Welcome

The Conversation Partners Program matches native and nonnative speakers of English for informal conversations. The program is designed to help nonnative students gain confidence in English and navigate local culture. Practicing English outside of the classroom environment is important in improving English proficiency. By speaking with native English speakers, the nonnative students will be able to participate more actively in the classroom and succeed academically. At the same time, both native and nonnative speakers will expand their cultural knowledge, make friends, and build a network of professional contacts. For more detailed info on benefits and testimonials, click here.

How Conversation Partners Program Works

Nonnative students will be matched with native or near-native English-speaking students for informal conversations in English. Partners will meet independently on a weekly basis on or off campus. They will decide when and where to meet and what to discuss or do. Once a month, a social with light refreshments will take place on-campus, to which all participating students are invited. Partners who met regularly will get a certificate at the end of the semester.

*Applications for the Fall 2018 semester are now open! Be sure to keep an eye on your email to receive information about your partners this semester!

For Faculty: If you want to download the flyers to post on your Blackboard, Blog Page, or course site, here is a copy of the 2018 Flyer.