World Language Conversation Groups
A significant part of studying a language at Calvin is learning to speak it—which is why we are committed to giving you as many opportunities as possible to practice. As a language student here, you will attend regular conversation group sessions with an advanced student leader. Conversation groups are held on a weekly basis and are arranged in class. Conversation groups are available for most languages taught at Calvin; below are details on specific languages. Contact the world languages department to get connected to a conversation group.
Spanish conversation groups
As a student in any level of Spanish (up to 302) at Calvin, you and a partner will attend weekly half-hour communication group sessions with an advanced student leader. Spanish 301 and 302 students will meet with a native Spanish speaker for half an hour or for a full hour each week, respectively. Sign up for a time and day during the first week of your Spanish class.
German conversation groups
In addition to assigned conversation groups, you will also have an additional opportunity to practice German outside the classroom. Each year the department invites a young college-age German native (Fremdsprachenassistent or Fremdsprachenassistentin) to spend a semester or two on campus and in the department. He or she assists in language instruction, provides conversational practice, and helps with extracurricular activities.