Conversation Groups | English At Large

What are English At Large Conversation Groups?

Our conversation groups are groups of 8-12 learners who meet weekly to practice their English speaking skills. Our groups provide an opportunity for learners to improve their speaking confidence and meet other adults who are learning English.

All groups are free! There is no cost to attend our conversation groups.
All adults who want to practice their English speaking skills are welcome at our groups.
We recommend that you have an at least an intermediate English speaking level. If you can speak on the telephone without too much difficulty, your English speaking ability is likely at an intermediate level.
Conversation groups are not English classes. Our trained volunteers focus mainly on listening and speaking, and less on reading and writing.

Topics usually covered in conversation groups include American culture and holidays, idioms, casual spoken English, and daily life situations (the bank, the post office, speaking with neighbors, etc.).

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can participate?
English At Large Conversation Groups are open to all adults who want to practice their English speaking skills.

What level of English do I need to attend?
To participate fully in a group, we recommend that you have an at least an intermediate English speaking level. If you can speak on the telephone without too much difficulty, your English speaking ability is likely at an intermediate level.

Each Conversation Group facilitator determines which learners can join their group and may determine that some learner’s English speaking ability is too low to join their conversation group.

How much do these groups cost?
All of our programs are free.

Can I attend more than one Conversation Group at the same time?
You can only register for one group at the start of the semester. When registration closes, you can sign up for the waitlist of a second group. If there is space in that group, you will be able to attend a second group.

I’ve participated in a Conversation Group in the past. Do I need to register again?
Yes. All learners who would like to take part in our current session of conversation groups must fill out the registration form.

What happens after I register?
English At Large and your group facilitator will call or email you before the group begins. Please confirm that you are in a group before attending. Please note that our conversation groups are very popular and that you might be placed on a waiting list.

Registration for our Conversation Group Program is Now OPEN

Our Fall Conversation Groups begin the week of September 25, 2023.

Please only register for ONE GROUP. You will receive a confirmation email once you are placed in a group.

Fall 2023 Conversation Group Schedule:

ACTON

Mondays, 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm – Acton Memorial Library (September 25 – December 18) WAITLIST ONLY
Mondays, 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm – Acton Memorial Library (September 25 – December 18)

ANDOVER

Mondays, 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm – Andover Memorial Hall Library (September 25 – December 11) WAITLIST ONLY

ARLINGTON

Mondays, 12:30 pm – 2:00 pm – Robbins Library (September 25 – December 11) WAITLIST ONLY
Tuesdays, 11:00 am – 12:30 pm – Robbins Library (September 26 – December 12) WAITLIST ONLY
Thursdays, 7:15 pm – 8:45 pm – Gibbs School (September 28 – December 14) WAITLIST ONLY

BILLERICA

Wednesdays, 10:00 am – 11:30 am – Billerica Public Library (September 27 – December 13)

BURLINGTON

Mondays, 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm – Burlington Public Library (September 25 – December 11) WAITLIST ONLY
Tuesdays, 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm – Burlington Public Library (September 26 – December 12)

LEXINGTON

Tuesdays, 10:00 am – 11:30 am – Cary Memorial Library (October 3 – December 12) WAITLIST ONLY
Wednesdays, 10:00 am – 11:30 am – Cary Memorial Library (September 27 – December 13) WAITLIST ONLY

MAYNARD

Wednesdays, 10:00 am – 11:30 am – Maynard Public Library (September 27 – December 13)

MEDFORD

Wednesdays, 10:00 am – 11:30 am – Medford Public Library (September 27 – December 13) WAITLIST ONLY

READING

Fridays, 10:00 am – 11:30 am – Reading Public Library (September 29 – December 15)

STONEHAM

Thursdays, 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm – Stoneham Public Library (September 28 – December 14) WAITLIST ONLY

WALTHAM

Mondays, 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm – Waltham Public Library (September 25 – December 11) WAITLIST ONLY
Fridays, 9:30 am – 11:00 am – Waltham Public Library (September 29 – December 15) WAITLIST ONLY

WINCHESTER

Thursdays, 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm – Winchester Public Library (September 28 – December 14)

WOBURN

Tuesdays, 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm – Woburn Public Library (September 26 – December 12) WAITLIST ONLY

Questions? Please call our office at 781-395-2374 or email learn@englishatlarge.org