Student Learning Commons: Conversation Partners Program registration

 

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Conversation Partners Program

Are you a multilingual student who would like to improve your English conversation skills in a one-to-one setting with a student volunteer?

The Conversation Partners Program is for English as an Additional Language (EAL) undergraduate and graduate Simon Fraser University students who wish to be paired with a student volunteer to practice and improve their conversational English in a friendly, supportive environment.

The Conversation Partners Program is accepting registrations for the Summer 2022 semester. Please register today to reserve your spot. You will have a choice to meet your partner virtually on Zoom or in-person on campus.

Eligibility

Current undergraduate and graduate Simon Fraser University students, who speak English as second or an additional or language are eligible.

How to register

Interested students must register each semester using the form below.

A limited number of spaces are available and will be filled on a first-come-first-served basis. If all available spaces become full, you will be invited to join a waitlist for the following semester. If the program is full, other options for you to practice your English conversation include Let's Talk English conversation group and Plurlingual Café.

Once the schedule is finalized at the beginning of each new semester, a Student Commons staff member will contact you by e-mail with instructions on how to book your partner.

Meetings

Conversation Partners will meet for one hour every week from May 16 to August 5, 2022. 

Registration form

Are you a current SFU student?
This service is only available to registered SFU students. Non-SFU students, including visiting scholars, post doctorate students and FIC students are not eligible.
Undergraduate or Graduate
Meeting preference
If all Conversation Partners are booked, would you like to be put on the waitlist?

By submitting this form you acknowledge that you have read and understood, and agree to abide by the Terms and Conditions for Conversation Partners.

Purpose:

The Conversation Partners program is for English as an Additional Language (EAL) undergraduate and graduate Simon Fraser University students who wish to be paired with a student volunteer to practice and improve their conversational English.

Meeting times are one hour per week. These meetings are informal and will provide an opportunity for you to practice your spoken English, as well as for both participants to share social and cultural perspectives.

Your commitment:

By signing up, you are making a commitment to meet your Conversation Partner every week (excluding statutory holidays) for one hour for the duration of the semester and to be on time for your meetings.

Please notify and arrange with your Partner regarding any changes to location or time. If you miss any meetings without notifying your partner or if you cancel a meeting with your partner within less than 5 hours prior to the start time more than 3 times during the same term, you may forfeit your opportunity to continue in the program.

Please note:

  • Each student must currently be registered at Simon Fraser University.
  • The Conversation Partners program begins each semester. Priority will be given to new students.
  • Writing or additional academic assistance is not part of this program, and it is not permitted under the terms of this agreement.
  • Please direct any suggestions or concerns to Dr. Timothy Mossman, EAL Services Coordinator, Student Learning Commons at tmossman@sfu.ca.

1The Conversation Partner program has been adapted from the University of Guelph’s Conversation Partners program and McMaster University‘s Speakeasy Program.

The information on this form is collected under the authority of the University Act (R.S.B.C. 1996, c.468). It is related directly to and needed by the University for services provided by the SFU Library. The information will be used to administer the Conversation Partners program. If you have any questions about the collection, use and disclosure of this information please contact Gwen Bird, University Librarian and Dean of Libraries, at 778-782-3265 or gbird@sfu.ca.