Are you an IELI student looking for a way to practice English outside of class? Are you an American interested in making some international friends? If so, this is the program for you!

IELI’s Conversation Partner Program is a great way for Americans and IELI students to meet, build friendships, and practice English together.

Typically, conversation partners are made up of a group of 2 – 4 IELI students and one native English-speaker. Groups meet together for at least one hour a week at the time and day of the members’ choosing. Meetings typically take place on campus in the Union, cafeteria, IELI Student Lounge, or the library. However, you and your group members can meet anywhere you like – apartments, restaurants, coffee shops, sporting events, parks, etc.  Group outings are encouraged!

Being a conversation partner is a semester-long commitment and volunteer sign-ups take place at the beginning of the Fall and Spring semesters. Conversation group leaders and IELI students are matched together based on available schedules and gender/country preference. A short training session is required for new volunteers. No experience or foreign language abilities are required. This is not a tutoring program. It’s simply a way for UNT and IELI students to learn about each other’s cultures and provide IELI students with a relaxed environment in which to practice English.

Fall 2009 Volunteer Training Dates:
Wednesday, Sept. 9 –  5:15 – 5:45 p.m.
Thursday, Sept. 10 – 12:15 – 12:45 p.m. and 4:30 – 5 p.m.

All new volunteers must attend one of these training sessions. They will take place in ISB 203. Also, volunteers must attend the Conversation Partner Introduction Night on Thursday, Sept. 10 from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. This will be where you will meet your conversation partners for the first time, get to know each other a little bit, decide on a weekly meeting time, and exchange contact information. Pizza and drinks will be provided.

If you are an IELI student who would like to join a conversation group, please sign up in the Student Counselor’s office, ISB 214.

If you have questions or comments about the Conversation Partner Program, please contact the IELI Student Counselor:

Meghan Merchant

Information Science Building, room 214

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

"Being a conversation group leader has had a huge impact on my life, not only because it really opened my eyes to cultural differences, but most importantly, because it made me realize how similar we all are. I love listening to the students and learning what they are passionate about and why they decided to come the U.S."

Liz Pals

UNT Student

Conversation Partner 2008-2009