SLLC-OIS-EA Language Partner Program

What is it?

SLLC-OIS-EA Language Partner Program (LPP) offers majors in any SLLC program at UMD to meet with international students outside the classroom and practice their target language in an informal yet structured way. The LPP intends to improve the speaking and listening competency of SLLC students through weekly meetings and joint activities such as playing or watching sports, visiting museums, attending cultural events, etc.

What are the benefits? What is the purpose of the program?

The LPP provides a win-win situation for both sides. For SLLC majors, participating in the LPP offers a structured opportunity to practice their target language outside of the classroom. Meeting with a native speaker will help SLLC students develop fluency and increase their confidence in speaking while also learning about other cultures and gaining new friends. For international students, the LPP will connect them with US students who in turn may help with their cultural integration, serve as good resources to help them navigate an unfamiliar US educational setting, and generally facilitate their stay in the US. Upon successful completion of the LPP, participants will receive a Certificate.

What are the required tasks?

Language Partners (LPPs) meet on a regular basis at least once a week for one hour of conversation. Conversation topics are derived from a list of topics provided by the LPP or may grow out of a student's course materials. All LPP partners and majors also attend three cultural learning sessions during the semester to discuss assigned readings and explore cultural connections in a larger context.

What are the requirements to be accepted in the LPP?

For SLLC Students: 1. Submit the SLLC Student Language Partner Application no later than January 22, 2013 at 5pm. 2. Attend joint information, expectation setting and training sessions (February 18, April 1, and May 6, all from 5:00-7:00pm). 3. Commit to meet one hour per week at a mutually agreeable time and location. 4. Agree to speak on an assigned topic of conversation. 5. Register for SLLC309 (1cr.) 6. Submit final reflection report.

For International Students: 1. Submit the International Student Language Partner Application no later than January 22, 2013 at 5pm. 2. Attend joint information, expectation setting and training sessions (February 18, April 1, and May 6, all from 5:00-7:00pm). 3. Commit to meet one hour per week at a mutually agreeable time and location. 4. Agree to speak on an assigned topic of conversation. 5. Keep an LPP attendance roster and submit bi-weekly time sheets. 6. Submit final reflection report.