PAL (Partners in Acquiring Language) Program
Meet a student from another country. Participate in a conversation program with a student whose native language is not English. Meet someone new, learn about another language and culture, and have fun!
The PAL (Partners in Acquiring Language) Conversation Program pairs up U.S. students with new international students at UC Davis for informal conversation practice for approximately 1 hour per week. The international students are usually enrolled in an ESL (English as a Second Language) course and are either graduate students or undergraduate students on the Education Abroad Program (one-year exchange students). We have students from many different countries including China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Thailand, Mexico, Chile, Brazil, Spain, Italy, and Russia. The international students appreciate the opportunity to converse on a one-to-one basis with a native speaker of English. The U.S. students experience a developing friendship while knowing they are giving a needed service to someone in need of increased language skills. They also learn a great deal about English (by finding out what is difficult for a nonnative speaker) and about the student's native language as well. Because the association is mutually beneficial, it is called the PAL (Partners in Acquiring Language) Program.
Requirements
Interest and native or near-native speaking skills in English. Able to meet for at least 45 minutes per week with an international student for informal conversation practice at a time and place that is mutually convenient for both of you (usually somewhere on campus).
Option to Receive 1-unit of Credit
If you are able to work with two students, you can receive 1-unit of credit (LIN 99 if you are a freshman or sophomore; LIN 197T if you are a junior or senior. If you choose this option, you will be asked to submit a simple conversation log form and a 1-page written summary and evaluation of your experience at the end of the quarter.
To Sign Up and Select a Student to Meet with
Please come to the English as a Second Language Program Office in 108 Sproul Hall. We ask that you sign up as early in the quarter as possible, preferably in the first or second week of the quarter.For Specific Suggestions on the Weekly Meetings or for Additional Information
Please contact Stephanie Fallas (sfallas@ucdavis.edu; 752-0524) or Janet Lane (jrlane@ucdavis.edu) or stop by our office at 107 Sproul Hall.