51ĀŅĀ×

[Adapted from The University of Iowa's Campus Conversation Partners Program presentation]

Having a Conversation Partner fulfills Requirement #1 of the ICUC.  See for more information.

Basic Guidelines to Get Started

• We ask you to agree to meet for one hour each week for conversation.
• We ask you to be fair when choosing a time and place to meet; no one should feel uncomfortable.
• We ask you to be respectful; if you cannot attend a pre-arranged meeting, please contact your partner as soon as possible.
• We ask you to use this as a culture-sharing experience rather than a homework-helping experience.
• Relax, learn, and enjoy!

Being Culturally Sensitive

• Donā€™t be afraid to ask questions about each otherā€™s cultures.
• If you are not sure if a question is culturally appropriate, begin by saying, ā€œI hope it is ok if I ask youā€¦ā€  A sincere desire to know is usually appreciated, regardless of the topic.
• Also, if your partner has a preconception about your culture that you think is incorrect, talk to your partner about it.  Use yourself and your experiences as examples.

Tips for Speaking

• Ā—Speak at a moderate pace and speak clearly
  • Ask your partner if you are speaking too fast.  If your partnerā€™s (polite) answer is, ā€œa littleā€, it means you should probably slow down a lot.
  • If you mumble (speak unclearly), make an effort to enunciate slowly and clearly.
• Ā—Participate equally and share the time.
  • Some people are more talkative than others.
  • If you like to talk, make sure you invite your partner to give their own ideas too.  Use questions like, ā€œWhat do you think?ā€ ā€œHow about you?ā€  ā€œWhat about in your country?ā€
  • Others are more shy and quiet.  If that is you, push yourself to speak.
  • For ESL students, donā€™t worry about making mistakes; just try!  Your partner wants to learn more about you and your country!
• Ā—Make sure that the knowledge of the topics is shared.
  • Some topics require cultural background that your partner may not have: sports, TV shows, relationships between family and friends, religious practices, holidays, etc.
  • Ask your partner, ā€œHave you heard about this?ā€ ā€œDo you know about this?ā€
  • If you donā€™t know about something your partner is talking about, ask them to explain in more detail (or with pictures).
• Be patient and persistent to figure out what your partner wants to say. 
• Use clarification strategies to help figure it out:
  • Say in a different way
  • Give an example
  • Draw a picture
  • Write it down

Make it Easier For Your Partner to Understand

American

• Be aware of the expressions you use:
  • Slang, phrasal verbs (like ā€œcount onā€ and ā€œget around to itā€) are often difficult.  Your partner may have learned ā€œtolerateā€ but not ā€œput up with.ā€
  • Ask your partner if they know the expressions you are using and write them down if needed.

International Students

• Pay attention to your pronunciation and grammar.
  • If your partner seems confused, ask them which word or phrase is confusing them.
  • Donā€™t be afraid to ask your partner for help pronouncing a word or using a more natural expression in English.

Activity Ideas

• Ā—Any OPIE event
• Ā—ISU or ACE activities
• Ā—Farmerā€™s Market
• Ā—Final Fridays in Nelsonville
• Ā—Visit Athens public library
• Ā—Explore the downtown of Athens
• Ā—Go for a walk, run, or bike ride on the bike trail
• Ā—Go hiking, kayaking, or canoeing at Strouds Run