The I-House English Practice Partners program connects international community members with local volunteers for friendly, one-on-one English conversation practice. Partners meet in person once a week for about an hour to build language skills, gain confidence, and foster meaningful cross-cultural connections.
Whether you are an international visitor looking to practice English or a community member interested in volunteering, we invite you to read the following message and fill out the corresponding form below. Our Program Manager, Susan Linz, will follow up with more information and match you with a partner.
For English Learners
This program is a relaxed, supportive space to practice speaking and listening in real-life conversations. You don’t need perfect English, but participants should be able to hold a basic conversation and come with a willingness to engage. For more details, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions page.
For Volunteers
You don’t need to be a teacher or have formal training. If you are patient, curious, and enjoy connecting with people from different backgrounds, you can make a meaningful impact. Your role is to be a conversation partner by listening, encouraging, and helping your partner feel comfortable practicing English. You can learn more about the role and what to expect on our Frequently Asked Questions page.
What to Expect
- Weekly 1-hour conversations (flexible scheduling)
- Informal, conversation-based learning (not structured classes)
- Cultural exchange and relationship building
- A brief year-end survey to share feedback and let us know whether you’d like to stay in this program
We are accepting local volunteers! If you are interested in volunteering to help international friends learn English, we invite you to fill out the form below. Our program manager Susan Linz will contact you to provide further information and will pair you with a partner. No English teaching experience necessary, just a desire to make a new friend and have a weekly conversation.
