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Welcome Program:
Conversational English

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Hosting a Conversational English Program is a way to serve immigrant neighbors by supporting their unique language needs while forming relational connections. 

What is A Conversational English Program?

The purpose of an Immigrant Connection Conversational English Program is to facilitate dialogue between native English and non-native English speakers. This is a time to build confidence and cultivate relationships. How the program is designed and executed depends on the needs of the community; the resources and space of a host church/church partner; and the number of volunteers available to serve as teachers, assistants, hosts and/or childcare providers.

WHY A Conversational English Program?

A Conversational English Program is an excellent opportunity for adult English learners to engage with native speakers in a relaxed, informal setting that fosters everyday language use. Unlike formal ESL classes, which often require program leaders to have extensive training and structured lesson plans, Conversational English Programs focus on practical, real-life communication skills. This approach makes it easier for churches and community organizations to implement, as it requires less specialized training and can be adapted to various settings.

 

By encouraging participants to engage in spontaneous, everyday conversations, these programs help learners build confidence and improve their language skills in a natural and supportive environment. This practical focus not only enhances their ability to navigate daily interactions but also strengthens community bonds by facilitating meaningful connections between learners and native speakers.

A Church Partner that hosts a Conversational English Program has the opportunity to connect authentically with immigrants while partnering with them in meaningful ways.

What does a Conversational English Program look like?

A Conversational English Program can take different forms. One way to incorporate this program is through informal gatherings, coffee shop style. Conversational English Cards are used to foster dialogue between native and non-native English speakers. The goal is to foster conversation and relationship building. 

Another way to build a Conversational English Program is through a formal weekly class. The Conversational English Curriculum is an eight week, multi-level program designed to be easy-to-use for volunteer facilitators, with basic vocabulary, conversation modeling, and structured time to practice one-on-one or small group dialogue. Vocabulary pictures are used to help the learning process.

What is needed to launch a Conversational English Program?
  • The Immigrant Connection Conversational English Program Curriculum Kit

  • Volunteers/Hosts

  • A hospitable space

  • Childcare providers (if needed)

how to host welcome programs

Churches seeking to learn more about and host Welcome Programs like Citizenship Classes are invited to become Church Partners.

Please visit the Church Partnerships page for information on how to become an Immigrant Connection Church Partner that hosts a Welcome Program.

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