English Conversation Program


The English Conversation Program (ECP) is available in the Fall, Winter, and Summer terms. The main objective of the English Conversation Program is to enhance spoken English skills and to increase confidence in using conversational English.

Program Information

Students having a conversation

This program is offered to all Western students and members of Western's community for FREE!

English Conversation sessions are 2 hours, once per week, for 8 weeks each term. Participants are matched in groups of 4 - 10 people with 1 Facilitator.

English Conversation sessions are led by trained student volunteers, called Facilitators, in an informal and friendly atmosphere. Facilitators will prepare conversation topics, activities, or games based on the interests of group participants.

Who Can Join?

We welcome members of Western's community whose first language is not English (including registered international or domestic students, spouses, post-doctoral scholars, visiting scholars/researchers, etc.).

What can I Expect?

The English Conversation Program provides you with the opportunity to:
  • Practice conversational English outside the formal classroom or work setting
  • Improve your English communication skills (speaking & listening)
  • Increase your confidence & comfort level when using English
  • Increase your knowledge of Canadian culture, customs, idiomatic expressions, etc.
  • Decrease your anxiety of speaking English in a group
  • Meet people from different areas of the university community
  • Enhance your intercultural understanding and social network
Some popular conversation topics & activities covered in sessions include:
  • Canadian Culture & History
  • Idioms & Canadian Expressions
  • Social Issues & Politics
  • Popular Culture, Entertainment & Media
  • Cultural Comparisons
  • English Grammar, Pronunciation & Vocabulary Expansion
  • Practice Presentations
  • Debates
  • Telephone Skills
  • Ordering at Restaurants & Cafes
  • Games

Can't attend a session?

Four students sitting around a table with assorted warm beverages, smiling and holding their hands in the shape of a "W"

To make the most of your English Conversation Program experience we encourage you to attend each session every week to enhance the success of your learning goals! If you need to miss a week, inform your Facilitators as soon as possible. This gives our Facilitators time to update their weekly plan to ensure the best experience for all of our participants.

If you are no longer able to participate in the program please let ecp@uwo.ca know right away so that we can assign a person from the waiting list to take your place.


Registration

Registration for summer 2024 ECP takes place through May and ECP groups are formed by the end of May.

Note: If you are interested in joining ECP after January, you can still register by clicking on the button below and filling in the form. We will notify you if a space is available.

Registration for the fall term will take place in early September.


  • Priority will be given to main campus international students (undergraduate, graduate, and exchange students) and to registrations received by May 17.
  • After you register, we will match and connect you with an English Conversation Program Facilitator. You will receive an email from your Facilitator towards the end of May with information about your first ECP meeting, so be sure to check your Western email (@uwo.ca) on a regular basis.
  • Given the large number of applications being received during the beginning of each term, the matching process may take several days. If you have not heard from an ECP Facilitator by the end of May, please email us at ecp@uwo.ca. Please do not submit more than one registration form.

If you have any questions, you are welcome to email  ecp@uwo.ca.

Apply to be an ECP Facilitator

English Conversation Program Facilitators are recruited through the Western Peer Leader (WPL) Program during the winter term for the summer as well as the following fall/winter school year.

To apply to become an ECP Facilitator, please find the role description and application instructions within the Western Peer Leader Program, underneath Intercultural Engagement.

Comments from Past Participants

We asked students how the English Conversation Program helped them.

  • "My facilitators made me realize how important it is to have someone genuinely want to help us new comers and also international students. Love what IESC is doing and I really appreciate it."
  • "Making new friends was incredible. Although I've learnt a lot about conversation, my listening skills improved."
  • "I think ECP gives me more opportunities to express myself and share my views with people. I do enjoy it and have made friends here."
  • "I greatly appreciate the space. Without a doubt, it has been an excellent opportunity to learn more about Canadian culture, and even other nations. I have also increased my vocabulary, but I would love to continue doing it, as well as I would love to improve my pronunciation."
  • "My facilitator is so kind as she knows how to encourage us to participate in any kind of activities. Besides, she well prepared every time, provided interesting and helpful activities for us."

Accessibility

Western is committed to accessibility for persons with disabilities. Please contact us in advance if you have any particular accommodation requirements: IESC Staff, 519-661-2111, Ext. 89309,  iesc@uwo.ca .