What is the Conversant Program?

The Conversant Program pairs ELI students with conversation partners from the university or local community. Conversing pairs meet one-on-one for at least one hour per week.

This is an excellent opportunity, not only to practice spoken English, but also to learn about the university, the community, and American culture. A conversant can help an ELI student take advantage of the learning outside of class which is one of the main advantages of studying English at the ELI.


Who are the conversants?
ELI students can meet a variety of people through the Conversant Program. The conversants are usually volunteers who are interested in welcoming international visitors and learning about their home countries. Many of them have travelled and lived overseas and appreciate the situation of the ELI students. About half the conversants are faculty, staff or students at OSU, the others are local residents. Many are undergraduate and graduate students; some have jobs and families; some are retired. Many of the older conversants have more time and experience to share!


What do ELI students do with their conversants?
The conversant is a bridge to introduce the ELI student to campus life, American culture, and other people, as well as help the student with pronunciation, grammar, and conversation.

Conversing pairs meet a minimum of one hour per week throughout the term. Sometimes they sit and talk and go over the ELI student's questions about English. They might meet in a coffee shop or restaurant or sit on the grass under a tree. Other people meet to play tennis, watch a movie, go shopping, visit an American home, etc. Conversants and their families are welcome to join ELI trips and social activities.


How are ELI students matched with conversants?
When an ELI student or a conversant applies to be in the Conversant Program, they give detailed information on their personal and professional interests and the kind of person they would like to meet. The Program Coordinator individually matches people who have something in common and will enjoy talking to each other.

At the end of each term, ELI students and conversants have the choice of stopping or continuing in the program with the same person or another. Some ELI students continue working on their English with their conversant even after they are studying at OSU.

If ELI students have any questions or problems, they are encouraged to contact the Program Coordinator at any time for assistance.

Many ELI students remember the Conversant Program as one of the highlights of their study at the ELI.