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English in Action -- FAQ

1. How many internationals request an EIA partner?

About 250 a year. Some years more, rarely less.

2. Are we able to meet the demand?

No. As the year progresses we always seem to be behind in making matches, and for some matches it's harder to find suitable partners. We need to find folks with compatible schedules and interests. People with flexibility are easier to match.

3. Do you do any recruiting for new partners?

Yes. Last year about thirty new partners responded to advertisements posted in the volunteer section of the local papers. Friends recommended another fifteen or so. In one church, a new minister was a great recruiter when he announced to his congregation that they ought to give some of their time for world peace. Six volunteers resulted from his effort. We had nothing to do with it, but it was helpful.

4. Do we recycle partners?

You bet. One volunteer, who first volunteered in 1974, has gotten to know about forty professionals now scattered all over the world.

5. How long is an EIA partnership?

One year. Let's say from October to August. In truth, partners are very reluctant to let go of each other. The weekly meeting becomes a social activity that is hard to give up--especially when it's with someone you like. In many cases, EIA partnerships become friendships that don't require a weekly meeting. Then the volunteer is available to meet with a new international who is just as eager to become fluent in English.

6. Does CCIS provide training?

Yes. We hold a morning workshop in early October and another on an evening in February. We also have a handbook for volunteers. This is not a tutorial program. We require that the volunteer be fluent in English, that they have lived long enough in the American culture to serve as a guide, and that they be interested in people.

7. How should I make contact with my partner?

By email or phone. Email is easier for people unsure of English. Briefly introduce yourself and propose a meeting time and place. A public place like the I-Center is ideal.

8. What if I don't reach my partner?

Give us a call. In a few instances, people never meet because the numbers or addresses have changed or were wrong in the first place. Giving up in frustration is not the answer. Calling the office would be better. We'll try to make it right. Please remember that we are volunteers too--our memory doesn't always behave the way we want it to. Sometimes we just make dumb mistakes. If we forget, call us back.

9. How can I prepare for that first meeting?

You can bring along some snapshots of your home and family, if you like. That's a nice icebreaker, and people from other countries are immensely curious about our homes. Invite them to bring their own photos to the next meeting. Try to talk less and listen more. At the first meeting, discuss some general rules.

1. How are the partners going to communicate with each other if something comes up in the week and the appointment must be broken? Nobody likes being stood up.
2. How does the international want to be corrected if they make a mistake in English? You don't want to disrupt conversation by incessant interruptions. It's a judgment call.
3. Your role as a volunteer: To be a conversation partner and an interpreter of American language and culture. Most of us are not qualified as tutors of English as a Second Language, nor are we a spokesperson for the U.S. government or recruiting agents for a particular faith or political group. In answering questions, we can share our personal opinions--especially if they are identified as such.
4. The only topics that are off-limits are those that make an individual uncomfortable. Either partner is free to say when that has occurred.