Links:
Driver license and Learner Permit
A Short List of What-to-do in Chinese

Contents:
1 Welcome to Blacksburg, Home of Virginia Tech!
2 GENERAL INFORMATION ON BLACKSBURG
3 HOUSING: A PLACE TO LIVE
4 TELEPHONE & UTILITIES
5 TRANSPORTATION
6 MAILING LETTERS & PACKAGES
7 HEALTH CARE / Hospitals
8 RESTAURANTS
9 SHOPPING
10 MONEY
11 THINGS TO DO IN THE AREA
12 PROGRAMS, ACTIVITIES & SERVICES FOR INTERNATIONALS
13 CHURCHES, BIBLE STUDIES & ACTIVITIES FOR INTERNATIONALS
14 FREE ENGLISH LANGUAGE HELP
15 HOLIDAYS IN AMERICA

Welcome to Blacksburg, Home of Virginia Tech!

Dear International Students and Families,

Welcome! We are pleased that you have chosen Virginia Tech at Blacksburg, Virginia to continue your education and/or make your home, and we hope that your experience here will be rewarding. We hope you will use this guidebook as a resource to help you feel at home in Blacksburg. Again, we extend you a warm welcome and hope to meet you sometime!
Cordially,
Jay Lester

HIS International (Helping International Students)
HIS International is a Christian organization that exists to serve international students and visiting scholars. Our desire is to be a blessing to you! HIS International provides various services, activities and opportunities for international students and scholars, regardless of religion or nationality.

About this Guidebook
This guidebook has been prepared to assist international students and families in getting acquainted with the Blacksburg area. Please note that this guidebook serves as a link to more specific information from various sources. We have listed phone numbers and web page addresses to help you find the information that you need. We have also referred you to the "yellow pages" for some information. The "yellow pages" are found in the local telephone directory (phone book) and contain phone numbers and some advertisements for businesses according to the type of business. The "blue pages" in the phone book are also very helpful. They list local, state, and U.S. governmental agencies. (Please note that this guidebook was prepared in July 2000 and is presently being updated - August 2007.)

GENERAL INFORMATION ON BLACKSBURG
The Town of Blacksburg is located in Montgomery County:
Town Population – approximately 39,500
Elevation: roughly 610 meters above sea level
Annual Rainfall: 102 cm; Annual Snowfall: 70 cm
Average temperature: 11°C (51°F); 0°C (32°F) in the winter, with lows of -12° C (10°F); 21°C (69°F) in the summer, with highs of 35°C (95°F).

Sources of Information on the Blacksburg Area:
Blacksburg Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce (http://www.montgomerycc.org)
Blacksburg/Christiansburg Visitors Center (103 Professional Park Drive, Blacksburg; 552-2636). Maps, brochures and much more.
Blacksburg Electronic Village (http://www.bev.net)
Blacksburg Home Page (http://www.blacksburg.va.us)
Montgomery County Visitors' Guide (http://www.montgomerycc.org/visitors.htm )

IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS
EMERGENCIES (Ambulance, Fire, Police)…………….911
Poison Center……………………….(toll free) 1-800-222-1222
Student Health Services………………………………231-6444

HOUSING: A PLACE TO LIVE
Housing options include on-campus housing (dormitories) and off-campus housing (apartments, rented rooms, houses). On-campus housing is arranged through Virginia Tech ( http://www.studentprograms.vt.edu). For off-campus housing, contact the Off-Campus Housing Center ( http://www.vtoch.uusa.vt.edu ), Squires Student Center. The off-Campus Housing website has many helpful links programs and links. You can search for rental and post message(looking for roommates, subleases) there.
How do I find housing?

The Off-Campus Housing Center (see above) is very helpful, and has links to other resources.
Check bulletin boards, and look under "apartments" in the classified ads in the newspapers [Roanoke Times & World News, Current Section (a special section providing various news and information for our area); or Collegiate Times].
Check the local Apartment Guide (http://www.apt-guide.com/nrv/nrvag.html ).

Things to consider when renting an apartment or room:

Read the lease (rental agreement) carefully before signing. It is a legal, binding contract. A deposit is required in most cases, and rent must be paid by the due date every month.

If you have questions or concerns about your lease, contact the Student Legal Services Office, Squires Student Center (231-4720; http://www.legal.sga.vt.edu/)

What utilities are included in the rent?
What is the location relative to campus and bus routes?
How long are you required to pay rent? (Typically, leases last one year.) How many days notice must you give before moving out?
What rules and regulations must you follow?

Carefully inspect the apartment or room before beginning the lease, because you will be held responsible for damage.
Things to consider concerning Roommates

How will you divide the rent, utilities, household chores, food purchases, cooking, etc.? (Conflicts concerning payments for telephone service are common.)

What rules of courtesy will you observe?
The Off-Campus Housing Center offers helpful information

Furniture & Other Household Goods
If you need furniture, used furniture and other used household goods can be obtained from various sources.
Thrift Shops: YMCA Thrift Shop (Gables Shopping Center), Humane Society Second Time Around Store (107 Ellett Road), Goodwill (Market Place, Christiansburg).
Furniture Stores: Check "Furniture – Used" in the yellow pages of the phone book.
Yard Sales in residential neighborhoods and at churches. Check "Yard Sales" in the newspaper classified ads.
Check Paper bulletin boards (including the Cranwell Center).
Check "Furniture" in the newspaper classified ads.
See "Shopping" below for more information.

TELEPHONE & UTILITIES
You will need to arrange and pay for the utilities not included in the rent.
Telephone
Local phone service is provided by Verizon and several other companies. For Verizon residential service, call 954-6222. Costs include a deposit, installation fee, monthly fee, and additional fees for long distance services. The front of a Verizon telephone directory (phone book) provides helpful information on phone service. The phone company provides only the service. You will need to provide your own telephone.

Long distance phone services are provided by several companies, including Verizon, AT&T, and others. Verizon will ask you which long distance company you want to use. Telebright ( http://www.telebright.com) is a neutral website for comparing long distance providers. Many international student do not use long distance providers because phone cards are usually less expensive. See the section bellow:
Phone Cards

Here are some phone cards used by our friends:
1. PinCity http://PinCity.com; rates: http://pincity.com/rates.asp
2. A Chinese Website: http://www.cybercalling.com/
3. Nickle to Call World http://www.Nickle2CallWorld.net/

Cell Phone/Mobile Phone:
1. SprintPCS http://www.sprintpcs.com/ local sprint store is in Roanoke.

A common plan is around $35/month, including 200 minutes anytime, and unlimited nights and weekends
Sprint Store, 1919 Valey View Blvd, Suite C, Roanoke, VA 24012, (540) 366-8787
You can also buy cellphone at RadioShack, Gables Shopping Center, 118 Country Club Dr. SW, Blacksburg, VA 24060, (540) 951-8954, or New River Valley Mall

2. Verizon Wireless

Towne Square - Store (26 miles), 1433 Towne Square Blvd NW, Towne Square Shopping Center
Roanoke, VA. 24012, (540) 362-4836
(I remember there is a store at Christiansburg in the books-a-million plaza, you can call the above number and find out.)

3. T-mobile http://www.t-mobile.com/

Store locator: http://locator.t-mobile.com/locator.aspx?searchType=storeLocations
Ritz_18, 801 University City Blvd, Blacksburg, VA, 540-552-8600

4. Prepaid cell phone card

For example, Tracfone. You can buy at Wal-Mart and other places. You need to buy a cell phone and prepaid card; more expensive (per minute) than when you buy a plan.
Electricity

Electricity in Blacksburg is provided by either American Electric Power (1-800-956-4237) or Virginia Tech Electric Service (231-6437). Check with your landlord to determine which company services your residence. You will probably have to pay a deposit to establish service.

Cable Television (Optional)
Cable Television service in Blacksburg is provided by Adelphia Communications (552-3341). Without cable, you can probably receive 3 to 5 channels (including UHF channels).
Gas

Utilities
For residences using gas (for heating and/or appliances), service is provided by Atmos Energy (1-888-824-3434).
Water, Sewer, and Refuse Service

Service is provided by the Town of Blacksburg (961-1119)

TRANSPORTATION
Air Transportation - The Roanoke Regional Airport (http://www.roanokeairport.com; 540-362-1999) is located in Roanoke, approximately 64 km (40 miles) from Blacksburg). Transportation between Blacksburg and the airport is provided by the new shuttle bus service ( http://www.smartwaybus.com/) for only $3 each way.
Transportation Within Blacksburg

Public transportation within the Town of Blacksburg is provided by the Blacksburg Transit System (BT). For routes, schedules, and fares, contact BT ( http://www.btransit.org; 961-1185). Fares are prepaid for Virginia Tech students. Just show your "Hokie Passport." Transportation to Christiansburg, including Market Place and New River Valley Mall, is available through the Two Town Trolley, which is part of the BT system.
There are also taxicabs available through private companies listed in the yellow pages. Hooptie Ride: Tel: 449-3748(DRIV), Local service (within Blacksburg): $3/person for groups; $6 for single riders. (outside of town, fares are based on mileage: $1.50 per mile plus $3 pickup fee)
Transportation Outside Blacksburg

Smart Way Bus (link) provides transportation between Blacksburg and Roanoke (stops at airport)
Home Ride of Virginia (http://www.homeride.com/, 953-2266) provides weekend and holiday bus service between Blacksburg and various parts of Virginia. Also,there are taxi cabs available through private companies listed in the yellow pages.
Greyhound Bus Lines (http://www.greyhound.com) has a local terminal in Christiansburg (382-4361). For Greyhound fare and schedule information, call 1-800-231-2222. To find a ride or offer rides.
The Virginia Tech UUSA provides a rideboard http://www.uusa.vt.edu/uusaServices/UUSArideboard.htm to help you find rides or riders for trips.

Buying a Car – Things to Consider

Consider all of the costs, including purchase price, maintenance, registration, license, and insurance.
Look at "blue books," which list suggested prices for used cars (http://www.kbb.com). Consider mileage and repair history.
Look at Consumer Reports, a magazine (in the library) that provides information on the reliability of various used cars.
Test drive the car under various driving conditions.
Have the car inspected by a professional mechanic (other than the car dealer's mechanic) prior to purchasing.
Bargaining is normal when purchasing a car.
Car (Automobile) Insurance

A minimum amount of insurance is required by DMV (see DMV web page). Contact insurance agents (see "Insurance" in the yellow pages) to help determine the coverage you need. Prices will vary, so shop around. "Liability insurance" is required. "Collision insurance" is optional but is recommended if your car is valuable.
Vehicle Registration & Driver's License

See http://www.dmv.state.va.us for information. Contact the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), 385 Arbor Drive, Christiansburg (381-7171). You will need "proof of identity" and "proof of residency" to apply for a license (see web page for details). You will also need to take a knowledge exam (based on the Driver's Manual), road skills test, and vision screening. Driver's Manuals are available from DMV and the Cranwell Center.
See the Cranwell Center website http://www.uusa.vt.edu/cranwell/living_driving.shtml for helpful information.

Automobile Decal
The Town or County in which you live may require purchase of a decal to put on your windshield. In the Town of Blacksburg, go to the Town Municipal Building on S. Main Street. In Montgomery County, go to the County Courthouse in downtown Christiansburg.

MAILING LETTERS & PACKAGES
United States Postal Service
You can buy stamps and mail letters & packages at the following Post Office locations:

909 University City Blvd. (beside Kroger)
Main Street, downtown Blacksburg
350 Arbor Drive, Market Place, Christiansburg
The Postal Service also has public mailboxes at various places.
Shipping Service Companies
In mailing packages, it may be better to use independent delivery services, like United Parcel Service (UPS), DHL, and Federal Express, available at Shipping Service Companies. See "Shipping Services" in the yellow pages.

HEALTH CARE / Hospitals:
Student Health Services
The Schiffert Health Center in McComas Hall offers medical care, clinical and pharmacy services and health education (231-6444; http://www.healthcenter.vt.edu ).

Hospitals:
Montgomery Regional Hospital (http://www.mrhospital.com). 3700 South Main Street, Blacksburg. tel:951-1111

Carilion New River Valley Medical Center, Radford (http://www.carilion.com/). Near I-81 Exit 109. tel:731-2000
Physicians

Carilion Family Medicine, 901 Plantation Dr. (951-0352).
See http://www.bev.net under "Village Mall, Health Professionals"
See "Physicians" in the yellow pages

Montgomery County Health Department (381-7100)
Provides immunizations. Comes to the Cranwell Center on occasion. See http://www.vdh.state.va.us/lhd/newriver/mont.htm.

Medical Insurance
GM Southwest with University, You will get subsidy if you are TA/RA.
PSI, http://www.psiservice.com
ICS, http://icsweb.org/

RESTAURANTS
For restaurant guide, see http://www.cpe.vt.edu/home/resources/restaurants.html
The Blacksburg/Christiansburg area offers a wide variety of restaurants. See "Restaurants" in the yellow pages. "Fast food" restaurants (like Burger King and McDonalds), serve hamburgers, fries, etc. for relatively low cost, and are available on and near campus (Johnson Student Center, Turner Street). Also, there is a food court at Squires Student Center.

Tipping
Generally, a tip (a cash gratuity left on the table for the server) is expected at any restaurant where a waiter or waitress serves you. The acceptable standard is 17.5% to 20% of the total bill. For large groups, the restaurant may automatically add the gratuity to your bill.

SHOPPING
Food
Grocery stores sell a wide variety of foods and other products. The major grocery stores include Food Lion, Kroger, and Wal-Mart (see "Grocers" in the yellow pages). Most of the grocery stores are on the bus route.

International Food
Oasis World Market. http://oasisworldmarket.com/ 1411 South Main Street, Blacksburg Square Shopping Center , Blacksburg (953-3950)

Department Stores
"Department stores" (like Sears, JC Penney, Belk) offer a wide variety of products, including clothing, appliances, household items, and many other products. Discount department stores (like Wal-Mart, Kmart, Goody's, Target) offer generally lower prices.

Used Items
"Thrift shops" sell used clothing, furniture, and household items at much lower prices. Thrift shops include YMCA Thrift Shop (1000 North Main Street), Humane Society Second Time Around Store (Ellett Road), and Goodwill (Market Place, Christiansburg).
Collegethrift.com link is a local trading post used for the exhcange of used goods between college students.
American families often sell unneeded items at "Yard Sales." Yard sales are more common during the Spring and Summer, when the weather is warmer. See the classified ads of the newspaper.
Is it Acceptable to Bargain?

Most prices in the U.S. are fixed and cannot be changed through bargaining. Generally, bargaining only takes places when buying a car or house, or used items from an individual, like at a yard sale.
Sales Tax

Sales tax is an extra charge added to the price of an item (generally 5% in Virginia), though it may be more for some items, like food at a restaurant.

MONEY
Currency:
Coins: penny (1 cent); nickel (5 cents); dime (10 cents); quarter (25 cents); golden dollar (100 cents).
Bills: $1; $5; $10; $20; $50; $100. Most people use $20 bills or less, and some places will not accept bills larger than $20.

Exchanging, Keeping, and Using Money
See "Banks" and "Credit Unions" in the yellow pages. Different banks offer different services and interest rates.

Checking Accounts allow payment with checks (instead of cash). A checking account also allows you to keep better track of how much you have and where it goes.
Savings Accounts are used for keeping larger amounts of money, and earn more interest than checking accounts.
Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs) allow you to make transactions without going to the bank by using a special card. There may be charges for this service.
Debit Cards allow payment (without cash) from a bank account.
Credit Cards (like VISA and MasterCard) are widely accepted and allow payment without cash. Credit cards have very high interest on unpaid balances. Significant credit card debt should be avoided.

THINGS TO DO IN THE AREA
For More Information:
See "Sources of Information" above for information on parks, recreation areas, hiking trails, campgrounds, museums, art galleries, special events, fun things to do with children, etc.
See the Cranwell Center site http://www.uusa.vt.edu/cranwell/living_aroundtown.shtml
See Virginia's home page (http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state_parks/index.shtml ) for information on state parks.
A few attractions are listed below.
Blacksburg Aquatic Center

Indoor swimming pool located beside the Recreation Center on Patrick Henry Drive. Swimming lessons and splash pool for children are available. For information, call 961-1852.

Blue Ridge Parkway - A very popular attraction in southwestern Virginia. The Parkway follows the Appalachian Mountain chain for 355 miles, and features many kinds of wildlife, magnificent scenic views, and brilliant fall foliage. For information, go to http://www.nps.gov/blri/

Cascades Recreation Area - Two different trails lead up to the picturesque 68-foot(21 meter) Cascades waterfall (4 mile/6.4 km round trip hike). Located off US 460 near Pembroke, about 30 minutes west of Blacksburg. Facilities include restrooms and picnic area. There is a small parking fee. For more information, call 552-4641. http://ghs.gilesk12.org/public/cascades/cascades.html

Claytor Lake State Park - Situated on a 4,500 acre lake, the park features camping, hiking, swimming, fishing, boating, and picnic grounds. Located off I-81, exit 101, near Dublin, about 35 minutes from Blacksburg. There are fees for parking, swimming and camping. Call 540-643-2500. http://www.dcr.state.va.us/parks/claytor.htm

Hand In Hand Playground - This is a popular place with children, located in the Municipal Park, off Patrick Henry Drive in Blacksburg. Facilities also include picnic shelters, skateboard park, ball fields, and restrooms.

Huckleberry Trail - This trail extends from Draper Road in Blacksburg to the New River Valley Mall. The trail is used by bicyclists, walkers, runners, and skaters. See http://www.montva.com/departments/parks/htmap.php

Pandapas Pond - This is an 8-acre man-made pond in the Jefferson National Forest. The area features trails and fishing. Located off US 460, about 15 to 20 minutes west of Blacksburg. Day use only.

PROGRAMS, ACTIVITIES & SERVICES FOR INTERNATIONALS
Cranwell International Center - The Cranwell International Center is an office within the Virginia Tech Department of Student Affairs. The Center staff provides many services, including:

Immigration services to international undergraduate students and to spouses and children of all students.
Information and support for students and families as they adjust to cultural and educational differences.
Social events, trips, and cultural opportunities.
Crisis support for students, spouses, & families.
Opportunities for interaction with residents of nearby communities and schools.
Information on community resources.

See their home page (http://www.uusa.vt.edu/cranwell) for information and helpful links.

International Coffee & Tea
Most Fridays, Squires Student Center.
Coffee & Tea Schedule
Come relax, practice English, enjoy conversations with other students and families.
International Potluck Dinners

Some Fridays, Chum's House
Potluck Dinner Schedule
Come relax, practice English, enjoy good food and conversations with others from around the world.
YMCA International Programs

"Mornings" is a program for all international and American women. An opportunity to learn about life in America and make new friends. Different programs every week. Meets on Wednesday mornings at Luther Memorial Lutheren Church, corner of Toms Creek Road and Prices Fork Road. For details and schedule, call 231-6962. Free child care.
Check their Web Page ( http://www.vtymca.org/InternationalPrograms3.asp ) for other programs.

International Student Organizations
See the Virginia Tech Home Page ( [1]) for all student organization listings.
Council of International Student Organizations (CISO)
Umbrella organization for the international student organizations at Virginia Tech. Helps organize various events and activities. See http://filebox.vt.edu/org/ciso.

Christmas International House
Christmas International House offers hospitality to internationals during the holidays in various locations throughout the U.S. See http://www.christmasih.org

CHURCHES, BIBLE STUDIES & ACTIVITIES FOR INTERNATIONALS
The following activities are sponsored by Christian organizations:

International Christian Fellowship (ICF)
Fellowship and Bible study for both Christians and those wanting to learn more about Christianity.
Meets at Blacksburg Christian Fellowship (BCF) on Sundays, 9:35-10:45 A.M. BCF is located at 2300 North Main Street. For more information, contact Jay & Michele (381-2086; HISbburg@msn.com).
Web Page: http://www.bcfworld.org/

International Christian Fellowship on Campus (ICF) (Student Organization)
International Bible Study. Fridays, 7-9 PM, Squires Student Center. For both Christians and those wanting to learn more about Christianity. Questions & discussion welcomed. Contact Jay ( HISbburg@vatech.com).

Small group Bible studies include the following:
1) What is Christianity? (7:30 - 9:00 PM, usually Room 217) Jay Lester leads this study. We consider Christianity's teaching on these basic topics: God; Scripture; Humanity; the main Problem in life; the Solution to the problem; and the Practices that result from our beliefs. We will also briefly compare Christianity's teaching to other major religions/philosophies. For more information, contact Jay.

2) Overview of the Bible (7:00 - 9:00 PM, usually Room 232) Sonja Murrell leads this study. This study helps people see the big story of the Bible (that is, God's story). During the fall semester, it will include an overview of the Old Testament (first major part of the Bible). This study will be helpful to those wanting to improve their English. For more information, contact Sonja ( sonjaslighthouse@hotmail.com).

International Coffee & Tea. Fridays, 9 – 11 PM, Squires Student Center. Good event for making friends, cultural exchange, and practicing English.

Social & Recreational Activities.
Bridges International
Web Page: http://vtbridgesinternational.wordpress.com/
Social & Recreational Activities
English language conversation classes and partners
International Students, Inc.

English Conversation Group, Tuesdays, 4:00 PM at Squires Student Center.
International Bible Study, Sundays, 6:30-8:00 PM at Sandra Jackson's home. Current study uses the best selling book The Purpose Driven Life.
Fall retreat, dinners.
Contact Sandra Jackson (jackson5@naxs.net; 961-0692; 239-2648) for more information.

International Wives Gathering
Get together with other international wives for a variety of activities. Locations vary.
Meeting on these dates: September 6, October 11, November 8, December 13
Contact Sandra Jackson (jackson5@naxs.net; 961-0692; 239-2648)for more information.

Campus Bible Fellowship (Student Organization)
Web Page: http://filebox.vt.edu/org/cbf
Contact: Dr. Dave & Marilyn Clark (552-1492; dwclark@closecall.com)
English as a Second Language (ESL) Classes.

Bible Studies and Other Activities

Chinese Bible Study Group
Bible studies in Mandarin and English at Blacksburg Baptist Church on Fridays, 7:30-9:30 PM. Open to all nationalities.
Various practical helps for arriving and new students.
Special dinners during holidays.
Special guest speakers, presentations.
For more information, contact Professor Y.A. Liu (231-7800; 951-8158) or Professor Jessie Chen-Yu at chenyu@vt.edu (preferred)/phones (231-6216, 552-0602)

Blacksburg Japanese Christian Fellowship
Monthly meetings at Blacksburg Christian Fellowship for food, conversation, Bible study, and prayer.
For more information, contact Tomonori Saito (tsaito@vt.edu).

African Christian Fellowship (ACF)
Regular fellowship meeting: Every other Sunday at the Cranwell Center; we meet for worship, sharing, praying and encouraging one another.
Bible discussion: Every Friday at 8:00 PM
Social events: Casual events to share food and culture and enjoy one another.
Contact: Bertrand Nkei (bnkei@vt.edu; 571-426-4556)

Korean Campus Crusade for Christ (Student Organization)
Check student organizations in Virginia Tech web page.

Blacksburg Chinese Christian Fellowship
Worship & preaching service in Mandarin at Blacksburg Christian Fellowship chapel, Sundays 11:10-12:20 AM. BCF is located at 2300 N. Main St. Small house groups and Bible studies are also available. For information, contact Caisy & Sonya Ho (552-2271), Peter & Alice Lo (552-0935), or Chuck Schumann (552-6026), Dongyu Wang (961-4192), or Johnny Yu (552-0602).

Blacksburg Christian Fellowship
Web page: http://www.blacksburgchristianfellowship.org/
Home of International Christian Fellowship, Blacksburg Chinese Christian Fellowship, and Japanese Christian Fellowship
Sundays, worship services at 9:45 AM and 11:15 AM at 2300 North Main Street

Northstar Church
Sundays, 10 AM, at New Blacksburg Middle School
Internationals from several countries attend Northstar
For information, contact Sandra Jackson (961-0692; jackson5@naxs.net)

FREE ENGLISH LANGUAGE HELP
English Conversation Classes
Tuesdays at 4:00 PM (beginning September 4), Squires Student Center
Dinners, socials, holiday celebrations, Fall Retreat, trips and activities
Contact Sandra Jackson (jackson5@naxs.net; 961-0692) or Barb Smith (382-7738)

Bridges International
English conversation partner program
See webpage http://vtbridgesinternational.wordpress.com/

English Conversation Meeting
Thursdays, 12:30 - 2:00 PM, Squires Student Center, Cardinal Room (beginning August 30)
Sponsored by the Christian Leadership Network (campus organization)
Bring a lunch and join in English conversation using the Bible.

Free English Class
Fridays, 9:30 to 11:30 AM, Blacksburg Baptist Church, 550 North Main Street (near downtown Exxon station)
All classes will focus on conversation and daily living.
Contact Elaine Cook at elaineccook@verizon.net for more information.

YMCA English Language Classes
English as a Second Language (ESL) classes held at various locations. Free classes and free child care.
See the YMCA website http://www.vtymca.org/InternationalPrograms3.asp or call 231-6962 for schedule and locations.

Conversation Over Coffee, Cranwell International Center
Meets weekly in a casual environment for English conversation practice and cultural exchange. Coffee & tea are provided.
Open to all internationals, but primarily attended by students.
Call the Cranwell Center (231-6527) for schedule and details.

Free English as Second Language Class
For advanced and beginner students. Sponsored by Campus Bible Fellowship : http://www.cbf.org.vt.edu/
Thursday nights, 7:00 - 8:30 PM, Squires Student Center, Rooms 234 and 236.
Teachers: Yvonne Lafoon (639-6360; laugh54@yahoo.com) and Marilyn Clark (552-1492; dwclark@closecall.com).

International Conversation Group
Meets weekly to help improve English skills and make friends.
Call the Cranwell Center (231-6527) for schedule and details.

HOLIDAYS IN AMERICA
The following are the most popular holidays:
New Year's Day (January 1) – Many people celebrate the beginning of the year with a party for family and friends.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (2nd Monday in January) – Celebrating the birthday of this famous civil rights leader.
Valentine's Day (February 14) – A day for friends and lovers to give cards and gifts to one another.
President's Day (3rd Monday in February) –A day honoring presidents of the U.S., especially George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, who were born in February.
Saint Patrick's Day (March 17) – Holiday named after Saint Patrick, who brought Christianity to Ireland. Many people wear green on this day to represent Ireland.
Good Friday (in March or April, based on lunar calendar) – On this day, Christians remember the death of Jesus Christ.
Easter (Sunday after Good Friday) – On this special day, Christians celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Memorial Day (last Monday in May) – A day to honor Americans who have died, especially those killed in war.
Independence Day (July 4) – Also called the Fourth of July, celebrates the beginning of the United States as a nation.
Labor Day (1st Monday in September) – Honors working people.
Columbus Day (2nd Monday in October) – Honors Christopher Columbus, credited with discovering the Americas in 1492.
Halloween (October 31) – A day when people emphasize scary things, wear costumes, and have parties. Children wear costumes and collect candy from neighbors. Many Christians have alternative celebrations to Halloween.
Thanksgiving Day (4th Thursday in November) – A day for families to gather for a big feast (usually including turkey). For Christians, it is a special day of thanksgiving to God.
Christmas (December 25) – On this day, Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Most people celebrate this day by giving gifts to one another.