FAQs – Baruch Conversation Partners Program

1. What should I do to participate?

Please fill out the online application form and submit it by the deadline. Within a week of the deadline, you will be contacted by a program administrator with the name, e-mail address, and phone number of your partner. Please contact your partner as soon as possible to set up the first meeting.

2. Where should I meet my partner?

We recommend that you choose a specific on-campus location to meet your partner for the first time. For example, a good meeting point for in-person meetings would be the cafeteria on the 1st floor of the Newman Vertical Campus. Afterwards, you can go with your partner to any place on or off campus.

3. What if I cannot pronounce my partner’s name?

Ask your partner to teach you how to say and spell their name, then write it down and practice saying their name. Don’t hesitate to ask your partner to repeat their name until you figure it out.

4. What if my partner cannot understand me?

First and foremost, be patient and persistent. Use the following clarification strategies if any misunderstandings occur:

• Say it in a different way
• Give an example
• Draw a picture
• Write it down
• Speak clearly and slowly

5. Are we expected to focus on English mistakes and pronunciation?

Try to focus on corrections only if they interfere with clarity. Otherwise, too many corrections hinder conversational flow. While the English language can be the topic of conversations sometimes, it shouldn’t be the only topic. You could set aside part of each conversation (e.g. 15 minutes) to focus on questions related to the English language.

6. How should I behave culturally sensitive?

The way you present yourself may shape your partner’s attitude. Remember to be respectful at all times.

- Show interest in your partner by showing positive body language and paying attention to the conversation. Don’t engage in side conversations, constantly check your watch, and/or gaze off in the distance.
- Participate and share at the right time. If you tend to be a quiet person, then push yourself to share your ideas and opinions. If you tend to be a talkative person, then take responsibility to invite your partner into the conversation.
- Ask if it’s okay to talk about certain topics. If you’re unsure whether a question is culturally appropriate or not, then start by saying, “I hope it’s okay if I ask you …” A sincere desire to know is usually appreciated, regardless of the topic.

7. What are some conversation topics we can talk about?

Be interested in learning from your partner. Brainstorm a few general topics you would like to discuss each session. You may need a backup topic if one fizzles out. Here are some ideas on how to start your conversation:

Talk about your home, your family members, your upbringing, etc.
Compare and contrast birthday traditions, coming-of-age celebrations, marriage and wedding customs, funeral rites, holidays, etc.
Talk about what age children begin their education, primary and secondary school, the length of the school day and year, teaching methods, the class environment, and preparations for university
Discuss university life, grading systems, the workload in your degree program, and career prospects
Compare and contrast cultural etiquette for greeting, tipping, dating, etc.
Inquire about cultural/religious clothing, beliefs, and superstitions
Ask whether your partner is experiencing culture shock and how they are adjusting to life in the U.S.
Tell each other what places (countries/territories, cities/towns) you have visited before
Discuss current news related to your home country
Discuss translation challenges, writing systems (script or characters), pronunciation/tones, tongue twisters, etc.
Discuss what people enjoy doing as a pastime when not working or studying.
Consider going to an event together (a movie, a play, a concert, a sports event) and discussing it afterwards
Consider going to a restaurant that serves food from your culture. Discuss dining etiquette, traditional cooking methods/ingredients, etc.

8. To whom do I go if there is a problem?

If you simply cannot attend a prescheduled meeting, then contact your partner directly. If there are other issues, then please contact one of the CPP e-board members.

9. Where can I find the timesheet?

The timesheet link will be sent to you and your partner. Please keep in mind that timesheet submissions are only accepted if both partners submit the timesheet within 48 hours after the meeting takes place. Late timesheet submissions will not be counted towards the six required meetings.

For more information, see Timesheet.

10. Can I get volunteer hours for participating in the program?

No, this program is not volunteer-based, so we cannot provide volunteer hours.

Adapted from:

University of Iowa. (n.d.). Campus conversation partners. Retrieved from http://clas.uiowa.edu/files/esl/Tips%20for%20meeting%20with%20ESL%20students.pdf
Memorial University. (2012). Conversation partner handbook. Retrieved from https://www.mun.ca/esl/conversation