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The PALS Program

What is the PALS program ?

The "PALS: Partnerships to Advance Language Study" Program was established in 1993 to facilitate language and culture exhcnage between international and American community members at UT. Currently PALS operates as a student organization sponsored by the UT International Office. Each year we receive around 800 applications (fall, spring, and summer semesters); our members include UT students, faculty, staff, alumni, visiting scholars, and their spouses. When we match people we take into consideration their language/ culture preferences, hobbies, age, and gender.

What does a PAL do?

A PAL meets with their match for at least one hour each week throughout the semester. This hour is spent practing language, sharing cultural stories/ experiences, touring the campus, or just socializing and meeting other friends. To ease the tension of a first meeting and for those PALS both matched and not matched the coordinators provide a cool social setting with Friday activities to allow the PAL new opportunities to meet other people.

How to apply for the program ?

Currently, our online application is under construction therefore in order to apply we suggest:

1. Email us at pals@uts.cc.utexas.edu and we can send you an application via internet to fill out,

2. Stop by our office located 600 West 24th Street, Wooldridge Hall (the little building east of WOH) and pick up a paper application while being able to get acquainted with one of our many fun coordinators, or

3. Attend the 'Welcome Orientation' where there will be plenty of applications to fill out and new people to meet.

The PALS program brings together international students and American students at the University of Texas at Austin for the purposes of cultural exchange and to practice conversation skills. Normally, we match one international student with one American (UT) student. In addition, this program offers a semester full of activities that typically take place every Friday from 5-6:30pm. The activities include, but are not limited to coffee hours, movie nights, happy hours, picnics, potlucks, and bowling nights. These activies are great opportunities for our members to meet with each other, practice their language skills, or learn about their culture of interest. Check our website for a list of activies scheduled this semester. The PALS coordinators would like to help you have the best experience possible. Please let us know of any questions or concerns you may have.

For more information about the PALS program, please contact a PALS Coordinator at 512-471-2348 or feel free to email us at pals@uts.cc.utexas.edu

 

 

The English Corner

The English Corner program affiliated with the Intercultural Programs of the International Office is designed to provide a comfortable/ relaxed atmosphere to practice conversational skills. This program was originally created to help build fluency and confidence in the English language, but now with the help of international students we are proud to have established conversational groups, including a variety of languages, such as Chinese, Spanish, French, and German. This program is absolutely free however we require strict attendance for both the facilitator and participants.

What is the corner program?

The corner program is a commitment for one hour each week, in which the facilitator (a native speaker of the language chosen) is responsible for leading and guiding conversation amongst a group of 4-5 participants. This program is not meant as a lecture or tutor session, it is supposed to supplement any sort of schooling in the language one may already be receiving. We encourage all groups to practice speaking in an informal and enjoyable setting on or near campus. The facilitator will decide upon the day, time, and location of the corner when they apply. The participant will then choose the corner they like best.

How to apply for the program?

If you wish to be either a participant or facilitator, please fill out an application by stopping by our office (located 600 West 24th Street, next to WOH) or email us at englishcorner@austin.utexas.edu. Once an application is received it typically is about three weeks into the semester when you should receive an email to stop by the office and sign up for a corner that best fits your schedule. Depending how many facilitators there are then the more flexible times we will be able to offer. Remember, it is important to come to the office and choose a corner as soon as possible because they usually fill up rather quickly.


For more information about the Corner program, please contact a PALS Coordinator at 512-471-2348 or feel free to email us at englishcorner@austin.utexas.edu.