Winter 2026 applications are now open!
We are excited to announce that the applications for ECP volunteer and ECP students are now open and will remain available until Jan. 11, 2026.
Don’t miss the chance — apply today!
Program details
Program participants will connect with their conversation partners for about one hour of informal conversation each week throughout the semester.
There is no formal schedule or required format so partners can connect in-person or virtually through MS Teams, Zoom or by phone. Conversations can be as simple as exchanging recipes, discussing books or sharing travel experiences, and we will provide conversation starters and helpful tools to guide all volunteers. A mandatory orientation will be offered to ensure everyone is prepared for a successful start.
English as an additional language (EAL) students will be asked to complete an entry and exit survey, and all participants will be asked to complete a semester-end survey.
This program is not an academic tutoring or counselling service. If you are in need of these services, please contact Academic Coaching, Tutoring or Student Development and Counselling.
Ready to sign up? Begin by filling out the application form for the role you're interested in.
Join the program as a student
Improve your spoken English, meet new people, and share cultural experiences! Connect with your community while building your English skills through the English Conversation Partners Program.
This program is open to SAIT students in any program who speak English as an additional language (EAL). Participants should have a minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) of 7 or an IELTS Band 5.
As a student participant, you’ll be paired with a volunteer who may be a fellow student, a staff member or an alumni to practice English through friendly, low-pressure conversations. It’s a great way to boost your confidence and strengthen your speaking skills.
Please note that students may be placed on a waitlist depending on volunteer availability.
Join the program as a volunteer
Expand your global perspective. Build community. Support student success.
Take part in a memorable cross-cultural experience while helping a SAIT student practice their English language skills.
Volunteers can be students in any program, alumni or SAIT employees. You must be fluent in English and ready to share your Canadian cultural experiences and learn about other cultures.
As a volunteer, you’ll be partnered with a student to support their English practice through regular, casual conversations. This is a great way to connect and make a difference on campus.
Participating as a student volunteer in the program is a recognized co-curricular activity.
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Level up as an English Conversation Partners Team Lead
Ready to take your leadership to the next level? Apply now to become a English Conversation Partners Team Lead and build your leadership skills through hands-on experience.
Questions?
Contact us at
Office of Student Engagement
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Monday - Friday | 8 am - 4 pm
Oki, Âba wathtech, Danit'ada, Tawnshi, Hello.
SAIT is located on the traditional territories of the Niitsitapi (Blackfoot) and the people of Treaty 7 which includes the Siksika, the Piikani, the Kainai, the Tsuut’ina and the Îyârhe Nakoda of Bearspaw, Chiniki and Goodstoney.
We are situated in an area the Blackfoot tribes traditionally called Moh’kinsstis, where the Bow River meets the Elbow River. We now call it the city of Calgary, which is also home to the Métis Nation of Alberta.