The English Conversation Program is an 8-week series of group sessions designed to improve the English conversation skills of non-native speakers. UCLA international students, visiting scholars, and spouses of students and scholars are encouraged to enroll. Other benefits of ECP include meeting people from other countries and sharing global perspectives on world events and cultures.

The main purpose of the English Conversation Program is to build fluency in speaking English, to turn "passive knowledge" of the English language to "active knowledge." This means that if you are able to read and listen in English, then the English Conversation Program will help you use these skills to hold comfortable conversations in English.

Classes are held once a week, for two-hour sessions, usually beginning Week 2 and ending Week 9 of each quarter. There are two class levels offered. Students are encouraged to attend the first class of the level which they feel best suits them. If, after the first session, the student feels the class is too difficult or too easy, he or she may switch to another level during the second week of classes. Here are the basic descriptions of each level:

• Intermediate Level:
  These classes are designed for individuals who are at a functional level of English and want to improve their conversational skills through class activities and discussions. Students will increase their fluency in speaking English, expand their knowledge of vocabulary and common expressions, and improve their pronunciation.
  
  
• High Level:
  These classes are designed for individuals who are at an advanced level of English and want to further develop their conversational skills through class activities and in-depth discussions of current events and social issues. Students will improve their fluency in speaking English, gain a more native-like knowledge of conversational expressions and routines, and improve their pronunciation.

ECP classes are led by volunteers who have a sincere interest in meeting and working with international students. All course materials/handouts are provided by the teachers.

Class size will be determined by student enrollment. Classes that have low enrollment will be cancelled and those students will be moved to other classes. Students who fail to attend the first day of class will be automatically dropped unless alternate arrangements are made with the instructor or the ECP coordinator.

The registration fee is as follows:

  UCLA Students:

• Classes – Free
• Materials – Free

• Classes – $25 per section
• Materials – Free

If you feel that the ECP class that you registered for does not meet your needs, you may either switch to a different level or drop the class. The last day to switch or drop for the Fall Quarter will be October 9, 2009. No late registration will be accepted, as this causes class disruptions.

Continuing ECP participants must re-register each quarter.

Sarah E. Cohen, M.A.
ECP Coordinator
scohen@saonet.ucla.edu