Economics English Conversation Club

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' Economics English Conversation Club (EECC) - it's FREE!

Note: You will need to first register for an account in order to see the calendar and sign up for your sessions.

Got questions? Contact us at econvo@ualberta.ca

Who are we?

We are a Faculty of Arts club that provides UAlberta undergraduate students opportunities to practice English conversation, develop international friendships, and prepare for future Canadian employment opportunities and other aspects of Canadian Life.

Funded by the Department of Economics, EECC conversation sessions allow members to practice spoken English in a small group setting with two fluent English-speaking facilitators. And EECC is FREE!

Why Join EECC?

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 degree program, who has taken at least one Economics class at the University of Alberta is eligible to become an EECC member. Domestic students and international students alike are welcome to join this club. Unfortunately, Open Studies and Graduate students are not eligible to join the EECC, but may consider participating in University of Alberta International's English Conversation Club

EECC 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 Department of Economics at one of our Acknowledgment Ceremonies.
  • EECC 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
      • EECC level 4 holders will become EECC Ambassadors and receive a Record of Completion
Note: Members are welcome to attend as many sessions per week as they would like; however, only two sessions per week will be counted toward their session requirement for certificate levels.

  • 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 EECC and gain transferable skills!
  • University Partnerships
    • The EECC 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

"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?

Fall 2022 Weekly Sessions:

  • Winter 2023 Weekly Sessions:

    • Tuesdays from 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. 
    • Wednesdays from 4:00 -5:00 p.m. 

    All sessions will take place in Humanties Centre (HC) 2-37

    Week 1 - January 17 + 18: Goals for 2023

    Week 2 - January 24 + 25: Books and Reading

    Week 3 - January 31 + February 1: Modes of Transportation

    Week 4 - February 7 + 8: What Have You Learned in University?

    Week 5 - February 14 + 15: Work Ethic

    Week 6 - February 21 + 22: Reading Week - No Sessions

    Week 7 - February 28 + March 1: Music and Podcasts

    Week 8 - March 7 + 8: Games Week - Bring a Friend!

    Week 9 - March 14 + 15: Movies and TV Shows

    Week 10 - March 21 + 22: Relationships (Friendship and Dating)

    Week 11 - March 28 + 29: How Do You Spend Your Time?

    Week 12 - April 4 + 5: Cooking and Baking