Are you interested in volunteering as a conversation partner
If so, please read below!
Information about Conversation Partners and/or the Conversation Cafe
Conversation Partner Program volunteers are required to commit to a minimum of seven (7) meetings with their partner(s) throughout the entire semester. Usually, conversation partners meet once a week for one hour.
More information about the Conversation Partner Program will be provided during the Volunteer’s Conversation Partner Orientation which all UMBC students that are new to the program are required to attend before being matched with a partner. Orientation information is listed below in Step 3 below.
Additionally, volunteering as a conversation partner can fulfill the requirements of a variety of program projects such as the M.A. TESOL “Informant Projects” or volunteer work for the Shriver Center. At the end of the semester, certificates of completion are available upon request.
If you are unsure about whether or not you will be able to commit to being a conversation partner, you could volunteer at the Conversation Cafe instead! The Conversation Cafe, held Thursdays in UC 201B from 3:45 pm to 5:00 pm
, is an open meeting where volunteers and English Language Institute students can come for casual conversation and fun group activities. Both volunteers and ELI students will be required to sign in upon arrival and then are dispersed into groups. Snacks, games, and ice-breaker activities are provided and then the groups are left to freely converse in an informal atmosphere. There is no application process to join the Conversation Cafe since volunteers and students are welcome to attend on an irregular basis. This semester’s first Conversation Cafe will be held on Thursday, September 5th from 3:45 pm to 5:00 pm in UC 201B.How to Volunteer with the Conversation Partner Program
Step 1: APPLY ONLINE
Complete the online application by clicking on the following link: Conversation Partner Application
Step 2: COMPLETE ONLINE SEXUAL HARRASSMENT TRAINING
Complete the online sexual harassment training by clicking on the following link: http://training.newmedialearning.com/psh/umbc/student/msgonce.shtml Upon completing this training, please print out your certificate of completion and drop it off at the ELI Office Front Desk (2nd floor of UC) or scan and email a copy of the certificate of completion to conv@umbc.edu.
Step 3: ATTEND ORIENTATION
All new volunteers are required to attend the Volunteer’s Conversation Partner Orientation. This will be held on Wednesday, September 18th from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm in UC 201B. Please note that the matching process may take up to two weeks.
Step 4: CONTACT YOUR PARTNER TO BEGIN MEETING
Your partner will be assigned based on your availability and mutual interests. You will receive an email within two weeks of orientation that provides your partner’s contact information. You will then contact your partner and schedule your first meeting!
STEP 5: ATTEND THE CONVERSATION PARTNER PROGRAM MEET AND GREET
This Meet and Greet is an opportunity for you and your partner to get to know other volunteers and ELI students participated in the Conversation Partner Program. It will be held on Friday, September 27th from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm in UC 201B.
STEP 6: STAY IN THE LOOP
“Like” the UMBC ELI Facebook page and follow the ELI @UMBCELI on Twitter to stay up-to-date on information about ELI events, trips, and meetings!
