Conversation Partner Program

Are you…

  • an international student who wants to practice your English and learn about American culture?
  • a UWM student who wants to learn about other cultures and help an international student practice English and better understand American culture?
Spring 2026 registration is closed.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR
– Fall 2026 registration opens on Wednesday, September 2nd and closes on September 16th.
– Matches will be made by Monday, September 21st.
– Partner Meet & Greet event is Wednesday, September 23rd from 3:30-5pm.
An international student and his American conversation partner holding a basketball and posing for a photo on a basketball court.
An international student and her conversation partner getting coffee together and smiling at the camera.
An international student and her American conversation partner posing for a photo in the car.
An international student and his American conversation partner pose for a photo at the bowling alley in the UWM Student union.

Connecting Cultures. Building Friendships.

For over 30 years, the UWM English Language Academy (ELA) has offered the Conversation Partner Program during the fall and spring semesters. This program pairs international students with native English speakers to help them improve their language skills, learn about American culture, and become more engaged in the campus community. Participation requires a semester-long commitment.

How the Program Works

Participants meet at least one hour per week to talk casually in English. You and your partner decide when and where to meet—over coffee, lunch, on campus, or even at local events like concerts or museum visits. Many partners form strong connections that extend beyond the classroom.

Benefits for International Students

  • Practice English in a relaxed, supportive setting
  • Ask questions you might not feel comfortable asking in class
  • Learn about American culture and campus life
  • Explore UWM and Milwaukee with a local student

Benefits for Native English-Speaking Students

  • Meet someone from another country and culture
  • Gain intercultural experience without leaving Milwaukee
  • Learn about the international student experience at UWM
  • Practice a language you’re learning (when applicable)*
  • May qualify for service-learning credit through the UWM Center for Student Experience and Talent (SET)

A Shared Experience

At its heart, the Conversation Partner Program is about mutual learning and meaningful connection. Whether you’re an international student or a native English speaker, this is your chance to share perspectives, build cultural understanding, and maybe even make a lifelong friend.

*Please note: we cannot guarantee language specific or gender specific partnerships. We will try our best to match language specific partnerships; however, we do not often have many native speakers of the following languages: Spanish, French, Italian, Russian, or German. We do our best to match everyone to at least one partner; however, this is completely dependent on registration and commitment.

Contact

If you have any questions about the Conversation Partner Program or want to get involved, contact us at el-academy@uwm.edu.