English Conversation Partners

” Love foreigners as you love yourselves.” – Leviticus 19:34 NCV

Many International Students (or family members) are waiting to meet with you for conversation, an activity, and to become friends. Will you join us?

Our main way of connecting with conversation partners is through the LEAP (Learning English for Academic Purposes) Program at Wright State, whose students are specifically studying English and typically have a lower level of English-speaking ability. If you would like a more focused, one-on-one relationship with a student, you can contact ">Jeannette Horwitz about how to get involved.

If you are interested to connect with an IFI student instead, click below to contact Gloria about connecting with one.

Why should I be an English Conversation (ECP) or Friendship Partner (FP)?

  • Two of the biggest felt needs of international students, scholars, and their families are…

1. Help with English Conversation. They need a friend to practice their English with who will be a good listener and patient to answer their questions. (No special training is needed.)

2. Help with their loneliness. They need an individual or family to help them to adapt to the new surroundings and culture and who will invite them to participate in fun activities with them.

By volunteering, you can help meet students’ needs and begin to build relationships that can provide a platform for sharing the gospel. (Listen to this video below to hear one student’s story.)

What are the opportunities to help?

  • IFI provides volunteers like you the opportunity to help in 2 ways…

1. English Conversation Partners:  Meet individually with an international (of the same gender) for conversational English over a drink, meal, or doing an activity together. They meet weekly or bi-weekly for a minimum of 6 weeks.

2. Friendship Partners: Invite a student to join them or their family to join them for a meal or other activity. Students may not need help with English but need a seek a friend to help them adjust to their new environment. They meet at least one time a month for at least 6 mos. (Listen to video above).

How can I get more info?

How do I get started with being an ECP or FP?

>> Want to be an ECP? English Conversational Partner Brochure