English Conversation Partners Program

About the Program

Looking to practice your English conversation skills in a fun, relaxed setting? Or are you a fluent English speaker who wants to meet new people, learn about different cultures, and earn volunteer hours? The English Conversation Partners (ECP) Program offers you the perfect opportunity!

Through this immersive program, a Conversation Partner, fluent in English, will be paired with a Student Peer who is looking to build confidence in their English language skills. They will meet once a week during the 7-week program.

There are two ways to participate in the ECP program:

Conversation Partner

A Conversation Partner is fluent in English and a confident conversationalist. Conversation Partners will be paired with Student Peers to help facilitate opportunities for organic discussions that help Student Peers practice their spoken English.

Student Peer

A Student Peer is an International Student who is looking to improve their spoken English. Once paired with a Conversation Partner, student peers will help to plan weekly meet-ups where they will talk one-on-one with their Conversation Partner.

Steps to Participating in ECP

Step 1

Apply as either a Conversation Partner or a Student Peer

Step 2

Attend a mandatory virtual training or orientation session

Step 3

Get matched with your partner or peer and start your journey

Step 4

Attend the kick-off event!

Step 5

Meet for one hour weekly at a cafe, restaurant, library or wherever you like to chat (virtually or in-person)

Step 6

Attend the Mid-Point Event

Step 7

Attend the closing celebration event!

 
 
Applications for Winter 2025 are now open! Apply by January 24th, 2025.
Apply by January 24th to be a Student Peer | Apply by January 24th to be a Conversation Partner
 
  

Why Join ECP?

  • Make new friends and expand your social circle.
  • Gain intercultural insights and broaden your global perspective.
  • Improve your communication skills through active listening and engaging conversations.
  • Explore the campus and beyond with a new friend! 

Conversation Partner Overview

To apply as a Conversation Partner, you should meet the following criteria:

  • Upper year undergraduate or graduate student
  • Fluent in English and a confident conversationalist.

As a Conversation Partner your task is to facilitate the opportunity and environment for English language learners to practice their conversation skills. To achieve this, you will:

  • Attend virtual mandatory training  
  • Review the weekly activity guide and arrange weekly rendezvous with your student peer either virtually or in-person 
  • Attend the ECP kick-off, mid-point and closing event with the entire cohort of participants
  • Complete the program feedback survey at the end of the program

In total, your weekly meetings, training and event attendance will add up to 11.5 volunteer hours earned!  

Apply now to become a Conversation Partner!

Student Peer Overview:

To apply as a Student Peer, you should meet the following criteria:

  • International Student
  • Looking to build your confidence in your English conversational skills
  • Speak English as a Second language/Additional language or is an English Language Learner (ELL)

Please note that first-year undergraduate applicants will be given priority.

As a Student Peer, you will be expected to:

  • Attend a mandatory virtual 60-minute orientation session  
  • Help your conversation partner to arrange your 1-hour weekly meetings over 5 weeks.
  • Attend the ECP kick-off, mid-point and closing event with the entire cohort of participants
  • Complete the program feedback survey at the end of the program

In total, your weekly meetings, training and event attendance will add up to 11 volunteer hours earned!  

Apply now to become a Student Peer!

Contact Us

International Student and Scholar Services

When emailing us, please include in your email:

  • Your student number in the subject line
  • Your full name
  • Your citizenship(s)
  • If you are in or outside Canada
  • All permit and visa expiration dates (if applicable)
  • Any relevant documents