Description
The Conversation Partners Program is a volunteer program that matches international graduate students who want to practice their conversational English skills with a member of the BC community. The purpose of this program is to help connect people across the university for conversation, cultural exchange, and friendship.
Expectations
- Partners are expected to contact each other to set up a regular meeting time.
- Meeting locations are set up by the partners. You may find a good place on campus to talk over lunch, coffee etc. (Murray House, Hillside Cafe, etc.) or meet off-campus.
- Meet for a mininum of an hour a week.
Submit a program evaluation form.
Benefits
For international students:
- Practice English
- Exposure to US culture
- Personal development
- Meet New People
For English speakers:
- Practice Teaching skills
- Cultural Awareness
- Communication Skills
- Meet New People
- Add to your résumé
If you have any questions about the program, please email us at bcis@bc.edu.
Applications for the 2023-2024 Conversation Partner Program are available now! The deadline to register as a Partner is Friday, September 15th.
Once you sign up, it will take a few days to match you with a partner. You will be notified of your match by September 22nd.
It is difficult for many international students to meet Americans with whom they can practice their English. Volunteering as a conversation partner is a great way to help an international student while learning about different countries and cultures.
Eligibility Requirements
- English Speaker
- Member of the BC community
- Willing to commit 1 hour per week
- Attend orientation
- Submit end of the year evaluation
The deadline to register is Friday, September 15th.
Once you sign up, it will take a few days to match you with a partner. You will be notified of your match by September 22nd.
The Conversation Partners Program is a great way to practice your English skills. It is also a great opportunity to share your culture and learn more about the US!
Eligibility Requirements
- Full time international graduate student
- Willing to commit 1 hour per week
Not Just Talk: Popular Conversation Partners Program Fosters Community
Events
The first Conversation Partners Program luncheon gathered about 40 partcipants of staff and students of different disciplines and backgrounds in the Heights Room on May 4th, 2010.
The goal of this luncheon event was to thank all the participants for a successfully semester. The Conversation Partners Program matched 100 participants for 50 pairs of English speakers and graduate international students.
Conversation Partners Program Luncheon Slideshow
Feedback
We asked the English speakers what was his/her favorite part of the program, responses included:
- “I loved meeting with my partner and talking with her every week. I felt very comfortable very quickly”
- “I had so much fun. I love my partner, and I can’t wait to participate again!”
- “Connecting with another member of the BC community and learning about another culture”
- “It was nice to interact with grad students and learn about their cultures and academic goals in a leisurely setting”
- “The conversation was GREAT! My partner and I had very similar interests and academic backgrounds so our conversation was always lively and both of us learned A LOT from one another. It was truly enjoyable to do this every week”
- “Even though the purpose of the program is to improve conversation, we really built a friendship which made the meetings fun rather than feeling like an obligation”
- “My language partner was the best. In all honesty, I made a new friend. I really liked spending time with my language partner in informal settings, at a time when neither of us was busy or stressed out. I really liked getting to know her, and being able to ask some questions about China. China is frequently in the news, and it was very interesting to have her opinions on what was going on”
We asked the international students what was his/her favorite part of the program; some of the responses are below:
- “I have made a great friend through this program”
- Having “someone who is a native speaker to practice English with me”
- Having a “chance to understand more about American culture and history”
- “It gives me a chance to speak in English and improve my confidence”
- “Opportunities to talk to native speakers”
- “Make friends with native speakers” and “build confidence to speak in English”