Get Involved with ELI
Connections with Missoula Global Buddies
There are also opportunities for community members to share what they love about Missoula and Montana with our wonderful international visitors. We connect many of the participants in our special programs with an individual or family from the community. For some of our short-term summer programs, this may just be a day, and for some of our longer programs, this may involve spending one or two days a month together. All we ask is that you share your own version of Missoula culture, maybe go a hike, see a movie, bake a cake, attend a festival, tour Montana, go shopping and so much more! This is a great way for our international visitors to learn about American culture and practice English outside of the classroom, and the community hosts will be rewarded with rich friendships and happy memories. To learn more, contact the Global Engagement Office with the headline "Getting involved with ELI" at global.engagement@umt.edu
CONVERSATION PARTNERS
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
The Conversation Partners Program pairs ELI students with native English speakers to practice conversation in person or online (with ELI students studying remotely from abroad). Students and volunteers meet roughly every other week in person or online for activities and conversations of their choosing. Optional activities and events are offered to the group throughout the semester.
CONVERSATION PARTNER ACTIVITIES
- Discussions about cultural topics
- School of Theatre and Dance shows
- Sports activities
- Tour of UM Garden
- ASUM Sustainability tour
- KBGA tour
- UM Planetarium show
- Game nights
FOR VOLUNTEERS
Become a Conversation Partner Volunteer! Conversation Partner volunteer opportunities are open to the general public of Missoula. Benefits for volunteers include:
- Enhancing cultural awareness and understanding within the Missoula community
- Making friends from around the world
- Sharing languages and cultures
- Supporting the integration of a global community and campus
Here is a detailed list of Guidelines for Prospective Conversation Partner Volunteers, including tips and example activities.
There are also opportunities for high school students to get involved with high school students studying at ELI, both as community hosts and conversation partners.
HOW TO GET INVOLVED
For the latest information on Conversation Partners or Missoula Global Buddies, or to learn how to join the program, please contact Mona Mondava, ELI Program Coordinator or call 406-243-6141.
This program is free and open to the public.