Conversation Partners Appreciation Lunch

A social gathering for the current EBLP Conversation Partners was held at the Portage Lake United Church on May 2, 2025. The board organized this informal lunch gathering to express their thanks and to give the volunteers and student partners an opportunity to meet each other, ask questions, and share experiences.

There are presently twelve local conversation partner participants. Some pairs have met together for more than a year, while others have begun to meet recently. In this informal learning approach, a native English speaker meets with their international partner, typically weekly, at times and places of their choice. Forming bonds of friendship while also supporting the students’ ongoing refinement of their oral English skills has proven to be a positive strategy. Conversation partners often explore the community as well, including walking trails, local hikes, coffee shops, restaurants, and libraries.