Learn with others
Connect with other students in the University of Waikato's English Language Conversation Circles and Language Buddy Programme. Practice speaking and learn about New Zealand.
Volunteer to be a language buddy
Conversation Circles and Language Buddies
Develop your English language skills
Develop your English conversational skills by joining the Conversation Circles and Language Buddy programme. Opportunities are provided to improve your English by speaking with other students online and in-person. Your English language skills will also help you with your spoken English, and knowledge of New Zealand phrases. Either the Conversation Circles or learning with a Language Buddy can be added to your CV and will help towards your job aspirations.
Sessions are run on Mondays and Fridays for all students
Graduate and undergraduate students can join any of the following Conversation Circles.
Sessions will be flexible and topics of discussion can include current events and topics that you choose. You can gain confidence when speaking (and listening) in group situations and thus improve your presentation skills.
It's good to stay in touch with others and keep practicing your English – join us!
There are three regular Conversation Circle sessions on:
Mondays at 12 noon, Fridays at 11am and Fridays at 12 noon
The Conversation Circle are in M.1.42 for all of 2026. The first Conversation Circle begins on Monday 2nd March, 2026.
| Date | Time | Location |
|
Mondays |
12:00 noon |
M.1.42 |
|
Fridays |
11:00 am |
M.1.42 |
|
Fridays |
12:00 noon |
M.1.42 |
Find a Language Buddy
Develop your English language skills with a trained student volunteer. This opportunity is offered to University of Waikato international students on the Hamilton and Tauranga campuses (and online if needed) during A and B trimesters, or while we have enough volunteers available.
Along with learning how English is used in conversation and in social settings, you will also gain an understanding of how English is used in New Zealand - including local phrases, and you can practice common situations where you will use English during your university studies e.g. tutorials, labs or group work. You can meet online or in person. Let's keep talking!
If you would like a language buddy, please fill out our easy Language Buddy request form.
If you have any questions, you can ask them at eldonline@waikato.ac.nz
Volunteer to be a language buddy
We need volunteers for our Language Buddy programme.
Your service makes a big difference in the experience of new international students to the University of Waikato. Register your interest by filling out your details in the Language Buddy Volunteer form. The Language Buddy volunteer opportunity is a partner with the University of Waikato Employability Plus Award (EPA) programme, and contributes to your EPA profile.