University of Reading cookie policy

We use cookies on reading.ac.uk to improve your experience, monitor site performance and tailor content to you.

Read our cookie policy to find out how to manage your cookie settings.

Conversation Cafés

""

The Conversation Cafés help to create a global network of Reading-based and Reading-linked students who meet to help each other with their language learning, confidence, intercultural understanding, and global engagement. The Cafés also offer students the opportunity to meet people and make friends outside their usual social circles.

English Conversation Cafés

Would you like to:

  • informally practise your spoken English in a relaxed, safe, and friendly setting?
  • help other students practice and build confidence in their spoken English?
  • meet other students?
  • find out more about other cultures and perspectives?
  • Use your participation in the cafés as evidence towards any of the RED Awards?

If you answered 'yes' to any of the above, then come and take part in the English Conversation Cafés! They are held in person on Wednesdays 13:00 – 14:00 UK time, approximately every 2 weeks in the Global Study Lounge during both semesters and summer vacation periods.

Here is the timetable for the English Conversation Cafés.

No matter what stage you’re at on your English-learning journey, or if you're a proficient speaker already, the English Conversation Cafés are free to attend and include refreshments and biscuits. At each café you will be given a set of questions on a specific topic to help break the ice and get the conversation flowing. Topics cover a variety of cultural and global issues. You’re welcome to stick to the questions provided or take the conversation in another direction!

How to take part in person?

There is no need to book, just turn up on the day! You do not need to stay for the whole time, you’re welcome to participate according to your schedule. However, if you wish to use your participation towards the RED Awards then you must attend for the full hour.

 

 

Online English Conversation Cafés

""

 If you would like to speak to Reading students based at our campuses abroad as well as students from Reading-partnered institutions, or whether you’ve found it difficult to participate in the in-person English Conversation Cafés, then why not participate in our Online English Conversation Cafés?

Online English Conversation Cafés exist to connect students between Reading campuses, specifically those in the UK with students at the University of Reading Malaysia and students at the UoR-NUIST Academy in Nanjing, China. We also include students from Reading-partnered institutions, such as the National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine (NUBiP).

Participation in our online cafés is particularly helpful to students abroad learning English and for those wishing to transfer to Reading for part of their studies.

How to take part online?

Participants meet online on the same dates and times as our in-person cafés.

If you’d like to join the online cafés, you’re welcome to come to the Global Study Lounge with your device and headphones and join there via a MS Teams link that will be sent to you, or you’re welcome to join from a place of your choosing (home or other); whichever is most convenient for you! Your group and meeting link will be sent to you 1-2 days in advance by email.

Sign up here to join the Online English Conversation Cafés or scan the QR code below: 

""

NB: You do not have to sign up for every week. There is the option on the form to select the dates you’d like to join online. Only students based in the UK are currently eligible to use their online participation towards the RED Awards.

 

Modern Foreign Language Cafés [TBC]

The Global Study Lounge hopes to host Modern Foreign Languages (MFL) Cafés in the same style as the English Conversation Cafés. The MFL Cafés may include any or all of the following languages: French, German, Spanish, Italian, Russian, Modern Greek, Japanese, Chinese (Mandarin), Arabic, and British Sign Language (BSL).

Please watch this space for more information. 

 

Affiliated Business Conversation Cafés in the Henley Business School (HBS)

The Global Study Lounge also offers in person Business Conversation Cafés that take place on a fortnightly basis during the semester on Tuesdays or Fridays from 13.00 - 14.00 in the Henley Business School.

Check out the semester schedule for exact dates and times. 

The Cafés are run by friendly ISLI-academics and are a great opportunity for HBS-students to develop conversation skills and catch up on the current topics in the world of business.

Contact Dr Anna Ziomek for further information.