We’re thrilled to have you join us in this exciting opportunity to improve your English conversation skills. This section is designed to help you get started, understand what to expect, and ensure that all participants feel comfortable, respected, and supported.
Please take a few minutes to review the guidelines below before scheduling your first session. Following these expectations will help make each conversation a safe and productive learning experience for both you and your volunteer.
To ensure you never miss a session, please make sure that your time zone is properly set in your calendar.
Go to Google Calendar
👉 https://calendar.google.com/
Click the gear icon ⚙️ (top right corner)
Then select “Settings.”
3. Scroll down to the “Time Zone” section (on the left-hand panel).
4. Check your current time zone
Make sure it matches your local time zone. You can use the following image to help you find and select your time zone
You can watch the following video tutorial: Converting time from MST/MDT to local time
Or use the app World Time Buddy
5. Enable "Ask to update my time zone" This option will automatically update your time zone if you move between countries or regions.
6. Click "Save" or just close the settings — it auto-saves!
Open the Google Calendar app.
Tap the three lines (≡) in the top-left corner.
Scroll down and tap Settings.
Choose General > Use device time zone.
If you want to select manually, turn off "Use device time zone", then choose your time zone manually.
Currently, you are permitted 1 session per week. This helps ensure that everyone has an equal opportunity to improve their English skills. Make sure to select a time and day when you are sure you can attend. Please note that this may change in the future, so stay tuned for any updates regarding session limits.
Follow these simple steps to book your English Chat appointment:
Go to the English Chat Scheduling site
Click on any volunteer’s name.
You will be redirected to that volunteer's personal booking page.
Choose the day and time that works best for you.
Fill out the booking form completely.
You’ll be asked to provide the following:
Your full name
Your email address
Your BYU-Pathway Student ID#
A discussion topic (e.g., travel, hobbies, or career goals)
🆔 Note: Your BYU-Pathway Student ID# is an 8-digit number beginning with 1, 2, or 3. You can find it by logging into your BYU-Pathway portal.
Go to: My Profile → My Information → Student ID
Click the “Reserve” button to confirm your appointment.
After booking, both you and the volunteer will receive a confirmation email with the Google Meet link for the session.
The session will also appear in your Google Calendar.
You can join the meeting by:
Clicking the link in your confirmation email
OR
Opening your Google Calendar and clicking on the scheduled appointment
During your sessions, the use of AI assistants (like Otter AI or similar tools) is not permitted. The goal of these sessions is to improve your English communication skills through real, human interaction. Using AI tools can interfere with this goal, and we want to make sure you’re learning to communicate directly with your volunteer. Furthermore, it’s important to avoid situations in which privacy of both students and volunteers might be compromised. Here’s a video tutorial on how to disable this option from Google Meet.
It's important to maintain a professional and respectful attitude during your sessions. Here are some things to keep in mind:
Respectful Comments: Do not make comments on your volunteer's appearance or personal life. These can be uncomfortable and are not appropriate for the session.
No Personal Private Topics: Please avoid discussing personal private issues such as marital problems, family disputes, or anything unrelated to improving your English. This helps maintain a positive and focused environment.
Respect Boundaries: Volunteers are here to help you with language learning, not to assist with job applications, personal advice, or other non-educational matters. Asking for job assistance or discussing your personal issues during the session is inappropriate.
No Social Contact Outside of Sessions: For both your privacy and the volunteer’s, please do not contact them for social purposes outside of the scheduled session time. Keep all communication professional and related to the program.