On behalf of International Ministries, we want to thank you for volunteering to be an English Conversation Partner. We are excited that you have chosen to share your time and extend Christian hospitality to international students and scholars.  The following is a guide and info/commitment form to help you prepare:

BEING AN ENGLISH CONVERSATION PARTNER (ECP)

Meet with an International student/scholar once per week to have a conversation in English for a commitment of eight weeks. After your initial introductory email, you and the international student can decide when and where you will meet regularly. It is important that you put forth effort to initiate, but remember cultures are different and it is important to be sensitive to the interests and needs of the student.

Being an ECP will give you the opportunity to live out the Christian life by serving, loving and listening to these internationals.  Focus on building friendships with them. Please realize that this is not a time to try to force your opinions or beliefs on these students.

REQUIREMENTS

It is essential that you can say with confidence that you are committed to pursuing a growing relationship with Jesus Christ. You must also be devoted to gathering with other Christians for the encouragement of your and your fellow Christian’s faith. The decision to become an ECP is a commitment of your heart and time.

PREPARATION FOR HAVING STUDENTS OVER

Each semester, International Ministries will manage a sign up for internationals who would like to meet with someone as conversation partners. (In the past, many connections have been made, however, some who signed up did not respond to the initial email. We will do our best to ensure the student is committed before pairing you, but please know that it is possible this may happen with you.) After your application is approved, you will be provided with the student’s/scholar’s contact information; we will also send an email introducing you and your conversation partner.

UNDERSTANDING DIFFERENT CULTURES

Let your concern be with making your ECP feel welcome and giving them a chance to practice their language skills.  Be aware that time is not as important in some cultures as in ours, so don't fret if your conversation partner is late.  In some cultures, guests always present a host with a gift; if this occurs, accept it gracefully. Be respectful of other cultures, religions, types of government, music, art, etiquette, etc. Be careful not to take the attitude that the US way is the best way or the only way. Do your best to learn about them and their culture.

DURING YOUR WEEKLY CONVERSATION TIME

Please dress modestly.  Try not to be distracted by your phone or other electronics. Ask your conversation partner questions about life in their country. Be a good listener, and be careful not to express criticism or disapproval of their culture. Be humble and interested. Avoid political discussions, if possible; respond tactfully if questioned.

ENCOURAGING WORDS TO GUIDE YOU AS YOU TAKE ON THE CHALLENGE

Pray for your conversation partner daily, asking God to help you be a good representative of the love of Jesus Christ.  Also ask God to guard your mouth so that only words that are pleasing and edifying come out. Let the peace of God rule in your heart, and let the Holy Spirit make your guest sense this peace. Be looking for opportunities to share your faith, and feel free to discuss your faith openly as opportunities arise. But please remember, the program is not advertised as a spiritual program, so if your conversation partner isn't interested in discussing faith please don't force spiritual conversations. If that happens, don't worry. Do continue to pray for your conversation partner — God may change their heart!

STAYING INVOLVED IN THE LIVES OF YOUR ECP

Here are a few suggestions to get you started:

• Invite your student to your home for a meal

• Include your student in family activities such as game night, shopping, watching movies, going to the park, etc.

• Invite your student to spend breaks and/or holidays with your family. This is a great time to teach them about American traditions and the meanings of our holidays.

• Ask your student what holidays they celebrate with their family and do something special on those days. This is a great opportunity to understand your student better and to learn about other cultures. 

• Offer to provide transportation for your student when needed (many students need to get groceries and other necessities on a weekly basis)

• Invite them to come to church with you and have lunch afterwards

• Send your student some special goodies around exam time

• E-mail or call your student regularly to keep in touch with them, but realize they are busy students and may be slow to respond

• Invite them to come over when you have your children or grandchildren over to make them feel like part of the family

• Find out when their birthday is and make a point to celebrate it since they are away from their family

• If your student is an athlete, go to games and cheer for them