Conversation Hour

 Mission of the program

The Conversation Partners Program connects international students learning English at CMMS/UCF with volunteers from UCF and the wider community. The purpose of this program is to provide an authentic communication setting where both volunteers and international students can broaden their multicultural perspectives, learn about other cultures, and begin new friendships from different parts of the world.

 Who can participate? 

UCF students, staff, faculty, and volunteers from the community can participate as conversation partners. Participants should be enthusiastic individuals who are motivated to meet students from foreign countries and who commit to attend weekly meetings.

 In their words... 

How did the Conversation Hour benefit you?

 "It helped me understand cultural differences between the U.S. & other countries."

 "I felt great just helping others learn more about the American culture and the English language."

 "I made friends from other countries and learned more about myself and my culture."

 What do Conversation Partners do?

Participants meet on a weekly basis at the Intensive English Program located in Barbara Ying CMMS Center (Building 81). Meeting times are Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from usually 1pm to 2:50pm in 50 minute segments. Please e-mail Karen Tinsley-Kim at ktinsley@mail.ucf.edu to get specific updates on the weekly schedule. Volunteers are encouraged to participate once or more a week. Participants meet with international students and discuss specific topics that are educationally and culturally beneficial to students. Please refer to the list of suggested topics below. 

 Benefits for Conversation Partners

The Conversation Partners Program provides an excellent environment of mutual sharing and cross-cultural communication. Volunteers gain valuable information about other cultures and people, build new friendships, and acquire a sense of achievement. Volunteers will also receive a Certificate of Appreciation from the Center for Multilingual Multicultural Studies if they participate for a minimum total of 15 hours during the semester. This cross-cultural experience can be noted on your resume, and a letter of reference can also be issued upon request.

 LIST OF SUGGESTED TOPICS

1 Cultural traditions & customs
2 Special holidays & celebrations
3 Traditional food
4 Educational systems
5 Political structures
6 Favorite pastimes…movies, outings, other social functions
7 Art and/or artists
8 Culture shock
9 Current events
10 Places to visit
11 Family
12 Communicative styles
13 Social relations
14 Values & assumptions

For more information, please contact the Conversation Hour Coordinator, Karen Tinsley-Kim at (407) 823-0887 or ktinsley@mail.ucf.edu

CMMS cmms@mail.ucf.edu
TEL: (407) 823 5515

If you are interested in participating as a volunteer please email us or give us a call. We look forward to seeing you!