Conversation Hours for English, French, German and Spanish
A great way to improve your conversational skills in in a relaxed and supportive environment.
Groups meet during the Michaelmas and Lent terms to discuss topics of cultural, international or general interest (decided by the members). Each group is led by a native speaker who is there to help with language issues, to support conversation and to encourage debate. These are informal groups for those who have conversational ability but would like to develop the range and quality of their self-expression.
For information about the CEF levels referred to in the language details please check the CEFR Self Assessment Grid.
English Conversation Hours
Are you a non-native speaker of English seeking to practise your
spoken English through friendly and informal conversation?
Why not join one of our Easter term groups?
Intermediate
The Intermediate Conversation Hours are a great way to practice the spoken English of every-day life. They are suitable for learners comfortable in spoken interaction at CEFR level B1 and above. The weekly sessions encourage a relaxed and fun approach to communication designed to both aid interaction and build confidence.
Advanced
The Advanced Conversation Hours provide a relaxed weekly session, focusing on the type of language used in discussions and debates. They are suitable for learners comfortable in spoken interaction at CEFR level C1 upwards. Typical session topics include news events or social/political/cultural issues. The groups thrive on diversity and everyone is encouraged to share their thoughts and opinions at the same time as learning techniques for getting their ideas across, becoming clearer and more verbally precise.
Time and place
- Intermediate: Mondays, 12:00 - 13:00, in Teaching Room 4 (1st session 29th April)
- Advanced: Wednesdays, 12:00 - 13:00, in Teaching Room 4 (1st session 1st May)
- Advanced: Thursdays, 12:00 - 13:00, in Teaching Room 4 (1st session 2nd May)
Cost
- £30.00 for students (free for students registered for the EAP In-Sessional Support Programme if referred by EAP Supervisor)
- £40.00 for staff
- £50.00 for spouses (Standard rate)
Please note that after the first meeting of a group you will not be able to enrol via the UTBS online system directly, however you can register your interest on the booking system.
Steps to take:
- Go to UTBS and follow the link to the group you would like to join.
- Select 'Register my interest' and agree to the terms and conditions.
- You will receive an email to confirm that you have registered your interest.
- You will be contacted as soon as possible to confirm your booking (subject to availability) and given a link to the University payment system.
- Follow the link to the University payment system and pay the relevant fee.
- After the fee is paid you are enrolled and all you need to do is to turn up for the next session of the group.
French Conversation Hours
If you have already achieved a level of language above that offered in the CULP French classes then these conversation hours may be for you. They aim to maintain or improve your fluency and to help you become comfortable with chatting and discussing in another language.
The groups provide an opportunity for students at advanced level (CEFR Level B2/C1 upwards) in French to practise and improve their language skills, particularly in speaking and listening, and also in reading and writing where appropriate.
French Conversation Hours for the 2012/2013 academic year have now finished. New groups will start in October 2013.
German Conversation Hours
If you have already achieved a level of language above that offered in the CULP German classes then these conversation hours may be for you. They aim to maintain or improve your fluency and to help you become comfortable with chatting and discussing in another language.
The groups provide an opportunity for students at advanced level (CEFR Level B2/C1 upwards) in German to practise and improve their language skills, particularly in speaking and listening, and also in reading and writing where appropriate.
German Conversation Hours for the 2012/2013 academic year have now finished. New groups will start in October 2013.
Spanish Conversation Hours
If you have already achieved a level of language above that offered in the CULP Spanish classes then these conversation hours may be for you. They aim to maintain or improve your fluency and to help you become comfortable with chatting and discussing in another language.
The groups provide an opportunity for students at advanced level (CEFR Level B2/C1 upwards) in Spanish to practise and improve their language skills, particularly in speaking and listening, and also in reading and writing where appropriate.
Spanish Conversation Hours for the 2012/2013 academic year have now finished. New groups will start in October 2013.
If you have any queries please email enquiries@langcen.cam.ac.uk