This program is designed to be an opportunity for international students and scholars (and their spouses) to meet local UCM community members, get together with a partner once a week during the semester for English conversation in person or virtually, and experience a bit of American culture! It is not tutoring. Remember, this is a weekly one-hour commitment. After you are matched, you will receive the program guidelines and your partner’s contact information. You and your partner then choose a convenient weekly time and physical or virtual place to meet. If you have any questions e-mail Belinda Braunstein at bbraunstein@ucmerced.edu.
APPLICATION PREFERRED DEADLINE: Applications are accepted all year long, but preference is given to those submitted by September 4, 2026. No matter where you are from, you can go ahead and fill out an application now. :-)
Your personal information is not shared with anyone but your Conversation Partner. All Conversation Partner participants might see your email address when program-related messages are sent to the group; thus, we recommend using your UCM email instead of your personal email address.
