SLLC Language Partner Program
What is it?
The School of Languages, Literatures and Cultures' (SLLC) and ISSS's Language Partner Program (LPP) offers international students the opportunity to serve as tutors outside the classroom for majors and minors ("learners") in any SLLC program at UMD to practice their target language in an informal yet structured way. For international students ("tutors"), the LPP provides a forum for connecting with U.S. students and integrating into the UMD campus.
What are the benefits? What is the purpose of the program?
The LPP provides a win-win situation for both sides. For SLLC majors and minors, participating in the LPP offers a structured opportunity to practice their target language outside of the classroom. Meeting with a tutor will help SLLC learners develop fluency and increase their confidence in speaking while also learning about other cultures and gaining new friends. For international student tutors, the LPP connects them with U.S. students who in turn may help with their cultural integration, serve as good resources to help them navigate an unfamiliar U.S. educational setting, and generally facilitate their stay in the U.S. Upon successful completion of the LPP, SLLC learners will earn 1 credit (SLLC 309) and tutors will receive a small scholarship.
What are the required tasks?
Language Partners (LPPs) meet on a regular basis at least once a week for one hour of conversation. Conversation topics are derived from a list of topics provided by the LPP or may grow out of a student's course materials. All LPP partners and majors also attend one mandatory cultural learning sessions during the semester to discuss assigned readings and explore cultural connections in a larger context. All participants must agree to attend these sessions.
What are the requirements to be accepted in the LPP?
For international students interested in becoming a learner for LPP:
Submit the International Language Learner Application by November 1, 2024. Note that applications are reviewed during the semester preceding the semester you enroll. The priority deadline for this application is Friday, November 1, then it will be on a rolling basis until the beginning of the semester based on tutor availability.
Attend ONE MANDATORY joint information, expectation setting, and cultural training session.
Commit to meet one hour per week at a mutually agreeable time and location.
Agree to speak on an assigned topic of conversation each week.
Register for SLLC309 (1cr.)
Submit weekly e-summaries in the target language based on your weekly meetings with your partner.
Submit a final reflection report in English.
For international students interested in becoming a tutor for LPP:
- Submit the International Language Tutor Application by November 1, 2024. Note that applications are reviewed during the semester preceding the semester you enroll. The priority deadline for this application is Friday, November 1, then it will be on a rolling basis until the beginning of the semester based on need.
- Attend ONE MANDATORY joint information, expectation setting and cultural training session
- Commit to meet one hour per week at a mutually agreeable time and location
- Agree to speak on an assigned topic of conversation each week.
- Submit a final reflection report in English.