---
tags: [ingles, speaking, practica]
created: 2026-10-02
status: en-curso
---

# Dinner with Sichen

## Intro for the recording

Hello. My name is Julio. I'm from Peru. I live in Valencia, Spain. I'm a PhD student. I work with satellite images.

This Saturday I'm going to have dinner with my friend Sichen. He is from China. He is a PhD student too, and we work at the same institute. He is going back to his country soon.

For some months, I didn't talk much with Sichen. My English was bad, and I was learning. I'm sorry for that. But we are friends, and now I want to talk with him. This dinner is important for me.

I practice English with a method called "English for Cholos". It's a Peruvian course. The idea is simple: listen a lot and speak every day. I'm in the basic level, and I will continue, step by step.

This is my practice for today. I prepared some questions and answers for the dinner. I will read for ten minutes. Please, be patient with my English. Let's start.

## About me

**What do you do?**
I'm a PhD student at the University of Valencia. I work at the IPL. I work with satellite images.

**What is your PhD about?**
I study clouds in satellite images. Clouds cover the ground, and that's a problem for my work. I also study methane. Methane is a gas. It comes from cows, from trash and from gas pipes. I want to find methane leaks from space.

**Do you like your work?**
Yes, I like it. Some days are hard, but I learn a lot. Satellites are amazing.

**What are your hobbies?**
I go to the gym. I lift weights. I want to run for more time, so I'm building endurance. One day, I want to practice martial arts too.

**What do you do on the weekend?**
I go to the gym. I walk around Valencia. I watch videos and I study English a little.

**Where are you from?**
I'm from Lima, in Peru. I came to Valencia in July 2025.

**Why do you study English?**
For my work. I want to present my research in English. And I want to talk with you more. That's a good reason, right?

**How do you practice English?**
Every day I listen to English. I read out loud. I record my voice for ten minutes. Then I listen to my recording. It's hard, but it works.

**What is "English for Cholos"?**
It's a Peruvian course about English. The teacher says: listen a lot, speak every day, and don't translate in your head. I'm in the basic level. I will continue.

**Do you like Chinese food?**
I love it. Chinese food mixes very well with Peruvian food. In Peru we have "chifa". Chifa is Chinese-Peruvian food, and I grew up with it.

**What do you know about China?**
I know a little, and I want to learn more. I like Chinese food, Chinese history and Chinese series. I don't remember much history, but I want to read about it again. I also like that China is strong in AI now. Some day, I want to learn Chinese.

**Do you want to visit China?**
Yes, a lot. I want to see the Great Wall. I want to eat real Chinese food there. Maybe one day, for a conference.

**What will you do after your PhD?**
I don't know yet. Maybe research, maybe a company. I want to work with satellites and travel a little.

**Do you drink beer?**
A little. Yes. In Peru we drink pisco. Maybe you can try it one day.

**Do you want to learn another language?**
Yes, Chinese. It's difficult, but interesting. Maybe you can teach me one word tonight.

## Questions I want to ask Sichen

- Where are you from in China? Is it a big city?
- What is your city like?
- What food from your city should I try?
- How do you say "cheers" in Chinese?
- How long did you stay in Valencia?
- What will you miss from Spain?
- What surprised you about Spain or Valencia?
- Do you like Spanish food? What is your favorite dish?
- When are you going back to China?
- What are your plans after the PhD?
- Will you come back to Valencia one day?
- Do you have brothers or sisters?
- What do you do on the weekend in China?
- Can I add you on WeChat?

## Before he leaves

- I'm happy that I met you.
- I'm sorry I didn't talk much with you before. My English was bad, and I was learning. Now I want to try.
- We didn't talk much, but I like you. You seem like good people.
- Even with my basic English, we are friends. That's important for me.
- I prepared my English for this dinner. It's important for me.
- I hope your trip is safe, and I hope we meet again.

## At dinner and at the pub

- Thank you for this dinner. It's a pleasure to be here with you.
- This round is on me. The next round is on me.
- Cheers! To your trip! To new beginnings!
- Do you want another beer? Another one?
- I don't drink much, but this night is special.
- Let's take a photo. One photo for memory.
- When you arrive in China, send me a message.
- Let's keep in touch.
- Have a safe trip.
- I hope we meet again, in China or in Peru.

## When I don't understand

- Sorry, can you repeat that?
- Can you speak slower, please?
- I don't understand that word. Can you write it on your phone?
- What does it mean?
- How do you say it in English?
- Wait, one second. I'm thinking.
- My English is basic. Sorry.
- Now I understand. Thank you.

## Closing for the recording

That's all for today. I prepared this for Sichen, and I read it for you too. Ten minutes of English. Thank you for listening. See you tomorrow.