English Conversation Partners is a volunteer-based program for York University students, in which Conversation Partners who are native English speakers or proficient in speaking English, are matched with a Student Peer, who has English as an additional language (EAL/ELL/ESL). Conversation Partners and Student Peers will make plans to meet for at least 1 hour every week for the duration for the 6-week program.
We are now accepting applications for both Conversation Partners and Student Peers for the Winter 2024 term. Please scroll below to find more information on eligibility and how to register!
Here are some amazing benefits to joining the program:
- Develop new friendships and expand your social network.
- Share and learn about other languages spoken globally.
- Expand your worldview and gain new perspectives.
- Improve and learn new softs skills like problem solving, active listening and critical thinking.
- Enhance your cultural awareness, knowledge, and competency.
Examples of suggested weekly activities:
- Academic activities: studying at the library, attending workshops, panel discussions and conferences.
- Campus and Toronto Tours: showing favorite on-campus spots, touring Toronto neighbourhoods together.
- Informal meetings: having coffee, lunch or walking on campus, virtual Zoom chats
- Sports and outdoor activities: joining a fitness class together, basketball, soccer
- Arts and crafts: painting, doodling, carving pumpkins
How to join the English Conversation Program as a Conversations Partner?
Are you interested in helping your peers become more comfortable with the English language by helping them practice their conversation skills? Are you looking to make new friends, learn other languages and enhance your cultural competency? Do you want to build and improve your interpersonal, critical thinking and communication skills? Then this is the perfect program for you!
Who is eligible
- Exchange, Domestic or International students in 3rd year and up and/or graduate student in any year
- Native English speakers or those who speak and write English proficiently and fluently.
What are my responsibilities as a Conversation Partner?
- Attend the program Kick-off event on January 23, 2024
- Send and respond to emails in a timely manner
- Review the weekly activity guide to plan for your meeting with your Student Peer
- Arrange a time to meet either in-person or virtually with your Student Peer
- Attend the Closing Event on February 29th with all program participants
- Complete the program feedback survey at the end of the program
How does it work?
- Submit an application to become a Conversation Partner
- If selected, you will receive an invitation for an interview
- If you’re a successful candidate, you will need to attend a 90-minute VIRTUAL training session on January 8 or 10th from 5 - 6:30 p.m. (mandatory)
- After training is complete, you will be paired with a Student Peer
- You will meet your Student Peer at the Program Kick-off on January 23 6 -7:30 p.m.
- You and your student peer will arrange to meet once a week for an hour either virtually or in-person to engage in conversations and activities.
Time Commitment
9 volunteer hours in total
- Attend virtual training (1.5 hours)
- Attend Program Kick-Off Event (2 hours)
- 1 hour meeting/activity with your Student Peer match x 4 weeks (4 hours)
- Attend Program Closing event (1.5 hours)
What do I do with the student peer who is paired with me?
You and your peer will arrange to meet once a week by planning activities or meet-ups you both are interested in doing together. As a Conversation Partner, you ask to learn about your peer’s culture and languages they speak.
How do I register?
We are no longer accepting applications for the Fall 2023 term. To sign up as a Conversation Partner for the Winter 2024 Term, please fill out this form.
Please note: Spots are limited and applications will be assessed on a first come- first serve basis.
How to join the English Conversation Partners Program as a Student Peer?
Are you interested in making new and long-lasting friendships? Do you want to practice and improve your conversations English skills in individual or group settings? Want to learn more about other cultures, languages, and share your own cultural knowledge with others? Interested in learning about other resources and supports available to you on campus and in the community? Then this program is for you!
Who is eligible?
- All International undergraduate students HOWEVER 1st year undergraduate student will be priority
- All International Graduate students are also eligible.
- Those who speak English as a Second language/Additional language or is an English Language Learner (ELL)
What are my responsibilities as a Student Peer?
- Attend the program Kick-off event on January 23, 2024 from 6-7:30 p.m.
- Send and respond to emails in a timely manner
- Review the weekly activity guide
- Arrange a time to meet either in-person or virtually with your Conversation Partner
- Attend the Closing Event on February 29 from 6 - 7:30 p.m.
- Complete the program feedback survey at the end of the program
How does it work?
- Submit an application to become a Student Peer
- You will receive an email if you are matched with a Conversation Partner.
- You will meet your matched Conversation Partner at the Program Kick-off on January 23rd
- You and your Conversation Partner will arrange to meet once a week for an hour either virtually or in-person.
Time commitment
- 6 hours in total (1 hour a week for 6 weeks including program kick-off and closing event)
- Attending the Program kick-off on January 23 at 6-7:30 p.m.
- Attending the Closing event on February 29 at 6-7:30 p.m.
What do I do with the Conversation Partner who is paired with me?
You and your Conversation Partner will arrange to meet once a week by planning activities or meet-ups you both are interested in doing together. As a Student Peer, you ask to learn about your peer’s culture and languages they speak.
How do I register?
We are no longer accepting applications for the Fall 2023 term. To sign up as a Student Peer for the Winter 2024 Term, please fill out this form.
Please note: Spots are limited and applications will be assessed on a first come- first serve basis.
