1. ESOL Conversation Program
Students

2. Welcome & Introduction
My name is Cameron Busacca
MA - International Education Policy
Taught Conversational English in France - High school Students
I love “Culture” - any way it’s defined
I love soccer
I hope to open an international school for orphans someday

3. Welcome My name is Agbor Beteck Junior Economics Major
Previous Experience with ESOL Program
Bilingual- French & English
Maryland Images Campus Tour Guide
Enjoy traveling

4. What is the ESOL Conversation Program
The UMD ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) Conversation Program is a student centered community that specifically aims to bring students and community members from diverse cultures together through authentic language learning/teaching, cultural exchange, social activities, and a passion for minorities.
Why do you participate?

5. Session Types One-on-one Conversation Partners - (60 min)
Small Conversation Groups - 2 students (90 min)
Big Conversation Groups - up to 8 students (90 min)
Three different levels -> Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced
Levels of Proficiency

6. How This Process Works 1.We find volunteers.
2.We allow students (you) to choose sessions with volunteers based on their bio and schedule
3.Students and volunteers meet!
4.If Volunteers don’t have students, and students don’t have volunteers, we will work together to find a solution.

7. Expectations
Volunteers are not obligated to help you with your writing, papers, study skills, etc.
Volunteers are not obligated to reschedule with you should you change your session schedule, but they may do so if they choose to
Conversation Partners are recommended to meet at a public place on campus
Please try not to be absent for more than 2 conversation sessions
Use session time to practice speaking English only

8. Expectations
Read correspondence from the ESOL Conversation Program
Be honest and truthful
If anyone makes you feel uncomfortable in any way, please contact the program coordinator as soon as possible )
We do not encourage students to give volunteers gifts. If you choose to, no more than $15 in value

9. Suggestions, Tips and Strategies:
Act out and visually illustrate the meaning of words
Engage in short readings and passages that are of interest of you
Balance of basic words and high-level English vocabulary
Connect words with real objects, visual images, and experiences
Synonyms & Antonyms
Engage in sufficient review and reinforcements of words

10. Attendance and Scheduling
1.Try to arrive to your session at least 5 minutes early.
2. Wait at least 15 minutes after the appointed time if your volunteer is not present.
3.If your volunteer does not show up, contact him/her by and/or telephone to follow-up
MOST IMPORTANT: Be considerate of your volunteer’s time. If you need to miss a session, you must notify your volunteer at least 24 hours in advance by (and telephone if your volunteers prefers you to do so). If you don’t get in contact with your volunteer, contact

11. Finding the right Volunteer for you -> SetMore
*After Friday, February 12 at 1pm students are able to book volunteer sessions
Under ‘Student Registration’ on umdesol.weebly.com, click ‘Student Set-Up’
Review volunteer bios under ‘Choose your Volunteer’
Click ‘Book Appointment’ to set up your SetMore account
Choose ‘Skip login process’
Enter in your Name, & Phone Number

12. How do I interact with my volunteer?
The ABC’s
Attend every session on time with enthusiasm
Be supportive and appreciative! (Volunteers are not paid)
Cooperate with your volunteer by getting ready for each session (print out a worksheet, bring a picture, sing, etc.).
Don’t be shy about speaking up in a group
Engage in constructive feedback for your volunteer, provide suggestions

13. What to Expect Next
You will be contacted by your volunteer within the following week
Sessions begin the week of February 22

14. Questions!