Conversation Groups

The Conversation Groups Program has been an ALI standard for more than 20 years. It aims at promoting English conversation between USC’s international and native English-speaking populations. This free resource is an excellent way for international students to supplement their studies and provides a casual environment in which they can practice their growing English skills with a native English-speaking USC student. Past participants have reported an improvement in their English speaking fluency, a comfort in interacting with English native speakers and a higher level of confidence in the English language.

Conversation Group meetings are held in person and are 50 minutes long. All sessions are run on a “first come, first-served” basis so students are encouraged to arrive on time, if not early. Students do not need to register or sign up in advance and may attend as many sessions as they wish. Students may also attend back-to-back sessions, but only if the second session does not have five new students in attendance.

Please note, the program is open to all international students; however, in the event of overflow, priority will be given to current ALI students.

Questions and comments regarding ALI’s Conversation Groups can be addressed to askali@usc.edu.

Fall 2025 Conversation Groups will run from Monday, September 8th through Tuesday, November 18th. Groups will be held on Mondays and Tuesdays from 3-3:50pm and 4-4:50pm.

Groups are 50-minute sessions that will be at TCC 320B. (TCC is located here).

Please note that leaders and locations are subject to change, sometimes at the last minute.

To register for a Conversation Group, please click on the link below:

Individuals with disabilities who need accommodations to attend this event may contact the ALI Office (askali@usc.edu, 213-740-0079). It is requested that individuals requiring accommodations or auxiliary aids such as sign language interpreters and alternative format materials notify us at least 7 days prior to the event. Every reasonable effort will be made to provide reasonable accommodations in an effective and timely manner.

This program is open to all eligible individuals. The American Language Institute operates all of its programs and activities consistent with the University’s Notice of Non-Discrimination. Eligibility is not determined based on race, sex [1], ethnicity, sexual orientation, or any other prohibited factor.

If a session is canceled, students who register for a session will receive an email to their USC email account with a cancellation notice.

Please note that while the office does their best to run groups every day, some sessions may be canceled last minute due to lack of staffing. Thank you for your patience and understanding.