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Language Partners

The Role of Your Language Partner

Through SILS, you have a unique opportunity to practice your developing language skills by meeting regularly with a native speaker, either individually or as part of a small group. In order to take full advantage of this opportunity, you must understand that your language partner is not a teacher - they are not expected to introduce new content, engage in discussions about grammar, grade homework, or give tests. The purpose of your practice sessions is to review and receive correction on the material you have studied on your own.

Participate actively during practice sessions. Among other things, your language partner has been told to:

  • check that you have mastered the assigned content
  • ask you to keep your books closed as much as possible
  • have you engage in repetition and drill exercises
  • ask you to refrain from using English
  • provide as much feedback and correction as possible
  • plan sessions so that you are speaking the majority of the time
Refrain from asking your language partner for grammatical explanations. Your practice sessions are an opportunity to speak in the language, not about the language; meta-linguistic discussions undermine this goal. If you have a question about grammar, feel free to consult the SILS director for help.

Interested in Becoming a Language Partner?

Before you can be hired as a SILS language partner, you will need to

  1. Provide documentation that you are eligible to receive wages in the United States
  2. Sign a contract indicating that you are committed to fulfilling your responsibilities for the entire semester
Language Partner Application