INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS

English-in-Action

Volunteers Needed All Year Long!

For International Visitors: To practice English and learn about American culture come by during office hours to register with the program.
For Volunteers: Help international visitors and their families improve their English conversational skills and understanding of American life. While foreign partners gain valuable practice speaking English, you can meet people from other cultures and build friendships.

English In Action Program (EIA): Volunteer tutors meet with one or more international partners at least one hour each week to converse casually, increasing participants’ competency in the English language. These meetings can take place at your convenience. To sign-up, stop by during office hours, Tuesdays & Wednesdays 10am-3pm, call (510) 843- 9716 or e-mail to eia@ywca-berkeley.org.

English-in-Action (EIA) is part of a nationwide program in which volunteers give their time to tutoring University of California students and visiting scholars in English on a one-to-one basis. Their family members and also students at UC Berkeley Extension meet with a volunteer in small groups of 2 to 5 participants. Students attending adult school and local community colleges may apply, as well, but cannot be given priority. Students attending private language schools and immigrants are not eligible because there are not enough volunteers available.

The program is entirely staffed by volunteers who serve freely and without pay. Both visitors and volunteers benefit from this association. Visitors benefit by increasing their proficiency in English and their understanding of the American way of life. Volunteers enjoy the fulfillment that comes from providing someone with an invaluable skill and the unique opportunity to know someone from another culture. Both visitors and volunteers alike form a special relationship based on mutual respect and learning.

This program is free to all foreign members with a one-year membership in the YWCA (of $15). The following are the responsibilities of both visitors and volunteers:

• Weekly conversation practice for one hour, any day and time suitable to you and your partner. Meetings can take place any day of the week.
• Regular attendance at weekly sessions and the courtesy of phoning or e-mailing in advance, whenever possible, if unable to attend.
• Bringing the program to the attention of other potential volunteers and students.
• Prompt notification to your partner and to the English In Action (EIA) office of any change of address or contact information.
• Foreign partners must be YWCA members at a cost of $15 per person per year. This money goes to the YWCA, which supports the administrative costs of the English In Action program. This must be paid upon registration. Beyond this, the program is free.

The Centre

Drop by Thursday mornings, 9:30AM to 12PM in the Auditorium.
Click here for more information

Attention international visitors, spouses and children! Explore the cultural and recreational resources of Berkeley and California. The Centre provides programs and resources for international visitors, allowing them to meet people of other cultures and become comfortable in their new community. The Centre, organized by volunteers of the University Section Club, meets on Thursday mornings. Stop by the YWCA to pick up a complete schedule with descriptions.