Conversation Partners

Goal of Conversation Partners Program

The Conversation Partners program was created to provide a rewarding experience where all students can learn about other cultures while establishing a friendship with someone from another country.

How it Works

International students in the Intensive English Program are matched one-on-one with WWU students as conversational partners for the purpose of getting together, talking and practicing conversational English, and just having fun. Conversation Partners can meet on-campus or off-campus and can participate in a wide variety of activities. Popular activities include meeting for coffee, exploring Bellingham, and cooking together.

In order for IEP students to get credit for this class, partners must meet for at least 8 hours during the quarter (6 hours in summer) and keep a record of hours. Both partners should sign this record every time you meet.

Activities

Want something to do with your Conversation Partner?
Check below for some activities that you and your partner can go to!

Click Here to view Activities in and around Bellingham

WWU Summer Noon Concert Series

• Wednesdays from 12-1pm Outside the PAC
• Free!
• Bring your lunch & eat outside, more info...

Free Concerts in the Park

• Elizabeth Park, Boulevard Park and others
• Every summer Thursday from 6-8, plus some other days
• Accessible by bus or car, more info...

Western's Associated Student Productions!

• Meet your Conversation Partner on-campus and go see a great movie for super cheap (or free)!
  Hang out with your partner and see a cool music concert in the VU Multipurpose Room!
• Go see live music in the Underground Coffeehouse!
• For more information and a list of different events,
  click on the A.S. Productions website link below:
• Associated Student Productions Website

WWU Sports

• Meet your Conversation Partner and go cheer for the Vikings at a Western men's or women's game!
  For more information and sports/team schedules, click on the WWU Vikings official website link below:
• Western Washington University Vikings Athletics Website

Other Community Events

• Check out events listed at Bellingham Herald
• Look at the Whatcom County Tourism website.
• Go to the Bellingham Public Library (downtown).
• Take the bus somewhere! Explore a new part of town.
• Visit the Whatcom Museum of History and Art.
• Spend an hour or two at Mindport: it's fun and inexpensive!

Contact Information

If you have any questions, comments or concerns about the Conversation Partners program, please feel free to contact Kirsten.

• E-mail: Kirsten.Rutschman@wwu.edu
• Phone: (360)650-4073
• Office: College Hall 302 (#19 on this Campus Map)

Apply

Name:
E-mail Address:
Phone Number:
Major and year in School:
International, ESL and/or foreign language experience, if any:
Hobbies and interests:
How did you find out about Conversation Partners?
Is it okay to be matched with a partner of the opposite gender? Yes No
If no, what is your gender? Male Female

Resources

• Conversation Partner Meeting Record
• Conversation Partner Activity Ideas
• Helpful Guidelines for Conversation Partners (for WWU Students )
• Helpful Guidelines for Conversation Partners (for IEP Students )