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Students who participate in the LACE program often have certain expectations. It’s very important to be clear from the beginning what your expectations are.
Students who participate in the LACE program often have certain expectations. It’s very important to be clear from the beginning what your expectations are.
As soon as you get your partner’s name and contact information, please try to follow these guidelines as they will help you have a more satisfying partnership.
As soon as you get your partner’s name and contact information, please try to follow these guidelines as they will help you have a more satisfying partnership.
Contact your partner within 24-48 hours of getting his or her name.
You can meet in person or through Zoom.
Before your first meeting, give very specific descriptions of yourselves. Wearing something colorful is a good idea if meeting in person.
For your first in-person meeting, partners are strongly encouraged to meet at the Student Union. Agree to wait for each other only for 15 minutes. Please be courteous and do not be late!
Be on time for your appointments! If you cannot make the appointment, be sure to contact your partner right away to reschedule! Do not leave them hanging!
Make it a point to agree on what your meetings will be about. Do you want to focus on casual conversation or language tutoring? Both partners must agree the arrangement.
Stick with your commitments and try to meet at least once a week during the semester. In some cases, it may take a couple of times to develop a good relationship. If you are not sure what to talk about, contact the LACE Coordinator for ideas.
Speak slowly and clearly. Ask for clarification often. Native speakers speak much faster than they realize. This and using a lot of slang makes it very difficult for a non-native speaker.
Don’t assume that just because your partner nods his or her head in agreement, that he/she understood. Give him or her some time to get clarification by repeating or summarizing what you said in his or her own words. Take time to listen and allow your partner time to get their idea out. It also helps to have a piece of paper for you to use to write down anything that may be unclear (or use the chat feature of Zoom).
Make every effort to respect and appreciate your partner's perspective. Ask questions. Be curious, but be courteous.
Please Don’t(!):
Please Don’t(!):
Do not ask your partner to do your homework!
Do not use this program as a dating service!
Do not be afraid to say you would prefer not to discuss a topic that makes you uncomfortable.
Do not let your partner down! If circumstances prevent you from participating after you have begun, let the LACE Coordinator know right away!
It is our hope that you and your partner will better appreciate each other’s cultures and that you will become friends!
It is our hope that you and your partner will better appreciate each other’s cultures and that you will become friends!
Content and information adapted from DeAnza College Cross-Cultural Partners Program.
Terms and conditions may be updated without advanced notice.
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