New Immigrant Community Empowerment (NICE)

The Language Exchange Program brings together a diverse group of Jackson Heights and northwest Queens residents who are sometimes not likely to interact. About 10-15 immigrant Latinos and 10-15 native "Americans" of all nationalities some together on a weekly basis to act as both teachers and students as they learn a new language and teach their native language. The participants are broken up into small groups for discussion and learning and talk time is broken up equally into Spanish and English. Our Language Exchange Coordinators guide discussion and actives to ensure that conversation is flowing and that people are enjoying themselves! Sometimes the group goes on fieldtrips to places like supermarkets and museum where they teach each other new vocabulary and put their new language skills to use!