by Andy Pearce

Our weekly Zoom English conversation class for Caltech internationals always begins with a presentation of six slang/idioms. During a recent class, one of the six was “pronto,” a Spanish word that English-speakers use for “soon” or “quickly.” Because the class includes an Italian from Palermo, Sicily, I mentioned that Italians say “pronto” when they answer the phone, and that it means “ready” in Italian. As I was talking, she noticed that behind me was a picture of the Palermo Cathedral, the most famous building in her city. She let out an expression of surprise and joy! Then she told the class more about her Sicilian hometown and culture. I had surprised her by putting the Palermo Cathedral as my virtual background on Zoom. I learned that if a photo is projected onto an actual “green screen” it is very sharp and realistic, so I have been collecting backgrounds from around the world.

After the presentation of slang/idioms, the class splits into discussion groups or Zoom breakout rooms, which is easy to do. A recent group I facilitated had two Taiwanese internationals, so I quickly switched my background to a photo of Taipei 101, the world’s tallest building from 2004 to 2009. my favorite virtual background is the Great Wall of China. Doesn’t it look like I’m sitting right on the Wall? I also have the Taj Mahal (India), Marina Bay Sands Hotel (Singapore), Mt. Fuji (Japan), Petronas Towers (Malaysia), Taman Mini (Indonesia), Seoul Tower (South Korea), Hong Kong’s harbor, and other famous landmarks.

I greatly miss traveling and look forward to starting up again. However, I enjoy connecting on Zoom with current and former international students and scholars. I also think that using familiar virtual backgrounds on my green screen encourages and helps them to feel at home. First Thessalonians 5:11 says, “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.” I am thankful to use Zoom to be an encourager to these friends.