English Roundtables Welcomes You!

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Last Updated: Aug 9th 2009

Who's running this?
    We are working professionals who know what it's like to be in a different country, so would like to "treat others as you would like to be treated". We are from many different fields, from software to administration to airport to environmental jobs.

Why do we do this?
    We know it can be intimidating speaking a foreign langauge. We know that classes may be the hardest time to "get things right" and that conversations might just flow past you. So we offer a place to practice speaking in English (in a non-threatening manner). So we focus of verbal fluency through activities and exchanges. We know that coming often you will become more confident.
    While the practice is good, we are a warm friendly group of locals who hope to show you more of the "american" side of life here. It's also a chance for us to world views, deepen understanding of one another. A place to explore new people, meet new friends and chance to overcome stereotypes.

Are the English partners all Americans?
    Most of the volunteers are Americans, perhaps even a couple of Austinites. They are all native English speakers.

What topics do you discuss?
    First and foremost, the topics are always open to what the members choose (see the topic list). If you tell us a topic we can build a lesson around that. We have been going for a few years now, so you might take a look at our schedule to see what we have discussed.

Where do you meet?
    Our location is 1909 University Avenue, just behind PCL/UTC, behind SZB and across from the ATT Conference Center.

What time do you meet?
    We meet Fridays from 6:30-8:30. Sometimes Saturdays for events.

Do you sponsor any other events?
    We generally try to do one activity per month. The fall starts off with a BBQ/Dance and then a number of things, like Maker Faire, nature hikes, an airshow, etc.
    When we have events, we will provide transportation (or help if you can drive) and organize things. We do generally ask you to pay for the entrance fees.

Do I need to register?
    We would like to get some contact info so we can keep in touch. We never give this information out to marketing folks, so it's safe. We hope to have a new online system by the fall.

Do I have to pay a fee?
    We do not collect a fee to attend our conversational english class.

Is there a meal served?
    Yes, there are meals served and they are served at the beginning of the lesson time, so come early. Volunteers provide the meals, and we have never left people hungry.

How many people usually come?
    We scale greatly, from 5-30++ students. This isn't class! We organize around tables so there's always 6-8 people that you interact with.

I'm not a UT student, can I come?
    Our conversational english program is geared for those that know english (passed TOFEL to get into university), but want to become more fluent and have that practice with local folks. We know that attending regularily will help you speak better in general.
    Our core audience is graduate and undergratuate students, so we tailor the lessons to that crowd.

This is not a UT Publication