Global Language Exchanges
This one-credit activity allows partnerships of two students to exchange conversation in two different languages they wish to share and learn. The activity is graded as Pass/No Credit and will not affect a student’s GPA.
Like the traditional LEP Language Exchanges, these Global Language Exchanges pair two students to exchange two languages over the course of the semester. However, in these global exchanges, Rutgers students are paired with students from international universities to exchange English and the first language used by the partnering university. Rutgers students are expected to help their global partners improve their English language skills while also teaching their partner about the culture of the USA, NJ, and Rutgers. In return, Rutgers students will practice the target language and learn corresponding culture from the partnering university's location.
Students exchange conversation in both languages once a week via videochat at a regular time period that fits their schedule. Students record short entries after meetings, noting the linguistic skills practiced, cultural elements, and topics discussed. They meet three times throughout the semester with a Rutgers faculty supervisor who reviews their recordings and provides feedback as needed.
At the end of the course, pairs produce a five-minute video presenting their exchange and highlighting all the fun they've had! Rutgers students who successfully complete the Language Exchange will receive one credit and a Pass grade at the end of the term. No incomplete exchange will be validated for credit, regardless of the reason why the exchange could not be completed.
To participate in the Global Language Exchange, students must have at least Intermediate proficiency in the target language. Refer to the image at the bottom of this page for proficiency guidelines.
Requirements for completion:
- One scheduled orientation on the second Friday of the semester.
- Weekly pair meetings
- Weekly progress reports after each pair meeting
- At least three pair/supervisor meetings
- One five-minute final video
Current Global Partners
- Universidad do Santiago de Chile - Spanish/English - Santiago, Chile - https://www.usach.cl/
- Universität Siegen - German/English - Siegen, Germany - https://www.uni-siegen.de/phil/index.html.en?lang=en
click to enlarge and for an accessible pdf of this image