Engagement Opportunities

At St. John’s University, we pride ourselves on welcoming an inclusive, globally-aware community that reflects the diversity of our students, employees and home city. 

Apply for our Engagement Opportunities

St. John’s is committed to the success of all our students, and our initiatives to support international students throughout their time here—from arrival through graduation—are just one way to help foster that success.

If you are an international student, we encourage you to engage your St. John’s community.  Sign up for a Conversation Partner.  Get to know St. John’s, NYC and the United States from a different perspective—the “insider’s view.”  And if you are a St. John’s employee or student, we invite you to show our international students what it means to be part of the St. John’s family by supporting our efforts as a volunteer.

Read more about these initiatives below, and get involved! If you would like to participate in these programs complete our quick online form or contact us at [email protected]

Conversation Partners

The Conversation Partners Program is an opportunity for you--international students whose native language is not English--to practice conversational English in a relaxed, friendly environment.

The Conversation Partners Program is an opportunity for you--international students whose native language is not English--to practice conversational English in a relaxed, friendly environment.

Why Conversation Partners?
Do you ever feel comfortable with English in the classroom, but not as comfortable when you have to speak in casual situations?  Or when you have to speak about topics you aren’t so familiar with?  Do you want to find ways to get to know more people at St. John’s? The Conversation Partners Program matches you with an St. John’s employee or student for English conversation practice with no pressure.  Grab a cup of coffee, sit on a bench, and enjoy your conversation!

Who Can Take Part in the Conversation Partners Program?
Any St. John’s international student whose native language is not English can request a Conversation Partner.  Partners are St. John’s employees and students.

Expectations of Partners
Partners are expected to meet with their partner once per week for one semester for informal conversation at a mutually agreeable time and place.  It’s that simple!

To participate in the program, complete the online form.

The Conversation Partners Program is an opportunity for international students whose native language is not English to practice their conversational English in a relaxed, friendly environment.

Why Conversation Partners?
International students who are learning English often feel well-prepared for the requirements of the classroom, but feel less comfortable with everyday, colloquial language.  Conversation Partners Program provides a confidence-building opportunity for international students to try out the language they hear around them, and gives them a personal connection to someone at the University, helping them feel at home in their new environment.

Who Can Take Part in the Conversation Partners Program?
For the time being, the program is limited to St. John’s employees and students. In the future, we hope to open the program to community members.

Expectations of Partners
Partners are expected to meet with their partner once per week for one semester of informal conversation at a mutually agreeable time and place.  It’s that simple!

To participate in the program, complete the online form.