Arts English Conversation Club
The Arts English Conversation Club (AECC) is run and managed by the Faculty of Arts, Undergraduate Student Services staff.
Are you an undergraduate student at the University of Alberta hoping to improve your English conversation skills? Are you looking to make new friends in Canada, but don't know where to start?
Become a member of the Faculty of Arts English Conversation Club (AECC) - it's FREE! All you have to do is drop-in and attend one of our upcoming sessions. Got questions? Contact us at econvo@ualberta.ca
Winter 2024 Sessions
- Wednesdays from 4 - 4:50 p.m. | H.M. Tory Building T 1-108
- Thursdays from 2 -2:50 p.m. | H.M. Tory Building T 1-113
Who are we?
The Arts English Conversation Club (AECC) provides UAlberta undergraduate students enrolled in the Faculty of Arts opportunities to practice English conversation, develop international friendships, and prepare for future Canadian employment opportunities and other aspects of Canadian Life.
AECC conversation sessions allow members to practice spoken English in a small group setting with two fluent English-speaking facilitators. And AECC is FREE!
AECC is run and managed by the Faculty of Arts, Undergraduate Student Services.
Why Join AECC?
Becoming more confident and comfortable with using the English language has many benefits that will contribute to your success in university and beyond. Writing term papers, working with professors, developing new friendships, and successfully answering questions in a job interview are just some of the ways in which stronger English skills can help you.
Practicing and becoming confident in English conversation can not only help with your academic performance but can also lead to employment opportunities when you graduate!
Eligibility
Any current undergraduate UAlberta student, registered in a Faculty of Arts degree program, is eligible. Domestic students and international students alike are welcome to join.
Unfortunately, Open Studies and Graduate students are not eligible to join the AECC, but may consider participating in University of Alberta International's English Conversation Club
AECC MEMBER BENEFITS
- Become more confident and comfortable with using the English language
- Practice, develop, and advance English conversation skills / vocabulary in a comfortable environment with other members and fluent English facilitators
- Develop international friendships
- Prepare for potential employment (eg, job interviews, networking, resume building, working with professors in grad school)
- Become involved with the university student community
Other Supports Offered
- Active participation in a specified number of conversation sessions per semester will be recognized by a formal Letter of Acknowledgment from the Faculty of Arts at one of our Acknowledgment Ceremonies.
- AECC members can achieve different levels of participation and Letters of Acknowledgment based on the following criteria
- Level One Participated in 10 Sessions
- Level Two Participated in 20 Sessions
- Level Three Participated in 30 Sessions
- Level Four Participated in 40 Sessions; Co-facilitated one session
- AECC level 4 holders will become AECC Ambassadors and receive a Record of Completion
- Social Events
- Fun social events for club members will take place throughout the year to make new friends and be part of the University of Alberta student community
- Volunteer Opportunities
- Receive volunteer hours from the AECC and gain transferable skills!
- University Partnerships
- The AECC partners with different university organizations to provide members with diverse learning experiences including, University of Alberta Career Center, International Student Services, and various organizations.
Member Testimonials
From the previous Economics English Conversation Club (EECC)
"Before I joined EECC, I didn't communicate with many people especially native English speakers ... the more sessions I attended, the more comfortable and confident I became."
— Wujun Han, EECC Ambassador
"From EECC, I gained so many friends with the same hobbies and interests. It hasn't just provided a chance to practice English conversation skills, but has also changed my lifestyle and helped me make friends."
— Steve Lee, EECC Ambassador
SESSION INFORMATION
When and Where are Conversation Club Sessions?
Winter 2024 Weekly Sessions:
- Wednesdays from 4 - 4:50 p.m. | H.M. Tory Building T 1-108
- Thursdays from 2 -2:50 p.m. | H.M. Tory Building T 1-113
Week 1 - January 18: New Year's Resolutions
Week 2 - Wednesday, January 24 + Thursday, January 25: Volunteering and Careers
Week 3 - Wednesday, January 31 + Thursday, February 1: Things You Can't Live Without
Week 4 - Wednesday, February 7 + Thursday, February 8: Lunar New Year/Traditions
Week 5 - Wednesday, February 14 + Thursday, February 15: Interpersonal Relationships
Week 6 - Wednesday, February 21 + Thursday, February 22: Reading Week - No Sessions
Week 7 - Wednesday, February 28 + Thursday, February 29: Reading Week Activities
Week 8 - Wednesday, March 6 + Thursday, March 7: Hobbies and Interests
Week 9 - Wednesday, March 13 + Thursday, March 14: Games
Week 10 - Wednesday, March 20 + Thursday, March 21: Music and Podcasts
Week 11 - Wednesday, March 27 + Thursday, March 28: Travel
Week 12 - Wednesday, April 3 + Thursday, April 4: Reflection on the School Year
Week 13 - April 10: AECC end of year event