Intercultural Conversation Program
The International Center sponsors the Intercultural Conversation Program (ICP), a one-semester volunteer mentorship program. The program facilitates interaction between current Tufts students, staff, and faculty and first year international graduate students who want to practice their conversational English skills, learn more about US life and culture, and explore Tufts and the Boston area. In this way, ICP assists new graduate students with their transition to Tufts.
Program Expectations
The Intercultural Conversation Program will host 3-4 events throughout the semester during which mentees and mentors can meet and develop plans to continue their interactions outside of these activities. Mentees and mentors will be encouraged to share contact information and meet individually or in groups to practice English conversation and explore Tufts/Boston.
In the past, we have matched mentors and mentees, but this year, we are experimenting with allowing the pairs to develop more naturally. As participants will meet at the social events, this will help ensure there is a level of commitment to the program. It will also allow mentees to meet each other and for mentors to form small groups with other mentors if group interactions are preferable to individual meetups.
Conversation Topics
If it is the international participant’s first extended stay in the US, they will probably need assistance from mentors in answering questions about how to get around Tufts and Boston, where to buy clothes and food, and US classroom and academic culture. If the mentee has lived in the US previously or for a longer period of time, participants may want to talk about topics related to each other's cultures or hobbies. Any topic of conversation is acceptable.
Why Join?
Some comments made by past participants may provide the best answers:
"At first, I expected a conversation partner as a[n] English teacher. Yet I realized it is more interesting for me to share my culture with someone who is interested in it. Since we are friends now, we'll keep in touch!" - Student from Japan
"I really enjoy talking to my partner and meeting the other students in the program. They have had so many different experiences in places that I have never been, and they have much to share." - US partner
"My partner and I developed a close friendship during the ICP program and enjoyed our companionship very much. I learned so many interesting things about the American culture from her, which absolutely helps me having a smoother experience as an international student." - Student from Iran
"It has been wonderful to meet someone of a different culture and personality. It feels as if we shared more than just language and also about our lives; learning about each other's cultures, families, and histories." - US partner
Student Testimonial
