English Conversation Groups
Join English Conversation Groups on WesternLife to keep up to date with our events in Autumn 2026.
About the program
English Conversation Groups (ECG) are run by trained student volunteers in a fun and friendly environment. The program consists of eight, weekly, one-hour sessions during Autumn and Spring sessions.
Why participate?
ECG aims to assist international students and local students from a non-English speaking background to develop:
- confidence in English conversation
- a friendship network and cross-cultural understanding
- knowledge of Australian slang and presentation skills
- a greater understanding of the University
Why facilitate?
ECG facilitation will challenge student volunteers and allow them to gain:
- leadership skills
- new friends and greater involvement in university life
- credit for ten hours of volunteer work (a requirement of the TESOL course and The Academy)
- a certificate of completion
- BEHV3026 Service Learning - utilise your experience as a volunteer with ECG for your civic engagement placement for this subject.
Participants and facilitators will also be invited to an end-of-session Peer Programs Celebration where they’ll be in the running to win prizes.
How do I Join?
Join the program via WESTERN Life (Western log in required). You're in!
Email any queries to ecg@westernsydney.edu.au
Testimonials
"I really loved it. Being a management student, facilitating helped me to develop leadership skills relevant to my course." (Facilitator Spring, 2018)
"Becoming a facilitator helped me to improve my confidence… It’s rewarding to have this sort of contact with other students." (Facilitator Spring, 2018)
"I don’t feel lost anymore." (Participant Spring, 2018)
"The program successfully engages international students with non-English speaking backgrounds. (It) helps to improve confidence in speaking, effective communication, groupwork and discussion skills." (Participant Spring, 2018)
"As an international student who doesn’t have many friends in this country, this was a great opportunity to make new friends and practise presentation skills. We got to meet people from other courses too." (Participant Spring, 2018)