The International Ambassadors at Drew are a group of students whose mission is to facilitate collaboration between domestic and international students through programs, workshops and International Orientation. One program that the group takes pride in is Conversation Partners.
“The Conversation Partners Program pairs English-speaking students who are fluent in English, can be domestic or international, with international students studying the English language to assist them in practicing and progressing with their language skills,” said Club Leader Leah Wandera (T’22).
Raised in Kenya, Wandera received her B.S. in Project Planning and Management in 2016 from Moi University in Kenya. After working for many companies in project management, she found herself drawn to social justice issues and wanted to get more involved. She is now pursuing a Master of Divinity in Social Justice Advocacy at the Theological School.
The program pairs each international student with an English speaking student based on similar interests, personalities and goals. This partnership also allows students to create friendships while honing their English skills.
“Having the opportunity to be a part of the conversation partners program allowed me to meet a new student and learn more about their culture,” said Bri Rooks (’22). “It is a great program and is a form of mentorship that goes both ways.”
Meetings between Conversation Partners are held once a week for eight weeks during either the spring or fall semesters. Partners are guided through different topics or issues that are practical to the students’ learning.
“Although there is a program guide that guides the students, after the initial training for all the partners, the Conversation Partners do have the liberty and the responsibility to arrange a mutually agreeable time and space (Zoom for those online and Tilghman House for those in person) to meet,” said Wandera.
The Conversation Partners Program always welcomes new faces and hopes to promote collaboration between students of all backgrounds on campus. For more information on how to become a member of this program, contact lwandera@drew.edu.
