The Conversation Partner Program is a free, volunteer program in which international students and scholars at UC Merced are matched with local members of the UC Merced community for conversation and to perhaps learn a bit about American culture. Each set of partners decides on a regular time and day to meet in person or online for an hour or more each week of conversation in English.This program is open to the UC Merced community, including graduate students, scholars, staff, faculty, and undergraduates from the US and abroad. International spouses may also participate! Most partnerships are begun in the fall and continue through the spring, but people can join any time of year.
APPLICATION PREFERRED DEADLINE: The preferred dealine for the spring 2025 semester is Thursday, January 30, 2025. Late applications are accepted. It's easy to apply! Just click the application link below.
>>>> Click here to complete the ONLINE APPLICATION . <<<<
Conversation Hour: This is an optional, monthly, no-host activity is open to anyone in the fall and spring. Conversation Hour in the spring fall is the 4th Friday of each month, beginning January 24. Non-partners who are interested may join in!
Below are a few photos from past Conversation Partner Program events:
Send email to ELI@ucmerced.edu if you have any questions about this free program for the UC Merced community and international family members.