Skip to content

English in Action

Converse and Connect

Volunteer with international practicing English

English in Action enables Stanford’s international graduate students, visiting scholars, postdoctoral students, and spouses to practice casual English conversation, learn about American culture, and develop friendships with English-speaking community volunteers. Partners usually meet weekly for one or more years.

English in Action Spring Potluck

This was an exciting event where volunteers, international scholars, and their families gathered to share a variety of dishes and enjoy a fun magic show that kept us all amazed! Come join our English in Action community to ‘Converse & Connect’!

Internationals:

Volunteer host and participant's family carving pumpkins for Halloween

  • Partners typically meet for at least an hour weekly, but schedules can be flexible.
  • Meetings can be virtual or in person.
  • A six-month or longer stay is necessary to be matched with a conversation partner.

  • To be eligible to participate in this program you must have basic English skills such as the ability to order food in a restaurant, share information about your family, and ask for directions.

    If you are a beginning English speaker, please contact one of the local adult education programs that offer free ESL classes:

How to participate

To get a partner: Fill out the EIA Client Signup application.

Once we receive your application, we will contact you to schedule a brief virtual interview to review your interests and answer your questions.

For more information contact: eia@CCISstanfordu.org

Volunteers:

“I have always enjoyed my experiences with my English-in-Action partners. They have been from many different countries, and it’s always interesting to be with them and learn about their life and family and to share my love of this area as I help them with conversational English. It’s a win-win program for both of us.”

  • Volunteer and internationals enjoying the outdoorsJoining is free of charge.
  • Partners typically meet for at least an hour weekly, but schedules can be flexible.
  • Meetings can be virtual or in person.
  • You must for 25 years or older.
  • Your spoken and written English skills must be very good to excellent.
  • You must be patient and enjoy helping a non-native English speaker learn about American culture and language.

How to participate

To get a partner: Fill out the CCIS Membership application. Look for “ENGLISH IN ACTION” under “Volunteer Opportunities”.

Once we receive your application, we will contact you to schedule a brief virtual interview to review your interests and answer your questions.

For more information contact: eiavolunteers@CCISstanfordu.org