We are currently looking for students to participate in the Language Conversation Scheme. This is your opportunity to practice your conversation skills in a foreign language or to volunteer your time to support fellow students.
This scheme was piloted in 2020/21 in four languages and were able to offer 353 hours’ conversation practice. The response from those who participated was fabulous. Not only was this scheme critical in providing our language learners with an opportunity to practice their language skills, but it also gave volunteers the opportunity to develop some great transferable skills.
What is the Scheme?
The Language Conversation Scheme consists of two pathways: Student Volunteers and Student Learners
- Student Volunteers: we are seeking applications from current students who are native or fluent in another language (i.e. not the English language) who are willing to provide a minimum of 1 hour of virtual conversation practice per week, on a voluntary basis. Your role is absolutely critical for this scheme to be successful – without volunteers, the scheme cannot run.
- Student Learners: we encourage students who are studying a language (either on an UG course or Polylang module) and are keen to enhance their oral language skills to apply to be matched with a Student Volunteer. If successful, you will receive a maximum of 30 minutes of virtual conversation practice per week, with the dates and times of the meetings negotiated between the Student Learner and Student Volunteer.
Languages on offer: Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Russian and Spanish
When is it?
The third tranche of the scheme will start in Semester 2, Learning Week 1 (23 January), finishing on 14 April 2023.
Why participate?
Student Volunteers:
- Offer someone the opportunity to learn a language on a 1-1 basis
- Give someone an insight into your culture and language
- Connect with our multilingual student community
- Enhance your CV
- Gain points for the Westminster Employability Award
- Develop transferrable communication skills - encouraging others to contribute to a conversation and providing accurate, supportive feedback.
Student Learners:
- Practice the language you are learning with a native/fluent speaker at no cost
- Experience the opportunity to learn on a 1-1 basis
- Become more fluent and confident
- Improve your pronunciation
- Learn more about another culture
- Join our multilingual student community
Where is it taking place?
Conversation practice will normally take place virtually, with Microsoft Teams being the recommended platform. Applicants will need access to an electronic device (e.g. smartphone, laptop or tablet), as well as a microphone and camera.
How to apply?
The Languages Conversation Scheme is open to all students at the University of Westminster - both Undergraduates and Postgraduates.
Complete the relevant application form (see below). Deadline for applications: 12 January 2023.
Complete the form to become a student volunteer.
Complete the form to become a student learner.
If you have any questions, please email: [email protected].
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