The Harriet W. Sheridan Center for Teaching and Learning

Conversation Partners Program

The Conversation Partners Program aims to promote inclusion at Brown by pairing individuals with diverse language backgrounds for regular conversation in English and cultural exchange.


In the program, students and Brown staff members are paired for a semester and meet a minimum of twice per month for informal English speaking practice.

Partners are paired via email during the first few weeks of classes.

Staff Guide     Student Guide

Student and staff chat at a Conversation Partners coffee hour
Student and staff chat at a Conversation Partners coffee hour.

Our Spring Conversation Partners Program came to a close in May. Registration for Fall 2026 will open in August. International and multilingual students, scholars, and Brown staff members interested in becoming Conversation Partners are warmly invited to complete this interest form (Brown account login required). We will be in touch once registration opens.

Email english-support@brown.edu with questions or to learn more about the program.