The Language Conversation Scheme is back

We are currently looking for students and colleagues to participate in the Language Conversation Scheme.

The scheme gives students the opportunity to practise their skills in a foreign language with either fellow students or colleagues who are fluent in the language that they are learning.

The response from those who have participated in the past has been fabulous. Not only is this scheme critical in providing our language learners with an opportunity to practise their language skills, but it also gives volunteers the opportunity to develop some great transferable skills.

How can you get involved? 

The Language Conversation Scheme consists of two pathways: Student and Colleague Volunteers and Student Learners 

Volunteers - Students and Colleagues

We are seeking applications from current students and colleagues who are native or fluent in another language (i.e. not the English language) who are willing to provide a minimum of one hour of virtual conversation practice per week, on a voluntary basis. Your role is critical for this scheme to be successful – without volunteers, the scheme cannot run. 

Learners – Undergraduate or Polylang students

The learners in the scheme will be students who are studying a language (either on an UG course or Polylang module or independently) and are keen to enhance their oral language skills. They will need to apply to be matched with a volunteer. If successful, students will receive a maximum of 30 minutes of virtual conversation practice per week, with the dates and times of the meetings negotiated between the volunteer and student learner. 

Languages on offer: Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Russian and Spanish 

When will the scheme take place?  

The fourth tranche of the scheme will start in Semester 1, Learning Week 9 (the week beginning 20 November 2023), finishing on 12 April 2024. 

Why participate? 

Student and Colleague 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 
Develop transferrable communication skills - encouraging others to contribute to a conversation and providing accurate, supportive feedback. 
Students can gain points for the Westminster Employability Award!

 Student Learners: 

Practise 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 will Volunteers and Learners meet? 

Conversation practice will normally take place virtually, with Microsoft Teams being the recommended platform. Applicants will need access to either a smartphone, laptop or tablet, as well as a microphone and camera. You can also choose to meet onsite.

Who can get involved?

The Languages Conversation Scheme is open to all students at Westminster - both Undergraduates and Postgraduates. Colleagues can also get involved, but only in a volunteering capacity.