Are you an excellent conversationalist and listener?
Consider volunteering with the English Language Institute (ELI) to help international students practice their English conversation skills.
In the English Language Institute (ELI), international students take noncredit-bearing classes to improve their language proficiency in the Intensive English Program (IEP), often toward later enrolling in degree programs or pursuing professional goals. The ELI offers Pitt students with a high proficiency in English opportunities to work with IEP students, allowing all participants to engage with diverse perspectives from other cultures and enrich the university experience. As a volunteer, you meet people from different countries, learn about their cultures and languages, and get cross-cultural experience that complements your academic studies.
Volunteers must:
- be a current student, staff, or faculty member of the University of Pittsburgh
- be a highly proficient speaker of English
- have a desire to help international students in the ELI to improve their conversational English skills
- have strong interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to start a conversation, keep a conversation going, and engage and actively involve the ELI student in the conversation
- have the ability to be patient with the linguistic differences of English language learners
- be reliable, responsible, and committed to meeting for one hour per week
- follow all University of Pittsburgh policies, including the Student Code of Conduct, and encourage their partner to do the same
Be a Conversation Partner.
In the Conversation Partner culture and language exchange program, the ELI pairs a high-proficiency English speaker with an international student in the Intensive English Program for language practice. Partners agree to:
- meet weekly for one hour at a day/time that is convenient for both.
- meet on campus or in some other public location where both individuals are comfortable.
Be a Talk Time Leader.
In the Talk Time Conversation Group program, a high-proficiency English speaker meets with a small group of ELI students for fun and informal group discussions.
NOTE: Talk Time groups are not classes and do not involve any teaching. Talk Time groups typically meet during lunch time or late afternoon on Mondays, Tuesdays, or Thursdays, depending on the ELI schedule and student interest. Leaders commit to:
- meet weekly for one hour at a scheduled time and place.
- review the Talk Time Leader Handbook for guidelines and discussion suggestions.
- facilitate and participate in group discussions (i.e., provide discussion topics and ensure that all members participate).
Interested?
VOLUNTEER REGISTRATION FOR SPRING 2024 IS NOW CLOSED.
- Conversation Partner matches and Talk Time groups are set up around the thrid week of each term in January, May, and September. If you are interested in volunteer opportunities, please complete the ELI volunteer participation survey.
- Completing the survey does not indicate commitment to volunteer or that you will be assigned a converstaion partner or Talk Time group, but it does ensure that you will receive more information about volunteering at a later time.
- Contact elicomm@pitt.edu with any questions about volunteering with students in the ELI's Intensive English Program.