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 for Fall 2024 are now open! Access the applications here.
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 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!
How does the Language Exchange program work?
Apply for the Program
All members of the UCLA community are welcome to apply - this includes students, staff, faculty, scholars, dependents, etc. Applications will close at 11:59 PM PT on Monday, October 7th, 2024. You will be notified if we have found you a Language Exchange partner by Monday, October 14th. Apply here!
Connect
We will introduce you to your partner 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, such as Zoom or Skype. Additionally, we will do our best to pair you with a virtual partner in a similar time zone, but we cannot guarantee it.
Meet & Chat
Meet virtually or in-person once a week and spend up to one hour speaking in your native language and up to another hour speaking in the language you’re learning.
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. If you want to remain with the same partner, you do not need to apply again.
Attend the Fall 2024 Language Development Social
Join other Language Exchange program participants along with English Language Circle participants for a lunch social this quarter! We hope this can be a great opportunity for language learner to get together, create new contacts, and socialize over a tasty and complimentary lunch!
Wednesday, November 13th, 12 - 1 PM, location TBD
*Note: We will do our best to match you with a Language Exchange partner, 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
English Language Circle dates are coming soon for Fall 2024. Please view our Events page to register for each individual event.
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.
Sessions will all occur in-person. Please email us at intlprograms@saonet.ucla.edu with any questions.
Participants are invited to bring their lunch to these sessions!
You must register for each circle you want to attend. Check our events pageto register and 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!