Language Consultants (LCs)

“At first, I met with my language partners each week to discuss our weekly suggested topics. Now, I look forward to sitting down with two old friends and catching up, chatting about everything from Chinese politics to Spanish cuisine. It has been so great to get to know two wonderfully kind, genuine people with an endless curiosity about the world who have inspired me to go out and experience even more!”

M.F., Language Consultant

Program Summary

1 hour weekly meeting with conversation partners.

The LC program has expanded to include international students, staff, scholars, and their families, who wish to improve and practice their oral English and learn more about American culture.

LCs meet with 1-2 international partners for an hour a week for 10 weeks of the semester. Rather than a tutoring session, this is a time for relaxed English conversation on topics of mutual interest. You must be a native speaker of English in order to apply for this position. Otherwise, an interest in getting to know international students and share one’s own culture is the only requirement. VISAS will assist you by providing ideas for conversation topics and places and events of interest around Grounds.

LCs can work with international students/researchers, international UVA staff/employees, or spouses and family members of UVA students.

Program Outline

What do LCs do?

LCs meet with 1-2 international students, scholars, staff, or UVA family members for cultural exchange and relaxed English conversation on topics of mutual interest.

Schedule and Time Commitment

LCs choose a one hour weekly time-slot based on their schedule.  When 1-2 international participants sign up for that slot, they commit to meeting at that time and day for the 10-week VISAS program cycle. 

Position Requirements

Advanced to superior proficiency in American English language and cultures is required for the position of Language Consultant. Otherwise, an interest in getting to know people from other cultures and to share one’s own culture is the only requirement.

“I’d like to thank my language partners for the wonderful conversations, laughter, and stories we were able to share this past year. Thank you for sharing so much about your lives and your culture. I would often come out of our conversations in a brighter and happier mood. You gave me a needed breath of fresh air in my week.”

S.M., Language Consultant