Coordinator Language Buddies - België

Empowering Cambodian Teachers Through Language Exchange

Indeed, speaking English can be a daunting task, especially when you are still learning. The pressure to find the right words and pronounce them correctly can be overwhelming. However, there's a fantastic solution to help you overcome these challenges: Language Buddies.

Language Buddies offers an engaging and friendly way to improve your English by chatting with native or near-native speakers. This initiative allows learners to practice everyday vocabulary and expressions not typically found in textbooks. Moreover, it offers cultural insights from your chat partners, boosting your confidence and pronunciation skills. And the best part? It’s completely free!

For native or near-native English speakers, including English teacher students and professionals, Language Buddies presents a chance to mentor someone in a developing country. This well-organised programme requires just two hours per week, where mentors and mentees engage in one-on-one online conversations using tools like Zoom, Messenger, WhatsApp, or Teams.

The structure is straightforward. Mentors and mentees agree on a regular schedule, for instance, every Monday at 17:00 and every Saturday at 11:00. Conversation topics are shared in advance, along with a 'Target Language Sheet' containing useful vocabulary and idioms to keep the dialogue flowing. Additionally, mentors receive a 'Helper Sheet' with questions to facilitate the discussions.

Language Buddies is mainly aimed at early-career English teachers and trainees in Cambodia who wish to enhance their language skills. It also invites native or near-native speakers, including retired educators and language coaches, to become mentors. Universities and teacher training colleges are encouraged to integrate this programme into their curricula.

The duration of the programme ranges from 15 to 25 weeks, based on your availability, with a minimum commitment of 15 weeks. 

We are seeking a coordinator to help expand this initiative. The coordinator's responsibilities will include recruiting mentors from universities, university colleges, other relevant organisations, and individuals for the Language Buddies programme. 

It’s a volunteer role; we are looking for someone who can commit a few hours per week to this great project.

Join us in this rewarding journey of language learning and cultural exchange. Don't hesitate to contact us for more information or to get involved.