The IMC Language and Culture Exchange Program (LCEP) is free to join and provides students the opportunity to meet and exchange language and cultural insights in a relaxed environment.
It’s always great to learn a new language and is a skill that is favoured amongst potential employees. Showing that you are accepting and exhibiting a knowledge of people from diverse cultures says a lot about your interpersonal skills which makes this program an extra curricular activity that looks great on your resume.
Currently, the program offers exchanges in English and Mandarin. However, we hope to expand this program and make more language options available. If you would like to participate in this program but your native or target language is not one of the current options, no worries! Sign up to participate in the social events or send an email of interest to learning@imc.edu.au.
Participants are matched with a partner/s that speaks their target language (English/Mandarin). Groups are encouraged to meet and exchange language skills at their own convenience for 1 hour a week. Participants also get the opportunity to meet and network with other program participants at various social events throughout the semester.
Whether you are interested in making new friends that speak the language you want to practice, connecting with members of IMC from different subject areas or school, gaining a deeper cultural understanding, or just looking to develop and practice your language skills, this program is for you. You can be a complete beginner or an advanced speaker - everyone is welcome to participate.
Why get involved?
- Develop, improve or maintain language skills, confidence and fluency in your target language
- Gain valuable conversational experience in your target language
- Share your culture with others
- Meet and talk to students from other units, courses or school
- Build social networks within the broader IMC community
- Build global contacts
- Boost your CV and increase your employability in Australia and overseas
For students looking to take advantage of the opportunity to study for one semester at Fudan University in Shanghai, China in your 3rd or 4th year, this is a great opportunity to learn sufficient language and culture that will enable you to take full advantage of your time spent studying abroad.
How much does it cost?
Nothing! This program is completely free and open to all students.
How to join
If you would like to participate in this program, please complete and submit the online application form.
Getting started
Once participants have been matched, you will be sent an email introducing you to your partner/group and then your language exchange program begins! You will also be given advice about how to teach and learn a language. It is then the responsibility of participants to arrange when, where and how often to meet up. It is expected that partners meet regularly for a minimum of one hour a week and focus half their time on each language.
Social events
Throughout the semester, the program coordinator will organise social events as a chance for participants to get together, meet other program participants and share their experiences with the program. It is recommended that all program participants attend these get-togethers as they will help you to get the most out of the experience.
More information
For more information about the program, please send an email to the program coordinator: learning@imc.edu.au.