How do Conversation Tables work for my students?
Conversation Tables are group conversations that offer a low-stakes way for students to experience a TalkAbroad conversation. Attending Conversation Tables helps students prepare to transition to 1-on-1 conversations. Conversation Tables are also great for beginners who aren't ready for their first 1-on-1 yet. Students who have attended:
- Feel less nervous.
- Have a better idea of what their first 1-on-1 conversation will be like.
- Know how to prepare better.
- Are more willing to make their first reservation.
We have two types of conversation tables: Beginner Tables and Culture Tables.
Beginner Tables
Two of our conversation partners are present in each Beginner Table and model a 1-on-1 conversation while students watch and are invited to participate. Topics will be selected from our 15-minute example topics. The conversation partners leading the table will closely follow a detailed beginner-level script, like this one, that is displayed to students during the session. In Beginner Tables, our conversation partners only use the target language. They do not understand English. See an example here.
Culture Tables*
*Coming soon to some languages in 2025-2026!
Culture Tables are designed to help beginner students experience something culturally unique - like learning how to make a special dish, being introduced to someone's home, how to play a game, or showing how to make some kind of handicraft. In Culture Tables, one of our conversation partners presents the cultural topic in a simple way, mostly using the target language and some English. They follow a general key word outline that is displayed to the students during the session. Our other conversation partner helps students understand what is happening and uses both English and the target language. Students can ask or answer questions either in English or in the target language.
Who can participate?
Students in beginning level sections. Here's an FAQ for students.
Who will attend?
- Two TalkAbroad conversation partners
- Multiple students
Conversation Tables last about 30 minutes.
When will conversation tables be scheduled?
Conversation Tables will be scheduled at fixed times each week. We will release the detailed schedule early in the term.
The current schedule for all languages is here.
Note that the number Conversation Tables sessions we schedule each week varies by language due to numbers of students. We intend to have enough Conversation Tables at a variety of times in order to meet the needs of all participating programs. If you find that there are not enough sessions available at convenient times, please fill out the form here to share your plans so we can adjust if possible.
The dates and times will be also listed in your professor account on the left sidebar under Conversation Tables > Upcoming.
Students will also be able to see the dates and times in their student accounts.
Can students speak up and participate during the Conversation Tables?
Absolutely! Students will be invited to participate several times during each Conversation Table. student participation is optional, and students who do not want to participate will not be called upon.
How often can students attend, and how should they prepare?
Students can attend any number of Conversation Tables. As this is a low stakes activity, no preparation is necessary by the student. If they are planning to participate when invited, the learners can review the topic for the conversation table and come ready to ask or answer any of the conversation topic questions.
Students in participating sections will be able to see the topics in their student accounts. The topics for each session will also be noted in your university professor account on the left sidebar under Conversation Tables > Upcoming. If you don’t see that, reach out to us and we can get you set up to participate!
How will I know if my students attended?
Student attendance will be recorded in your professor account under Conversation Tables > Completed in the left sidebar.
For attendance to be recorded, students must join through their student account. If a student shares the session link with another student, that other student's attendance will not be recorded.
(Note that students must have purchased conversation credits or redeemed a Pre-purchase Code within the last 150 days in order to access the Conversation Tables feature. See how students add credits here.)
Can I also attend?
Yes, teachers can also attend Conversation Tables. You will see a Join link in your professor account when you click on Conversation Tables > Upcoming in the left sidebar. (Only visible in accounts where TalkAbroad has activated this feature)
The link will take you to a video conference room where the Conversation Table will be held.
What is the cost?
Conversation Tables cost $15 per student for 150 days of access. See more pricing information here.
How have you seen Conversation Tables successfully integrated into other programs?
Conversation Tables work best when students are required to attend several sessions before they start having 1:1 conversations. See some recommended combinations of Conversation Tables and 1:1 conversations here.
Can my program try Conversation Tables before we buy?
Yes! We offer one-time free trials of Conversation Tables. Please contact sales@talkabroad.com for more information.