The Conversational English Program is designed to assist international students and their spouses with spoken English skills. While foreign students understand English fairly well, they are often a little shy when practicing it in everyday conversation. This program offers an informal and comfortable setting in which an international student can build English vocabulary and gain an understanding of American culture, as well as develop confidence in their speaking ability. At the same time, American volunteers have an opportunity for a unique cultural exchange.
Anyone interested in international students at K-State is encouraged to volunteer, including students, staff and community members. No experience in learning or teaching a foreign language is required, only a genuine interest in getting to know the international student population on campus.
Participants in the program are asked to set aside at least 1 hour per week to spend with their conversation partner. However, this is a minimum requirement. The staff in the Foreign Student Office understands that many people involved in the program are students and that the stresses and strains of school will make some weeks better than others for meeting your conversational partner. Actual meeting times are flexible because you and your partner schedule with each other. However, only sign up for the program if you are willing to set aside at least 1 hour per week.
You and the international student that you are paired with get to decide what types of things you would like to do when you meet, as long as it requires a lot of conversation. Some suggestions include: shopping at the mall, seeing and discussing a movie, having lunch at the Union, drinking coffee in Aggieville, walking around the city park or lounging around the International Student Center. This program is intended to be fun, so anything that is fun and stimulates conversation is fair game. If you do encounter problems finding conversation starters, the Foreign Student Office can help with some suggestions.
If you would like to participate in this program, click here if you are an international student or spouse . If you would like to be a volunteer , fill out an application. All forms must be submitted to the International Student Center. The Program Coordinator will process the forms and contact you by mail with your partner's information.
For further information, contact Lenka Hadamova at 532-5332 or email hadamova@ksu.edu.