Two female students speaking over a table with a book open

USpeak — Language sharing program

USpeak is a language sharing program open to all degree-seeking students, international or domestic, that currently attend UCalgary.

- Practice your target language at Conversation Tables

- Become a coach in a language you know

- Join social events throughout the semester

- Meet people from different backgrounds

Choose your USpeak Role

Participants

  • Who they are: Students who want to practice a language they already have an intermediate level in. Ideally you can hold a basic conversation in this language.
  • What they do:
    • Practice the language of your choice in informal conversation tables
      • Improve confidence and fluency through consistent conversation
      • Connect with others who share your interest in the language
      • Join Culture Connects social events
  • Time Commitment:
    • Attend the USpeak Welcome Event
    • Join at least 4 conversation tables (1 per month; more if you like)
    • Submit a final feedback and reflection form at the end of each semester
  • Why join:
    • Improve your confidence in real conversations
    • Connect socially across languages and cultures
    • Fulfill language course cultural participation requirements
    • Enjoy a flexible, low‑pressure environment with other students

Join as a Participant

Language Coaches

  • Who they are: Students who are fluent or highly proficient in a language and want to support others in practising it.
  • What they do:
    • Host conversation tables
      • Offer encouragement, conversation prompts, and constructive feedback
      • Connect with a community of students passionate about the same language
      • Take part in Culture Connects social events throughout the semester
  • Time Commitment:
    • Attend one USpeak Coach Training session
    • Attend the USpeak Welcome Event
    • Facilitate at least 4 conversation tables per semester (1 per month; more if you'd like)
    • Submit a final feedback and reflection form at the end of each semester
    • Language Coaches volunteer for the full academic year. However, you can opt out after the first semester if other commitments arise, making it possible for exchange students to participate.
  • Why join:
    • Leadership & facilitation experience
    • Cultural exchange opportunity
    • Fulfill language course cultural participation requirements
    • Earn a UCalgary Digital Badge

Join as a Language Coach

Schedule

Click below to find upcoming times in your language of interest!

Please note that offered languages vary by semester and are based on coach availability.

International Student Services

After you submit your application

  • You will be able to come to the USpeak Welcome event taking place at the beginning of the term. This is a fun opportunity to meet and socialize with other students and language coaches. Language coach volunteers will be there to support you and to answer your language-related questions.
  • If you have questions about the program, email uspeak@ucalgary.ca or stop by the International Student Services office at MSC 275.

Frequently Asked Questions

Not at all! For coaches, we ask that you are fluent or highly proficient in the language you are coaching. For participants, as long as you can hold a basic conversation, you’re welcome to join the conversation tables.

No. While regular practice is recommended for the best improvement in your conversational language skills, you’re only required to attend once per month and may join as often as weekly.

Offered languages vary by term and are based on coach availability. Registered participants will receive an email with the list of available languages and the conversation table schedule for the term.

Conversation tables and social events only take place during the fall and winter semesters. Participants can sign up anytime during the academic year (Sep-Apr). Language Coach recruitment only happens in the weeks leading up to the fall and winter semesters.

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