ConvoPartners is a program where members from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the Champaign-Urbana community volunteer to help IEI students improve their English language skills. ConvoPartner volunteers meet with IEI students for at least one (1) full hour each week for casual conversation and mutual cultural exchange. It’s a great way to make new friends and experience the world from another viewpoint. It is also a great experience to add to your resume.
Please note: This program is only available for IEI students. It is not available for other international students.
Who can apply to be a ConvoPartner?
Those 18 years of age or older who are:
- Current Illinois students, faculty or staff
- Urbana-Champaign community members
Do volunteers need to be Americans?
Not necessarily, but volunteers MUST:
- Be a native English speaker
- Have a solid understanding of American customs and culture
What are the expectations?
- Attend the ConvoPartner meet and greet at the beginning of the semester.
- Meet with your ConvoPartner (1 or 2 IEI students) for at least one hour each week. You and your partner can pick the time and place that is convenient for both of you.
- Complete a form online that will be emailed to you weekly for tracking of volunteer hours.
- Attend some of the IEI social activities. These events are optional, but the students love it when their ConvoPartners can join them!
Apply
You can volunteer for the ConvoPartners program by completing the ConvoPartner Volunteer Application. If we are able to match you with a student, we will email you (usually during the first week of the semester) to let you know you have been matched and give details for the meet and greet to meet your ConvoPartner(s)!
For more information, please contact us at convopartners@illinois.edu.
An Excellent Place to Learn English
The IEI encourages the community to join us in fostering a welcoming and inclusive educational experience, inside and outside the classroom.