let's Start Talking?

LST is a Christian organization that brings American university students to Europe during their summer vacation. These students want to come and get to know Europeans better, but in order to be a part of the project they agree to offer free English Conversation classes. This allows them to know the people more personally rather than if they were just tourists. Students from past years have made many friends through these English classes.

They use a conversation text that is taken from the New Testament, along with simple exercises in vocabulary, grammar and written and oral comprehension. They use the texts as a starting point for the conversations, but there is also a great deal of freedom to talk about many other topics which you may suggest.

The classes are individual conversation classes. That means you have an American "partner" and you are with him/her one-on-one. The classes last for 45 minutes and people can come as often as their partner has time, from Sunday evening to Thursday evening.

Since the Americans do not speak French, this gives you a wonderful opportunity to really practice your English and you get a lot of time to speak. But you must be able to communicate in English. There's no need to be fluent, of course, but beginners cannot participate in the project.

Other activities that the students organize are picnics, barbecues, English evenings, etc. They try to provide as many ways as possible for you to meet other English speakers and to use your English in a "natural" setting.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is the goal of Let's Start Talking?
LST gives Americans the opportunity to know another culture better, and gives local people the opportunity to practice their English with native English Speakers.

How can I participate in LST?
Just contact us by sending us an email (swissmith@gmail.com) or call us at 021 646 75 05. You must be able to communicate in English and be able to come to the classes at least once per week.

How much does it cost?
The courses are free. The American students save up money and do many things to collect money for their LST experience. They are lodged for free by the Lausanne Church of Christ, so that their stay is more affordable.

Do I have to read the Bible to participate?
The students use simple texts that come from the Gospel of Luke. These texts are a starting point for conversations, and the students have been trained to give the classes using this material.
Since students go to over 20 different countries every year, they need a common text that can be used everywhere. The lesson are constructed so that you can talk about many different things BESIDES the weather and travel.
You'll learn to express your opinions and share what you think.

But I'm not a Christian. Can I still participate?
Of course. People from all religions and nationalities can participate. Last year there were Christians, Muslims, Buddhists and people with no religion who participated.

When and where are the classes?
Classes last for 45 minutes. You can schedule a class from Sunday afternoon to Thursday evening, from 10:00 to 21:00. The classes are individual, so you have a maximum amount of time to speak English.
The classes take place at Av. de France 77, 1004 Lausanne on the ground floor. You can use the back entrance.