Become a Conversation Partner
Help a student build real confidence with regular, low-pressure conversation practice.
Conversation partner applications are currently closed for the autumn term. Join the waiting list to be notified when they reopen, or read on to see how it works, and explore our programmes and ways to support us in the meantime.
Conversation changes everything
A conversation partner is not there to correct every mistake or assign homework — they are there to talk. That shift in pressure is often where real fluency starts to show up.
Low pressure
No lesson plans and no homework to mark — just relaxed, regular conversation that builds a student’s confidence.
Flexible commitment
Just 60 minutes a week, at a time that suits your schedule, alongside your other commitments.
Real difference
Give a student the chance to practise speaking out loud with someone who is simply there to talk, not to test them.
Teacher or Conversation Partner?
Both roles matter. Here is how they differ, so you can pick the one that fits you.
Volunteer Teacher
- Delivers structured lessons: grammar, vocabulary, and a curriculum building toward a CEFR level
- Weekly 90-minute lesson plus roughly 45 minutes of preparation
- Teaching qualifications or tutoring experience expected
- Tracks a student’s progress against learning objectives over the term
Conversation Partner
- No lesson plans, no homework, no grading — just real conversation
- Just 60 minutes a week, whenever suits you both
- No teaching background needed — fluency in the language is enough
- You and your student choose the topics together, at your own pace
No Teaching Background Needed
You do not need to be a teacher — here is what we do ask for.
Before Your First Conversation
Six steps to get matched with a group of students.
Apply online
Tell us which language you are fluent in and when you are usually free to talk.
Trauma-informed training
Complete our compulsory trauma-informed/EIE training before your first conversation.
Sign the volunteer agreement
Sign our volunteer agreement and code of conduct.
Attend the group meeting
Join a compulsory collective group meeting with the wider volunteer team before you are matched.
Get matched with a group
We pair you with a group of students based on your language and availability.
Start talking
Meet online for regular conversation practice, with no lesson plan required.
Applications Are Currently Closed for the Autumn Term
Thank you for your interest. We are not matching new conversation partners right now — explore our programmes or support our work with a donation instead.