English conversation: Practice and improve your conversational English with the Conversation Partners Program, Conversation Pods, and Groove and Learn

The English Conversation Partners Program

The Conversation Partners Program is an exciting opportunity for multilingual students to practice and improve their conversational English through semester-long partnerships with student volunteers.  These volunteers come from diverse backgrounds and are committed to helping you enhance your English skills.

Personalized support

Your EAL Peer Educator will provide personalized guidance and support tailored to your needs. Whether you want to work on pronunciation, expand your vocabulary, or boost your confidence in conversations, they will be there for you.

Improve your English proficiency in a friendly and inclusive environment

The program creates a friendly and inclusive environment where you can freely practice your English without fear of judgment. It's a space to make mistakes, learn, and grow. Additionally, through regular conversations with your peer educator, you will gain exposure to different perspectives, cultures, and experiences, enhancing your university journey.

Language growth and lasting connections

By participating in the Conversation Partners Program, you will improve your English proficiency while forming lasting connections and friendships with fellow students. It's an opportunity to expand your social network, explore diverse cultures, and create meaningful memories. Join the Conversation Partners Program today and embark on a rewarding journey towards fluency, confidence, and cultural exchange.

 

What students are saying about how they benefited from participating in the program

“I could improve my pronunciation and intonation a little bit because I had a chance to speak to a native English speaker.”

“I learned about the best practice for getting alone with people in Canada and at SFU.”

“I made new friends and had some social time weekly, which was really good for me during the pandemic.”

This opportunity is recognized on the Co-Curricular Record (CCR), an official university document that tracks your co-curricular involvement at SFU. Learn more about the Co-Curricular Record.


Conversation Pods: Enhance Your English in Seminar-Style Settings

Conversation Pods are designed to provide a cozy, seminar-style environment where you can practice English and engage in meaningful discussions with a small group of peers. 

Each "pod" ensures that everyone can actively participate and share their thoughts.

Pop Culture

Join our Pop Culture Conversation Pod to dive into the latest trends, media, and global happenings. 

In this small group setting, you'll have the chance to explore current cultural topics, practice English, and, most importantly, enjoy lively and fun discussions with peers!

Mondays, May 12, 2025 - July 28, 2025
5:30pm to 6:30pm
Burnaby, Bennett Library, Rm 3020, SLC (Student Learning Commons) Consultation Area
Facilitator: Cayley

English and Canada Trivia Hour

Learning about Canada and English doesn't have to mean just reading textbooks! Join us for interactive game sessions at English and Canada Trivia Hour, featuring Jeopardy, Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, Family Feud, Kahoot, and more. 

Test your knowledge, have fun, and learn something new in an engaging way!

Fridays, May 16, 2025 - August 1, 2025
1:30pm to 2:30pm
Burnaby, Bennett Library, Rm 3020, SLC (Student Learning Commons) Consultation Area
Facilitator: Martin

Fridays, June 6, 2025 – June 27, 2025 
1:30pm to 2:30pm
Burnaby, Applied Sciences Building 10703 (accessed through the FAS main office, ASB 10700)
Facilitator: Martin


Groove & Learn: Enhance Your English Through Hip Hop Dance

Groove and Learn is not offered in Spring 2025 semester. It will be offered again in Summer term 2025. 

Please check back in early May, 2025.

Designed specifically for English as an Additional Language university students, this engaging and dynamic session merges the art of dance with the essentials of English language acquisition.

In this workshop series, you will:

  • Enhance vocabulary: Learn new English words and phrases through popular Hip Hop and TikTok dance routines.
  • Improve Pronunciation: Practice and perfect your pronunciation by mimicking the lyrics and rhythms of trending songs.
  • Boost Confidence: Gain confidence in your speaking and listening skills by interacting in a lively, movement-oriented environment.
  • Explore the cultural significance of Hip Hop: Foster a deeper understanding of contemporary English-speaking cultures.
  • Have Fun: Enjoy a supportive and entertaining atmosphere where learning English is an exciting and active experience.

No prior dance experience is necessary! 

Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned dancer, this workshop series is tailored to help you improve your English skills while having a blast. Join us and transform your language learning journey into a vibrant, rhythmic adventure!

Location: Summer 2025: to be confirmed

Please bring clean runners to the workshop, no street shoes.