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 Tuesdays 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 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:
Tuesdays at 11am, Fridays at 11am and 1pm
Please note the following changes in venue and cancellations:
| Date | Time | Location |
| 15 August, Friday | 11am | M.1.42 |
| 15 August, Friday | 1pm | K Block, Room B.01 |
| 19 August, Tuesday | 11am |
M.1.42 |
|
22 August, Friday |
11am |
CANCELLED |
|
22 August, Friday |
1pm |
CANCELLED |
|
All sessions from 26 August onwards (until further notice) |
K Block, Room B.01 |
Find a Language Buddy
Develop your English language skills with a trained student volunteer. This opportunity is offered to University of Waikato students on the Hamilton and Tauranga campuses, and online if needed.
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.