Students who have just returned from abroad have the wonderful opportunity
of mentoring an incoming international student. This is an excellent
way to stay connected to the international world and to reach out to a new
student who is trying to adjust not only to a new campus but to a new
culture...not unlike yourself when you first arrived overseas.
If you had a "buddy" show you around when you arrived at your host
institution you know how helpful it can be, or if you didn't then you might
understand what it was like to wish you did have someone to connect with.
This can also be an excellent way to keep up on your language skills, if you
studied abroad in a foreign language environment. For example, if you
studied in China you might be interested in a Chinese conversation partner.
You and your new conversation partner might spend part of the time speaking
in English and part of the time speaking in Chinese, so that you both have
the opportunity to practice your language skills.
The American Language and Culture Program (ALCP) at the University of
Idaho is a program designed to teach new international students the English
language and the American culture. They offer volunteer conversation
partner opportunities through the UI's Civic Education Project,
through which students can record their volunteer hours on a "volunteer
transcript." This transcript can be printed off for scholarship
applications, graduate school applications, etc. The Conversation
Program brings people together from around the world.
Who: You, the volunteer, and one
international student.
What: Your conversation partner
will be studying English all morning. When you meet you will primarily
give them the opportunity to practice their English, but there may be some
trade-off allowing you to practice their native language for your benefit as
well. (Note: The ALCP program is
primarily comprised of students from Asian cultures, and there are limited
Spanish, French, and German speakers--if you are interested in students from
a particular country you may request this on the registration form).
When: Two times per week for a
total of one hour per meeting is recommended. You and your
conversation partner will decide when you will meet.
Where: You and your conversation
partner can choose where you wish to meet, but we ask that it be a public
place such as the library lounge, a coffee shop, etc.
How: Sign up at the Civic
Education Project Office, located in the ASUI Offices on the third floor of
the UI Commons Building.
Any Questions? Ask the ALCP staff
at alcp@uidaho.edu
or the Study Abroad staff at
abroad@uidaho.edu.
Non-UI Students: Non-UI
students are encouraged to look into similar opportunities on their home
campus.
[Back to Top] |
