Conversation Opportunities

Because English is not my first language, I study a lot. How can I improve my conversation skills when I study all the time?

Success means more than good grades. Studying all the time isn't healthy. Good health and happiness come from being physically and socially active. Making time for conversation is very important to your language development and your health.

If you're doing well in your classes, maybe you are studying more than necessary. Take the time to be involved in campus life in other ways. Here are some of the things you might do.

     1. Join a club or group. There are lots of student groups on campus where you can meet people, learn something, have fun, and develop friendships. Husson University has over 40 different clubs from the Accounting Society to the Ping Pong Club. See a list of those clubs here.

     2. Start a club or group. Think about what you want to do, find other people who want to do the same thing, and create a group. Husson may even provide you with some money for activities. At Husson University, you need at least five members and an advisor to start a group. Go to the Husson Student Affairs office for more information and an application.
     3. Take up a sport. Playing sports can be a great way to get a workout and to meet new people. During the school year at Husson, students participate in flag football, soccer, dodgeball, 3 on 3 basketball, floor hockey, voleyball, kickball, softball, and ultimate frisbee. Not good enough to make the team? Don't worry, these aren't the team sports, these are intramural sports. For more information on intramural sports at Husson, click here. 
     4. Go for a workout. Stay physically fit and meet workout buddies by participating in other fitness and outdoor activities on campus and off campus, by going to the gym, or swimming in the pool. For more information on those kinds of activities at Husson, click here.
     5. Participate in Student Life activities. Husson programs lots of entertainment and enrichment activities. For a calendar of upcoming activities where you can meet people and maybe make friends, click here.
     6. If you live off campus, look for groups, clubs, and activities off campus. There's a lot more happening in Bangor than there is at Husson. For a calendar of meetings, groups, etc. in Bangor, click here. For information on cultural institutions, activities, and events in Bangor and the surrounding area, click here.
     7. Lounge around. Go to the student union or a dorm lounge and hang around. Strike up a conversation with people you recognize. You might build a friendship this way. At Husson, the Furman Student Center and the Commons are great places to run into other people.
     8. Get a job or volunteer. Part-time jobs on campus or off campus are great ways to meet lots of different people and to practice your language skills. If your visa doesn't allow you to get a job, see if there are volunteer opportunities on campus or in the community. You might be able to help out in an office at school, or volunteer at an animal shelter, or other institution off campus.

If you're in danger of failing a class, studying less and socializing more may not be possible, but there are still things you can do.

     1. Visit your teacher for extra help. Not only will this help you understand the subject better, but talking to professors will improve your 'formal' conversation skills. 
     2. Find a study partner, or create a study group for your courses. Working with your peers on a regular basis (once or twice a week) gives you a chance to improve your understanding of the subject and to develop your 'casual' conversational skills. Also, you might make a good friends. If you like the people in your group, then suggest that you all go for coffee someday, or see a movie. 
     3. Go to class early if possible. When other students arrive, make small talk with them about your assignments, compliment them on their appearance, or find out more about who they are and what they do for fun.
     4. Ask your academic advisor if you can drop a course or withdraw. That will leave you with more time to work on your other classes and to develop your social skills using the resources above.

In addition to these situations, ask people you already know, like your roommates, residential assistant, and classmates, for ideas about good places to practice your conversation skills. Be honest. Tell them that you're don't have enough experience talking to people, and that you could use some help.