Dashew Center currently offers two language development programs that are open to both international and domestic members of the UCLA community.
Join one of our programs to practice a language you are learning, improve your knowledge of U.S. culture and phrases, or develop your own skills in teaching a language. Learn more about each of our language development programs below.
Language Exchange
Language Exchange applications are open! Clickhere to apply.
Are you working on learning a new language? Do you want to take what you're learning in the classroom a step further? The Language Exchange program connects language learners together in partners or small groups to improve their conversation skills and meet people from around the world. Language Exchange is open to members of the UCLA community and all language levels!
The Language Exchange applications open every quarter, and the program is a one-quarter (or summer) commitment. You will need to apply each quarter if you wish to participate again and would like a new Language Exchange partner/small group. If you want to remain with the same partner/small group, you do not need to apply again!
How does the Language Exchange program work?
Step 1: Apply for the Program
All members of the UCLA community are welcome to apply - this includes students, staff, faculty, scholars, dependents, etc. Deadline to apply is October 5th at 11:59pm. Click here to access the application.If we are able to match you, we will email you about a week after the applications close.
Step 2: Connect via Email
We will introduce you to your partner/small group via email. You will have the option to conduct your exchange either completely virtually or in a hybrid format (both virtually and in-person)through means agreed upon by you and your partner/small group, such as Zoom or Skype. We will also send you a link to the Language Exchange Guidelines Handbook, which will serve as our guide for the program
Step 3: Review the Language Exchange Guidelines Handbook
Spend some time reviewing the digital Handbook and decide with your partner/small group how you all would like to meet and work together over the quarter. Language Exchange is very much a self-guided program, but we provide you with advice and tips to help you have the best experience possible.
Step 4: Attend the Virtual Orientation
Join us on Zoom on Thursday, October 15th from 5 - 6 PM for an overview of the Language Exchange program, and an opportunity to meet other program participants. We'll spend some time meeting one another, reviewing guidelines, reviewing best practices, and answering any questions.
Step 5: Meet & Chat
Meet with your partner/small group virtually or in-person once a week and spend up to one hour speaking in the language(s) that you are learning! Your success is dependent on the engagement of you and your partner/small group, so be sure to communicate clearly with one another about your goals for the program.
*Note: We will do our best to match you with a Language Exchange partner/small group, but please be aware that the following language pairs have high demand:
- Chinese speaker requesting an English speaker
- Korean speaker requesting an English speaker
- English speaker requesting a Spanish speaker
- English speaker requesting a French speaker
Our ability to match is based on a number of factors, including the particular pool of applicants during any given quarter, the age range preferences of applicants, commonness or rareness of your requested/spoken language, etc.
Contact us with any questions: intlprograms@saonet.ucla.edu.
English Language Circle
Are you looking for a safe and supportive space to practice your English conversation skills? Check out Dashew Center's English Language Circle (ELC)! Here you will have an opportunity to practice your English with other language learners. The circle is led by a community member, who is a native English speaker and experienced ELC facilitator, who will help you become more confident in your speaking skills and who can answer language, culture, and grammar questions.
English Language Circle will be back Fall 2026. Please email us at intlprograms@saonet.ucla.edu with any questions!
Participants are invited to bring their lunch to these Zoom sessions!
We recommend registering in advance for each ELC session you want to attend, but attendees are welcome to drop in this spring at this Zoom link! Check our events page for more information.
Meet our English Language Circle Facilitator!
Rachelle Hamilton
Hello! My name is Rachelle and I grew up in the heart of the U.S. in Kansas City, Missouri. I have a passion for languages and cultures and strongly believe in being a lifetime learner. I have several international family members which gave me a love and appreciation for cultures around the world. I have dabbled in learning several languages (but I am the worst at all of them! haha) so I can truly empathize with anyone learning another language. I have been part of English Language Circle since 2010 and love being a resource to others. No matter what level you are at, we would love to have you join!