1. Guidelines and Requirements for Participation in the CAELC/VISAS Language Consultant Program Fall 2011

2. Welcome! We’re delighted that you have decided to participate in the VISAS Language Consultant (LC) program! This is a great opportunity to… Practice your English Get to know an American student Learn about American norms Share about your country and culture An exciting experience for you and your language partner!

3. Testimonial It has been a great pleasure to dine with [my Language Consultant] and keep talking with [him] every week. Sometimes I also think [he] opened a brand new window to me…. I can't thank [him] more, for the joy and help [he] brings to me, at my very beginning year in USA. ~A.L, International Graduate Student At first, I met with my language partners each week to discuss our weekly suggested topics. Now, I look forward to sitting down with two old friends and catching up, chatting about everything from Chinese politics to Spanish cuisine. It has been so great to get to know such wonderfully kind, genuine people with an endless curiosity about the world who have inspired me to go out and experience even more! ~ M.F., Language Consultant

4. In this presentation, we will present some general guidelines to help make sure that your VISAS experience will be enjoyable and productive as well.

5. #1. Meetings should last one hour in a public location within walking distance to UVa Grounds. As much fun as it is to hang out with your language partner, remember that they are students as well. Many UVa students have very busy schedules with classes, exams, jobs, and other activities. Your language partners are not expected to meet beyond the hour-long appointment, nor are they expected to meet off Grounds or at a private residence. It’s okay to meet for longer than an hour, just make sure you both have the free time and are comfortable doing so.

6. #2. If you won’t be able to make a meeting for some reason, contact your language partner in advance. Your language partner has put time aside to meet with you. Keeping your weekly appointment is one way to express your thanks and appreciation.

7. #3. Be aware and understanding of your cultural differences. Because you are coming from different cultures, you and your language partner may have different interpretations of behaviors. Some examples: In many parts of Europe, giving a hello kiss on each cheek is considered appropriated and friendly. But in some other cultures (including America), this kind of touching may be taboo and could be seen as a romantic advance.

8. Some examples (cont.) Different cultures have their own standard of personal space. In some countries, the norm is elbow-distance away. But in America, we tend to prefer an arms-length away (almost twice as far)! In some countries,people may avoid eye contact, instead choosing to look slightly below eye level, as a way of showing respect. In contrast, other cultures consider avoiding eye contact to be rude.

9. Bottom Line: Respect Your Language Partner. The Language Consultant program was created to give international students, staff, and scholars at UVa a chance to practice English and share cultures with native English speaking UVa students. We are proud to say that through our efforts, many enduring friendships have formed. In the interest of protecting you, your partners, and this program, your weekly meetings are considered to be time set aside for English practice and cultural exchange. Any romantic overtures will be treated as grounds for dismissal from the program.