Speaking Group
Speaking Group welcomes American and international participants from the UNC campus and the local community. The group meets weekly when classes are in session to discuss topics of culture, university life, or language learning strategies and resources. Our goal is to create a comfortable space to converse in English, to share cultural perspectives, and to build global relationships in our local community.
Chapel Hill Community: Sign Up for the Speaking Group Email
We welcome members of the University and surrounding community. List members receive weekly suggested topics.
Spring Schedule & Locations
All speaking groups meet Fridays, 3-4 p.m. at the FedEx Global Education Center unless otherwise noted.
| Date | Location |
|---|---|
| Jan 12 | FedEx Global Education Center |
| Jan 19 | FedEx Global Education Center |
| Jan 26 | FedEx Global Education Center |
| Feb 2 | FedEx Global Education Center UNC-Duke Basketball & Groundhog Day |
| Feb 9 | FedEx Global Education Center Lunar New Year & the Super Bowl |
| Feb 16 | FedEx Global Education Center LOVE |
| Feb 23 | Field Trip!-ACKLAND ART MUSEUM |
| Mar 1 | FedEx Global Education Center Spring Break & Travel |
| Mar 8 | Field Trip!-CAROLINA BASKETBALL MUSEUM |
| Mar 15 | No Meeting-Spring Break |
| Mar 22 | FedEx Global Education Center Ramadan, Easter & Spring Holidays |
| Mar 29 | No Meeting-Holiday |
| Apr 5 | Field Trip!-COKER ARBORETUM |
| Apr 12 | FedEx Global Education Center Weddings |
| Apr 19 | FedEx Global Education Center Earth Day |
| Apr 26 | FedEx Global Education Center |
| May 3 | No Meeting-Summer Break |
What happens in Speaking Group?
An English Language Specialist from the Writing Center attends each meeting to welcome participants and to facilitate the group meeting.
- The facilitator introduces the suggested topic then moves participants to small breakout rooms (3-5 participants) for 25 minutes
- Group members discuss the topic, ask questions, and suggest strategies or resources
- Participants return to the main room then join new breakout rooms with different partners for the next 25 minutes
- Everyone rejoins the main room to share anything interesting from their group conversation and to say goodbye
Please note: The facilitator will request PIDs from UNC students and scholars, but community members don’t need to worry about this. Community members can join without a PID.
Who can join Speaking Group?
- UNC students, including undergraduate, graduate, and exchange students
- Postdoctoral scholars, visiting scholars, research collaborators, and faculty
- Spouses and community members
- Native/fluent English speaking volunteers, we welcome your participation. Please see our volunteer guide
How do I join Speaking Group?
- Sign up for the Speaking Group Email using this form. You will receive a message regarding each week’s meeting.
- Show up to a meeting!