The ALI Conversation Partners Program pairs ESOL students with UMKC academic students and community members in order to promote cultural exchange between ESOL students and other members of the community, while helping to improve students' English proficiency. This program is a great opportunity for both ESOL students and Kansas City natives to explore the city and learn about different cultures!
The partners meet at least once every two weeks for one hour to practice conversation and learn from one another. Partners can meet in-person or online using Zoom, Skype, Face-Time, or another video chat program.
Email ali@umkc.edu
We try to match partners with similar interests or backgrounds. For example, if one partner is interested in agriculture, and another grew up in a rural farm community, they could be paired together.
We consider partners’ travel experiences, second language experiences, and other details. The more information you give about yourself on the application, the more accurately we can pair you with a partner.
On the application, you will have the opportunity to indicate preferences about your partner. While we cannot guarantee that we can meet all of your preferences, we will try our best to consider them.
The KC Public Library Online English in Action program is an opportunity to practice your conversational English online for 1-2 hours a week. The program pairs intermediate to advanced English language learners with native English speakers so they can practice and improve their conversational fluency.
Contact the library about this program at (816) 701-3766.
