English Language Conversation Partner Program

Overview

Michigan Language Center welcomes native English speakers to participate in our Conversation Partner Program. The Conversation Partner Program is a volunteer program designed to provide English language practice and a two-way cultural exchange. Our students enjoy exercising their speaking and listening skills and learning more about American culture as they interact with native English speakers.

Program Goals

The primary purpose of the program is for MLC students to gain practice in English conversation with a native English speaking volunteer. Often the volunteer partners are interested in learning the MLC student’s native language. This can sometimes help when trying to understand English challenges an MLC student might be facing. We ask that the primary language used between partners remain English, and that knowledge of other languages be used only when necessary, and as a supplementary tool to assist with English speaking and understanding.

Volunteer-Student Meetings

We will match volunteers with MLC students, and provide the volunteer with the MLC student’s contact information. At that point, the volunteer partner should contact the MLC student(s) to set up an initial meeting. The volunteer and the MLC student should then arrange regular times to meet together. We suggest meeting at least 1 hour/week in a comfortable public setting (i.e. coffee shop, library), or online (i.e. Zoom, Facetime, Google Meet).

Next Steps

Interested in becoming involved and serving the MLC international student population?

1. Fill out our Google form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1cOEhG2pIBgEjJIXb8M2aD4wMDdFP1ocGb0gSEmcTVCI/edit
2. Receive an email from MLC about upcoming volunteer opportunities.
3. Meet the Student Services Manager for Volunteer Onboarding.