Program Guidelines
- Each participant in the program will be matched with another participant of the same-sex, if possible.
- Partners will refrain from dating or making romantic advances on their partners.
- Partners will only converse during mutually agreed upon times.
- If participants violate the rules, they will be removed from the program and be at risk of disciplinary action within the Office of Student Conduct on Marshall’s Campus.
Tips and Suggestions for Conversation
- Be Culturally Sensitive: You may find that your partner has different expectations for how men and women should interact, the amount of personal space between the two of you, or what topics may be considered appropriate. If you do not know if something is appropriate, you may say, “Is it okay if I ask…?” This is a great opportunity to have an open discussion about the differences and similarities between your cultures. Be open-minded and honest but remember that you should also try to be comfortable with any interactions that you have with your partner.
- Show Interest: Listen actively and invite your partner to participate by asking open ended questions. Avoid yes or no questions if you want to avoid yes or no answers.
- Always Have a Way to Write: If you do not understand something your partner has said, ask your partner to write it down. This is also a great way for your partner to record new words and phrases.
- Speak Clearly and Slowly, NOT Loudly: Never be afraid to ask your partner if you are speaking too quickly. Annunciate and speak clearly, but raising your voice is not helpful or necessary.
- Be Aware of Slang: A lot of phrases cannot be translated literally into your partner’s native language. This may make it difficult for him or her to understand what you are saying. Do not rely heavily on slang and be sure to explain any idioms or phrases that you use that your partner might not understand.
- Don’t Overcorrect: Let your partner know he or she made a grammatical mistake by echoing the phrase in its correct form. Remember that the focus should be comprehension over perfection. Overcorrecting can hinder the development of fluency, so only correct errors that block communication.
- Don’t Interrupt: Avoid finishing your partner’s sentences. Let him or her learn and grow through practice.