What is the Conversant Program?

The Conversant Program pairs INTO-OSU 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 INTO-OSU student take advantage of the learning outside of class which is one of the main advantages of studying English at INTO-OSU.


Who are the conversants?
INTO-OSU 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 INTO-OSU students. Most conversants are OSU students.


What do INTO-OSU students do with their conversants?
The conversant is a bridge to introduce the INTO-OSU 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 INTO-OSU 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 INTO-OSU trips and social activities.


How are INTO-OSU students matched with conversants?
When an INTO-OSU 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, INTO-OSU students and conversants have the choice of stopping or continuing in the program with the same person or another. Some INTO-OSU students continue working on their English with their conversant even after they are studying at OSU.

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

Many INTO-OSU students remember the Conversant Program as one of the highlights of their study at the INTO-OSU.

If you'd like to be considered as a volunteer for the conversant program, please download the application form (Microsoft Word format), fill it out, and call our office (737-6988) or email Julianna Betjemann, Student Services Advisor, to schedule an interview. Please bring the completed form with you to the interview.