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English At Large Conversation Groups

What are English At Large Conversation Groups?

Conversation Groups are groups of about 8 - 12 learners who meet on a weekly basis and practice their English speaking skills. The groups provide the perfect opportunity for learners to improve their speaking confidence and meet other people who are learning English. 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.)

Conversation Groups are not English classes. They are not taught by English teachers. Instead, they are facilitated by volunteers who would like to help non-native English speakers improve their conversational skills.

The focus of these groups is conversation. Learners will not learn grammar in our Conversation Groups. Learners will not spend long amounts of time reading articles or writing essays in our Conversation Groups.

Who can participate?

English At Large Conversation Groups are for people who are learning to speak English more fluently. Any learner from any town is able to participate in our Conversation Groups. Friends and family members can participate too if they register and there is available space in the group.

From past experience, we have found that in order for our Conversation Groups to be most effective, it is important that learners already have an intermediate level of speaking ability before they join the group. If a learner can speak on the telephone without too much difficulty, their English speaking ability is probably good enough to join a conversation group.

Each conversation group facilitator determines which learners can join their group. Our Conversation Groups are very popular and learners may be placed on a waiting list. Conversation Group Facilitators may also determine that some learner’s English speaking ability is too low to join their Conversation Group.

How much do they cost?

Our Conversation Groups are free. Learners are not required to pay any money to attend them. We have seen that many learners enjoy our Conversation Groups a lot. If a learner finds the Conversation Group very useful, English At Large is always willing to accept a donation of money (large or small).

Where and when do they take place?

All of our conversation groups are located in the northwest suburbs of Boston, Massachusetts.

Can I attend more than one Conversation Group at the same time?

Maybe. It depends on the groups you’d like to attend. Some groups have long waiting lists, other groups do not. When you register, please choose one preferred group. On the registration page there’s a spot to list other groups that you’d like to attend if space is available.

How do I register?

If you would like to register for one of our Conversation Groups, please click here.

What do I do after I register? How do I know that I can attend the Conversation Group?

Within one week after you register, you will get a phone call from a Conversation Group Facilitator. At that time they will let you know if there is space in the group and other logistics. If there is no space in the group, they will let you know that you are on the wait list.

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.