Language Partner Program
What is it?
The Language Partner Program (LPP) is a collaboration between the School of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures (SLLC) and International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS) that offers an immersive language exchange opportunity at the University of Maryland.
Through the LPP, international students serve as language tutors for UMD students majoring or minoring in SLLC programs, helping them practice their target languages in an informal yet structured environment outside the classroom. At the same time, international students gain a valuable opportunity to connect with U.S. peers, share their culture, and become more engaged in campus life.
What is the purpose of the program? What are the benefits?
SLLC students benefit from:
- A structured, low-pressure environment to practice their target language outside of the classroom
- Greater fluency and confidence in speaking
- First-hand cultural and linguistic insights from native speakers
- The opportunity to build global connections on campus
- 1 academic credit upon successful completion of the program (SLLC 309)
International Student Tutors benefit from:
- Opportunities to build meaningful connections with U.S. students through collaborative and cross-cultural language exploration
- Valuable communication and leadership experience in an academic setting
- A platform to share their language and culture
- Growth in intercultural competence and cross-cultural awareness
- 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 Language Learner Application. Note that applications are reviewed during the semester preceding the semester you enroll. The priority deadline for this application is April 11, 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. Note that applications are reviewed during the semester preceding the semester you enroll. The priority deadline for this application is April 11, 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.