Arts English Conversation Club

The Arts English Conversation Club (AECC) is run and managed by the Faculty of Arts, Undergraduate Student Services staff.

Are you an undergraduate student at the University of Alberta hoping to improve your English conversation skills? Are you looking to make new friends in Canada, but don't know where to start?

Become a member of the Faculty of Arts English Conversation Club (AECC) - it's FREE! All you have to do is drop-in and attend one of our upcoming sessions. Got questions? Contact us at econvo@ualberta.ca

Fall 2024 Sessions

  • Tuesdays from 3:30 - 4:20 p.m. | Humanities Centre (HC) 2-12
  • Wednesdays from 4 - 4:50 p.m. | Humanities Centre (HC) 2-12
Scroll down to see the upcoming sessions!

Who are we?

The Arts English Conversation Club (AECC)  provides UAlberta undergraduate students enrolled in the Faculty of Arts opportunities to practice English conversation, develop international friendships, and prepare for future Canadian employment opportunities and other aspects of Canadian Life.

AECC conversation sessions allow members to practice spoken English in a small group setting with two fluent English-speaking facilitators. And AECC is FREE!

AECC is run and managed by the Faculty of Arts, Undergraduate Student Services. 

Why Join AECC?

Becoming more confident and comfortable with using the English language has many benefits that will contribute to your success in university and beyond. Writing term papers, working with professors, developing new friendships, and successfully answering questions in a job interview are just some of the ways in which stronger English skills can help you.

Practicing and becoming confident in English conversation can not only help with your academic performance but can also lead to employment opportunities when you graduate!

Eligibility

Any current undergraduate UAlberta student, registered in a Faculty of Arts degree program, is eligible. Domestic students and international students alike are welcome to join. 

Unfortunately, Open Studies and Graduate students are not eligible to join the AECC, but may consider participating in University of Alberta International's English Conversation Club

AECC MEMBER BENEFITS

  • Become more confident and comfortable with using the English language
  • Practice, develop, and advance English conversation skills / vocabulary in a comfortable environment with other members and fluent English facilitators
  • Develop international friendships
  • Prepare for potential employment (eg, job interviews, networking, resume building, working with professors in grad school)
  • Become involved with the university student community

Other Supports Offered

  • Active participation in a specified number of conversation sessions per semester will be recognized by a formal Letter of Acknowledgment from the Faculty of Arts at one of our Acknowledgment Ceremonies.
  • AECC members can achieve different levels of participation and Letters of Acknowledgment based on the following criteria
    • Level One Participated in 10 Sessions
    • Level Two Participated in 20 Sessions
    • Level Three Participated in 30 Sessions
    • Level Four Participated in 40 Sessions; Co-facilitated one session
      • AECC level 4 holders will become AECC Ambassadors and receive a Record of Completion
Note: Members are welcome to attend as many sessions per week as they would like; however, only two sessions per week will be counted toward their session requirement for certificate levels.

  • Social Events
    • Fun social events for club members will take place throughout the year to make new friends and be part of the University of Alberta student community
  • Volunteer Opportunities
    • Receive volunteer hours from the AECC and gain transferable skills!
  • University Partnerships
    • The AECC partners with different university organizations to provide members with diverse learning experiences including, University of Alberta Career Center, International Student Services, and various organizations.

Member Testimonials

From the previous Economics English Conversation Club (EECC)

Thanks to AECC, I have met so many wonderful people I never would have otherwise crossed paths with. The club has allowed me to get more involved in the Faculty of Arts, and having a chance to de-stress after a long day of classes by talking with my friends has made my university experience so much more enjoyable. Being a part of AECC has been so fulfilling and I’m looking forward to another great year of sessions!
- Lauren, AECC Member

“The club has opened me with different ways of starting conversations with others and has taught me some interesting(s) facts from the trivia question(s) they ask. The activities were really fun, my favourite was “would you rather?” challenge. It is too bad only a handful of people attend.”
- Collins, AECC Member

“AECC has given me a sense of belonging, the feeling of being a part of a group who shares (the) same concerns when it comes to language abilities. This club has helped me form connections to other students by having friendly positive conversations.”
- Erandi, AECC Member

SESSION INFORMATION

When and Where are Conversation Club Sessions?

Fall 2024 Sessions

  • Tuesdays from 3:30 - 4:20 p.m. | Humanities Centre (HC) 2-12
  • Wednesdays from 4 - 4:50 p.m. | Humanities Centre (HC) 2-12

Week 1 - September 10/11: Summer 

Week 2 - September 17/18: Hobbies and Interests

Week 3 - September 24/25: Bring a Friend

Week 4 - October 1/2: Necessities

Week 5 - October 8/9: Edmonton and the University of Alberta

Week 6 - October 15/16: Movies and TV Shows

Week 7 - October 22/23: Volunteering and Jobs

Week 8 - October 29/30: Halloween

Week 9 - November 5/6: School Goals

Week 10 -  November 12/13: Reading Week - No Sessions

Week 11 - November 19/20:  Mental Health

Week 12 - November 26/27: Games 

Week 13 - December 4: AECC End of Fall Semester Event