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.

Requirements to be a Conversation Partner:

1. Must be a native English speaker.
2. Must be culturally sensitive and comfortable leading a group conversation.
3. Must be able to meet with your conversation partners for at least one hour per week and send group members a reminder e-mail/text about your weekly meeting time each week.

**It is preferred that volunteers live in Denton. Students who commute to UNT often have a hard time finding time to meet with their conversation partners