English Language Programs kicked off its Conversation Pairs program for the Spring semester with its semi-annual welcome meeting at the Barnes Center.
A crowd of more than 50 undergrad students, graduate students and emeriti faculty filled the room with conversation as partners met each other for the first time. As part of the program, domestic and international participants are paired together for weekly discussions that facilitate cultural exchange, all while developing helpful communication skills.
“For two of Clemson’s populations that may not interact much outside of TA instruction during a lab, it is a delight to hear the Barnes Center buzz with conversations about everything from academic goals to tattoo plans, fishing techniques and the Omaha Zoo!” said Director of English Language Programs Jen Brondell.
In the last four years, the Conversation Pairs Program has grown from 20 to 120 participants per semester and added four to five events per semester. Additionally, it now allows participants to enroll in a Canvas workgroup to read and reflect on intercultural communication to deepen their experience.