Hanging out in Boston for the summer? EC Boston is in need of native-english speaking volunteers to be matched up with our students as a conversation partner starting in May until August.
| What is EC Boston? EC Boston is an English language school located in the Copley Square area. We work with adult students from all over the world who come to Boston to learn English. You can find more information about our school and programs at www.ecenglish.com/boston.EC Boston’s Conversation Partners Program needs native English-speaking volunteers who are interested in international culture and are available 1 hour each week.
The Conversation Partners Program pairs each volunteer with an international adult student who is studying English here in Boston. After their initial orientation, partners choose a day and time each week when they can meet to converse and either practice just English or practice both languages! Requirements: EC Boston Conversation Partners Step 1 – Your Application After receiving your application, EC Boston staff will attempt to match you with an English language learner who has also applied to the program. You will be matched based on your availability, interests, gender, and possibly your age. If EC Boston cannot find a good match for you at this time, you will be contacted regarding future opportunities. Due to the preferences and comfort level of our students, the program matches female participants together and male participants together. You will not be matched with someone of the opposite sex. Step 2 – Meet Your Partner If EC Boston is able to find a good match for you, you will be contacted and either invited to one of EC Boston’s Conversation Mixers (held three times a year in September, January, and May) or to an initial meeting with your partner in our Copley Square office. At this time, you will meet your conversation partner and schedule the time and location of your weekly meeting. Step 3 – Converse! EC Boston’s asks you to observe the following guidelines in order to gain the most from your experience: *It is you and your partner’s responsibility to create a schedule and choose a location that is convenient to both participants. You may meet once a week for one hour or once every two weeks for two hours. *Be committed to your weekly meeting. If you will be unavailable for an extended period of time or know that you will miss more than two meetings in three months, please wait to apply until your schedule more easily accommodates the conversation partners program. *Be aware and respectful of your conversation partner’s lifestyle, culture, language, beliefs, and practices. *If you find that you do not feel comfortable interacting with your conversation partner, contact EC immediately. *If you are forced to cancel a meeting, notify your conversation partner immediately. Then make every effort to reschedule your meeting for later the same week. *Meet in a public place, such as a library or café. EC Boston does not expect or encourage you to invite your conversation partner to your home unless you feel completely comfortable and confident in doing so. Please email boston@ecenglish.com for more information as well as to obtain an application |