On Wednesday 22 January, UCL volunteers went to the 'Culture Exchange' event to get involved in helping international students improve their English communication skills for UCL Centre for Languages & International Education (CLIE)
I volunteered as an English Conversation Partner for the UCL Centre for Languages and International Education. The CLIE runs several English language programmes throughout the year where international students come to study English and learn about British culture in 3-week long programmes. The group today consisted of a dozen undergraduate students coming from all parts of China and the volunteers who met with them also came from a large array of different programmes at UCL.
All were offered a warm British welcome with delicious pastries and some fruit before settling down to a table and having a 1-to-1 conversation practise with a UCL volunteer. Anything from hobbies to experiencing a new country was discussed and every so often, participants would join a new table to get to know a new conversation partner.
The students, all of whom are visiting the UK for the very first time and only arrived in London a couple of days ago, are eager to visit the wonders our city offers, all the while practising their English skills and making new friends. In addition, several of the students are considering pursuing a postgraduate degree in the UK and therefore appreciate any tip regarding life and study in what is for them a completely new environment.
The session was organised by Jackie Watson, the Short Courses Coordinator at the CLIE, and will take place for 7 more times over the coming weeks.
Written by Alexandre Marion - One-Off Volunteering Ambassador.
There are plenty of amazing one-off events where you can have fun whilst helping those in need. If you're interested in volunteering at these events, take a look at our One-Off Volunteering Programme for other time-light opportunities where you can make a real difference!