The English Conversation Circles (ECC) provides a friendly, informal space for undergraduate and graduate English Language Learners (ELL) to practice conversational English, make friends, and discuss intercultural topics. Our facilitators encourage open discussions about Canada and the international community through unique scenario-based activities. We meet twice per week over a 6-week period, and our sessions are led by WCC staff and volunteers.
You can register for our Wednesday or our Thursday sessions – or even both! Registration is open to all University of Waterloo students.
If you have any questions about ECC, please feel free to email Amanda Fogaça at amanda.fogaca@uwaterloo.ca.
Register now for one of our Winter 2024 sessions, starting January 24th and ending March 7th.
When: Wednesdays or Thursdays from 3-4:30 pm
Where: South Campus Hall 228F
Each week, you’ll learn about a new topic and have conversations with other graduate and undergraduate students.
This winter, these are our topics:
Week |
Dates |
Topic |
Week 1 |
January 24 and 25 |
Introductions |
Week 2 |
January 31 and Feb 1 |
Canadiana |
Week 3 |
February 7 and 8 |
Small talk |
Week 4 |
February 14 and 15 |
Job interviews |
Reading Week |
February 21 and 22 |
No ECC this week |
Week 5 |
February 28 and 29 |
Seasons |
Week 6 |
March 6 and 7 |
Potluck |
Outcomes
English Language Learners who participate in the ECC program will
- Improve competency in understanding and speaking conversational English
- Develop confidence in being able to use English in their everyday lives
- Increase awareness of slang, idioms and commonly used expressions
- Feel more comfortable communicating to speakers of English in a variety of social settings
- Meet new people and expand their network at Waterloo
- Feel more comfortable navigating a new culture and environment
- Feel supported in their transition to Waterloo
Goals
The English Conversation Circles mission is to provide a quality program for English Language Learners to support their spoken English needs and goals through weekly conversation practice.
Winter 2024 English Conversation Circles
When
Wednesdays and Thursdays from 3:00 - 4:30 p.m.
Where
Start and end dates
Wednesday sessions: January 24 - March 6*
Thursday sessions: January 25 - March 7*
*no ECC during Reading Week