Oakland Community College’s Conversation Partner Program helps non-native speakers build confidence, fluency and connection, while giving native speakers a broader global perspective.

Partners

Participants in Conversation Partner Program (left to right) Sylvia Medlen, Golam Farouqui and Daria Martinkus.

Designed to complement OCC’s English as a Second Language (ESL) program, the volunteer Conversation Partner Program pairs non-native English speakers with native speakers for informal weekly conversations, either in-person or online. There’s no set curriculum or testing—just real conversation. The relaxed format creates space for participants to practice English, explore cultural differences and form meaningful relationships. 
 
Launched in 2019 and co-led by ESL Faculty member Sarah Lemelin and English Faculty member Sharon Korth, the volunteer program serves approximately 75 to 100 non-native students each Fall and Winter semester. Native-speaking partners include OCC students, faculty and staff. While the program does not offer academic credit, some instructors provide extra credit for participation. 
 
Built on comfort and connection 
 
“The program has no set curriculum, which immediately creates a level of comfort,” Lemelin said. “Participants have fun learning together. Non-native speakers gain confidence, and native speakers expand their global awareness.” 
 
Conversation partners arrange weekly meetings and choose their own discussion topics. 

According to Korth, the program plays an important role in helping non-native students feel welcome and supported. Korth noted that many non-native speakers are new to the U.S.

“Creating a personal connection with a native speaker helps them feel more settled,” she said. “At the same time, native speakers gain eye-opening insights into other cultures. Participants often leave with new friendships and a deeper understanding of one another.” 
 
A volunteer’s perspective 
 
Sylvia Medlen, who studied Italian at OCC, has partnered with several students in the program. She encourages them to speak freely without the fear of making mistakes, offering gentle corrections and alternative vocabulary to build confidence.  
 
“Their hesitation disappears quickly,” Medlen said. “It’s incredibly rewarding to see them become more comfortable sharing their thoughts, experiences and cultures.”  
 
For Medlen, the most valuable outcome has been the friendships she’s formed that continue beyond the semester through calls, texts and going on outings together.

“As culturally diverse as the students are, we’re all similar in many ways,” Medlen said. “There’s far more that connects us than separates us. They’ve become incredible friends.” 
 
Student voices 
 
Daria Martinkus grew up in Moldova before spending 15 years in Germany. She came to the U.S. when her husband’s employer transferred him and began taking ESL classes at OCC. 
 
“In ESL classes, I think carefully about everything I say,” Martinkus said. “In the conversation program, I feel less pressured and can make mistakes and learn from them. It’s good to feel that I’m not alone.”  
 
Golam Farouqui, an automobile servicing student from Bangladesh, joined the program to improve his fluency and build friendships. He is an F-1 (visa) student and plans to return home after completing his studies to open his own automobile servicing center.  
 
“Our group has taken special outings to local restaurants and visited a farmer’s market together. We share our experiences and things from our daily lives,” he said. “I’ve improved my English and made special friends.”  
 
Xiaoqian (Penny) Peng, a native of China, is studying music theory at OCC. She moved to the U.S. with her husband, who is from the U.S. Although she previously studied English, she found real-life conversation challenging and enrolled in the ESL and conversation partner programs to strengthen her confidence.  
 
““I speak English with my husband, but it’s different speaking with others,” Peng said. “I used to be afraid of making mistakes. It’s been helpful to practice with different people. Now I’m much more confident.” 
 
For Peng, that confidence recently led to a milestone—speaking English on the phone with someone outside her family for the first time, for this interview.

“It’s a great feeling,” she said. “I usually don’t answer the phone,” Peng said. “Now, I feel more comfortable. The program has given me freedom to express myself and my ideas. It’s a great feeling.” 
 
Learn more and get involved 
 
Visit OCC’s Conversation Partner Program online to learn more and get matched with a conversation partner.  

About OCC    
Oakland Community College (OCC) has empowered individuals through education since 1965. Serving more than 20,000 students annually, OCC offers 80+ degree and certificate programs, workforce training and community education programs with flexible class options, low tuition, robust services, and top transfer opportunities. Ranked Michigan’s top online college and seventh nationally by Newsweek’s America’s Top Online Colleges 2025, OCC delivers education that drives opportunity, workforce growth and community impact. Learn more at oaklandcc.edu. 

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