English At Large Conversation Groups

Program Overview

EAL offers conversation groups serving intermediate to advanced English language learners. Because many participants interact with few native English speakers, this program provides a critical opportunity to practice spontaneous, spoken English in a supportive group setting. Conversation groups also give participants a chance to make valuable connections with other English language learners in their community.

Note: During COVID-19 all groups will be held online.

Groups are led by volunteer teams, who serve in a facilitator role. A topic of common interest is presented, which allows opportunities for group members to share cultural and personal information; shared experiences spark connections in the group, and build confidence over time.

EAL runs Conversation Groups on a trimester schedule; new groups begin in February, May, and September of each year. Up to 26 different groups in 16 communities are run concurrently, varied in time of day and location, to make learning accessible and convenient. The groups engage up to 300 learners each semester; many are graduates of the tutoring program and enroll in groups for several consecutive semesters.