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News & Events:
Intercultural Conversation Program
What is it all about?
The Intercultural Conversation Program is a volunteer program that
matches up Tufts University (Medford Campus) faculty, staff, and
students with international graduate students who want to practice their
conversational English skills, learn more about U.S. life and culture,
and/or simply seek friendship and support from a local host.
What is expected of me?
The Intercultural Conversation Program is an informal partnership with
some scheduled activities such as apple picking,
pumpkin carving,
Thanksgiving potluck dinner,
winter games night, and end-of-the-season appreciation lunch.
Participation in the program is September-May (academic year), and may
be renewed upon mutual agreement by both partners.
Partners are expected to contact each other to set up a regular meeting
time (usually one hour per week during the academic year).
The place(s) you meet are up to the two of you. You may find a good
place on campus to talk over lunch, coffee etc. and after a while, you
may want to attend an activity together, on or off-campus.
Should you and/or your partner decide after a few meetings, that you no
longer can meet (e.g., due to scheduling difficulties) or feel that you
are not compatible as conversation partners, please contact the program
coordinator at the International Center to arrange for a new match.
What do we talk about?
If it is the international partner's first extended stay in the U.S.,
s/he will probably need assistance from his/her U.S. partner in
answering questions about how to get around Tufts and Boston; where to
buy clothes and food, etc.
 If
the international partner has lived in the U.S. longer, both partners
may want to talk about topics related to each other's cultures, for
instance.
Once you are matched, the International Center will provide you with
written materials that you may find helpful in giving you and your
partner ideas and direction for your times together.
Why should I become involved?
Some comments made by past participants may provide the best answers:
At first, I expected a conversation partner as a[n] English teacher. Yet
I realized it is more interesting for me to share my culture with someone who
is interested in it. Since we are friends now, we'll keep in touch...Thank you...It was fun!
- Student from Japan
Excellent match! We have become close friends.
- American partner
…knowing a nice friend, understanding another culture, and being close
to the way people think here in America, were crucial experiences.
- Student from Ecuador
It has been wonderful to meet someone of a different culture and
personality. It feels as if we shared more than just language and also
about our lives; learning about each other's cultures, families, and
histories.
- American partner
My partner was interesting and helped me a lot. During the last several
weeks I did not hesitate to open my mouth any longer, especially talk[ing] with my
partner.
- Student from China
We are both very interested in other cultures and willing to share both
the positives and negatives of our cultures.
- American partner
I'm interested, what's the next step?
Stop by the International Center at 20 Sawyer Avenue, call us at (617) 627-3458
or email us at internationalcenter@tufts.edu
to request an application.
If you have any questions, please contact Monica Rodriguez, International Student
& Scholar Advisor, at the above contacts.
Once we receive your completed application, you will be contacted.
Thank you for your interest!
View Photos from
Pumpkin Carving >>
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