Joining one of CELOP’s many clubs and activities is a great way to practice your English, meet new people, and make friends. CELOP’s Student Engagement Specialist arranges regular events, celebrations and activities, many of which are free or low-cost for CELOP students.
Examples of CELOP activities:
- International potlucks: bringing traditional foods from your country and sharing one big meal
- Celebrating U.S. holidays, Lunar New Year, Eid, and other international holidays
- Attending sporting events around BU and Boston, such as BU Hockey, the Boston Red Sox, Boston Celtics, and other major Boston sports teams
- Playing soccer, ping-pong, basketball, and other sports at BU’s Fitness and Recreation Center (FitRec)
- Seasonal activities such as Halloween fairs in the fall, ice-skating in winter, cheering on Boston Marathon runners in the spring, and whale-watching and beach trips in the summer
- Exploring Boston through a variety of organized events and suggestions. See the Living in Boston page for more!
Conversation Partner Program
As a CELOP student, you have many opportunities to practice your English outside of the classroom. Our Conversation Partner Program matches you with English speakers who are students and members of the Boston University community. Matches are made based on language requested, age, and interests. Once matched, partners decide where and when to meet. Meetings are typically one hour per week, though Conversation Partners decide when, where, and how often it works best for them to meet. The only request is that you and your partner spend at least half of your time speaking in English.
The goal of the Conversation Partner Program is to provide you with the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of other cultures through discussion with a peer.
Apply for a Conversation Partner
- This program is for CELOP students (English language learners) to be matched with BU students who are fluent in English.
- CELOP students should not use Conversation Partners for homework help.
- The program is only offered during the fall and spring terms. It is not available during summer term or interim periods.
- CELOP will try to match you with a partner, but cannot guarantee a match based on language partner availability or language requested.
CELOP Students Apply For a Conversation Partner
BU Students Apply for a CELOP Conversation Partner
BU Clubs & Activities
CELOP students are able to join a wide range of clubs and organizations offered to all Boston University students. Joining a club or attending a BU-wide activity is a great opportunity for CELOP students to make new friends, practice English, and take advantage of all that BU has to offer. Examples of activities CELOP students have attended are:
- SPLASH clubs fair
- BU campus formals
- BU sports games & Beanpot Hockey Tournament
- Dining Hall Celebrity Chef Series
- BU Symphony Orchestra performances
- Grammys watch party
- BU spring concert
- TEDxBU
- BU Wellness Week