Welcome to our Volunteer Community!

Thank you for your interest in joining the English Chat Program!

This program offers a unique opportunity for volunteers like you to make a positive impact by helping others improve their English-speaking skills while sharing your own experiences and learning from one another. When you help students speak English with confidence, it increases their probability of being hired by U.S. companies and getting promoted.  

No matter your experience level, your contribution is invaluable to us. Our website is designed to provide everything you need to jump right in, including helpful training materials and strategies for impactful conversations with students from all over the world.  

What is the purpose of English Chat? 

The purpose of English Chat is to empower students in their pursuit of better employment opportunities through casual one-on-one 30-minute conversation sessions with dedicated volunteers like you. As an English Chat volunteer, you'll engage with international BYU-Pathway Worldwide students who are balancing entry-level jobs while focusing on their studies, helping them enhance their professional communication skills.  

These sessions create an inviting and low-pressure environment where students can practice their English-speaking skills. Your support is vital as they build confidence and make progress in their language abilities.  

Our goal is to ensure that students can express themselves clearly and acquire the level of English that American companies value in a candidate. Join us in making a meaningful difference in their journey! 

Frequently Asked Questions:  

Do I need to be a teacher to become a Volunteer? 

You don't need to be a professional English teacher to make a difference as a volunteer. Our students are already proficient enough to participate in BYU-Pathway classes; they simply need practice speaking so that they can be understood by potential employers. Your positivity, encouragement and feedback will play a huge role in their progress and confidence. 

What is my role as an English Chat volunteer? 

• Create a friendly and welcoming environment to encourage open conversations  

• Use clear communication skills to help conversation flow naturally  

• Listen carefully and engage with others to keep conversations lively  

• Give helpful feedback to improve participants' contributions 

• Offer sincere encouragement to build confidence and motivation 

What is the time commitment required for this opportunity?  

As an English Chat volunteer, the time commitment is entirely voluntary and can be tailored to fit your schedule. You have the flexibility to choose when and how many hours you want to dedicate to this opportunity. 

Is there a minimum number of hours I need to volunteer each week?  

No, there is no minimum requirement. You can contribute as much or as little time as you feel comfortable with, and you can pick the days and times that work best for you. There is no maximum limit of hours. However, we encourage volunteers to maintain a balance that suits their personal schedules. 

Can I change my availability as needed? 

Yes, you can adjust your volunteer hours or availability at any time to accommodate your other commitments. 

What do I need to do to be a volunteer? 

• Have or Create a Google Account (Calendar) 

• Set Up a Google Appointment Schedule with your availability - We will assist you with this step. 

• Have a smartphone, tablet, or laptop/notebook with a webcam for video calls.  

• Audio Equipment: A headset with a microphone is recommended for better sound quality, but it is not required.