For details on how SET works: If you would like to volunteer, please see the "FAQ for Volunteers" section. If you are an English learner, please see the "FAQ for English Learners" section.

Most people around the world communicate through WhatsApp. If you don’t have that on your phone or computer you can set up a Zoom meeting. Zoom meetings are free for everyone for 40 minutes, or longer if you have an account. Together you and your partner can figure out the best way to chat via video.

We know that you are all very busy; we recommend speaking a minimum of once a week for 30-60 minutes - or more if you and your partner are able to speak longer. The longer the better!

You will be paired with one partner and will continue speaking with that partner weekly. The benefit of continuing with the same partner is that it allows you to build a relationship, and learn about the other person’s culture, lifestyle, environment, etc. If you would like to switch to another partner for any reason, just email us and we will find you someone else to speak with.

There is no limit to how long you can speak together, but we require that the participants start with a minimum of 12 weeks. We are pleased that most of our partners have been speaking for years and enjoy the friendships that they have made.

No problem! Just let your partner know in advance that you will not be able to attend your session. Communication is key to a successful partnership.

Send them an email and a WhatsApp message (or however you best communicate with each other) to see what might have happened. If this occurs three (or more) times, contact us at info@speakenglishtogether.org and we will assign you to a new partner.

Yes! In fact, we encourage that and have set up private Facebook groups for both volunteers and English language learners just for that reason. Once you are enrolled in the program, you will receive information as to how to access your group.

This program is free for all participants!

Begin by filling out this FORM. Once the form is completed, you will be contacted to set up a time for a 15-20 minute Zoom meeting to further explain our program and answer any questions you might have. As soon as we have matched you with your partner, we will send you both an introductory email and you will be ready to schedule and begin your SET sessions.

While many of our volunteers are trained in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) or ESL/ENL (Teaching English as a Second/New Language), that training is not required. This is not a program where the volunteer must teach English. The volunteer simply provides an outlet for English learners to practice their English conversation skills. Of course, you are welcome to investigate teaching methods if you like. It's always a good idea to come to each session with a discussion topic in mind.

Sure! Once you fill out the form and are registered in the program we can provide you with conversation topics.

No. We have learners at varying levels of English speaking abilities, so it’s fine if you don’t speak another language. If you do speak another language it’s a bonus.

Absolutely! If your partner is a native speaker of your target language, you can structure your sessions to include time for both languages. Spend part of the session practicing English to help your partner, and the other part speaking in your target language to improve your skills. This approach creates a balanced and mutually beneficial learning experience—a true win-win!

At this time we are only working with English language learners who live in countries where English is not the official language. We are focusing on helping those individuals because most are not fortunate enough to have access to English speakers, programs, or classes in their home countries.

Begin by filling out this FORM. Once the form is completed, you will be contacted to set up a time for a 15-20 minute Zoom meeting to further explain our program and answer any questions you might have. As soon as we have matched you with your partner, we will send you both an introductory email and you will be ready to schedule and begin your SET sessions.

At this time we are only working with English language learners who live in counties where English is not the official language. Most of those people are not fortunate enough to have access to English speakers, programs, or classes in their home countries.

You should be at least at the intermediate level and able to carry on a basic conversation in English with someone who doesn't speak your language. It is best if you are also taking English language classes and use this program to supplement your studies.

No. This is a program to supplement your English studies by having conversations with an English speaker. While some of the volunteers are trained in teaching English as a new language, they are not required to have that experience.