The English Conversation Partners Program at Ohio State is recruiting volunteers to help international students improve their English through conversation.

The program, offered every quarter, pairs any U.S. native student, faculty or staff at OSU with non-native speaking international students for language practice.

“The program includes students with English skills on all different levels,” said Gary Whitby, an academic program specialist for the American Language Program.

Whitby said the international students involved in the program go through intensive English lessons and conversation partners serve as a refreshing learning resource.

“Students are just excited to talk in a relaxed setting and have the opportunity to practice outside of class,” Whitby said. “Just sit down, talk, ask questions. They just want to talk to an American.”

Partners are required to meet for a minimum of one hour per week. Whitby said meetings are flexible and many pairs spend time together at places such as coffee shops, restaurants and bowling alleys. Partners are matched based on hobbies and interests so they have something in common, he said.

Although conversation partners provide the opportunity for language education, Whitby stressed that the program also brings cultural understanding.

“How else can you go out, spend a dime on a cup of coffee and learn about international culture?” Whitby said.

For this reason, he especially encourages those with interest in international affairs to volunteer their time to be a conversation partner.

Caitlin Reddy, a fourth-year in international studies, has been a conversation partner since fall of 2008. She said the program has been a great learning experience.

“I have been paired with partners from China, Malaysia and Libya,” she said in an e-mail. “I have learned a lot about culture, politics, family and education in all of these countries.”

International students seem to be equally interested in U.S. culture.

“Most of the students I have been paired with have a lot of questions about culture and American life and customs in general,” Reddy said. “Being able to help them and learn from them is very rewarding.”

Although together for only a quarter, the partners get to know each other well, often forming long-lasting relationships, Whitby said.

“I like to keep up with my partners through e-mail even after the quarter is over,” Reddy said.