As we head into the new semester, the English Language Institute (ELI) at UMBC is looking for volunteers for its Conversation Partners Program! The Conversation Partner Program pairs an international student at the ELI with an English-speaking partner from UMBC for weekly casual conversation and cultural exchange. Volunteer conversation partners meet with an ELI student for one hour each week throughout the semester and they are also invited to join their partner for ELI events and field trips.

Becoming a volunteer conversation partner has many benefits, such as:

• Gaining intercultural experience

• Helping an English Learner with their speaking and listening skills

• Learning about other cultures, languages, and backgrounds

• Sharing your own culture, language, and background

• Gaining volunteer experience that is flexible to your schedule

• Getting involved in the international campus community

• And, of course, making new friends!

There is an orientation for UMBC students who are interested in becoming volunteer conversation partners on Wednesday, September 19th from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. in room 201B of the University Center. Anyone who is interested in being a partner but who is unable to attend the orientation should contact Jenn Bohlman at conv@umbc.edu or (410) 455-2831. Interested volunteers should also fill out the application form at umbc.edu/conv.