English In Action

English-in-Action (EIA) is part of a nationwide program in which volunteers give their time to tutoring University of California students and visiting scholars in English on a one-to-one basis. Their family members and also students at UC Berkeley Extension meet with a volunteer in small groups of 2 to 5 participants. Students attending adult school and local community colleges may apply, as well, but cannot be given priority. Students attending private language schools and immigrants are not eligible because there are not enough volunteers available.

Visitors and volunteers benefit from this association. Visitors benefit by increasing their proficiency in English and their understanding of the American way of life. Volunteers enjoy the fulfillment that comes from providing someone with an invaluable skill and the unique opportunity to know someone from another culture. Both visitors and volunteers alike form a special relationship based on mutual respect and learning.

This program is free to all international members with a one-year membership in the YWCA (of $20).

The following are the responsibilities of both visitors and volunteers:

• Weekly conversation practice for one hour, any day and time suitable to you and your partner. Meetings can take place any day of the week.
• Regular attendance at weekly sessions and the courtesy of phoning in advance, whenever possible, if unable to attend.
• Prompt notification to your partner and to the English In Action (EIA) office of any change of address or telephone number.
• International partners must be YWCA members at a cost of $20 per person per year. This money goes to the YWCA, which supports the administrative costs of the English In Action program. This must be paid upon registration. Beyond this, the program is free.