21 August 2023

Are you interested in making a difference and becoming a volunteer conversation partner?

New Zealand English Language Training for Officials (NZELTO) Scholarship programme is seeking Wellington-based individuals to participate in this rewarding opportunity.

Intake 56 of the programme includes 32 government officials from Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Timor-Leste, Vietnam, and Mongolia. These officials will be in Wellington from August 10 to November 10, 2023, participating in an intensive English language training program at Victoria University of Wellington, focusing on the theme of “Strengthening Resilience.”

As a Conversation Partner, you will engage with a person from Southeast Asia who is here for a 13-week English Language Training programme. Your support will contribute to their language development and cultural integration.

The NZELTO Programme, funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade in partnership with Education New Zealand, aims to enhance English proficiency among government officials from Southeast Asia. Each group is selected based on a specific theme, and for this intake, it’s “Strengthening Resilience.”

If you are available from September 6 to November 10, 2023, and are willing to commit to meeting your partner at least once a week, you can make a significant impact. The scholars, aged between 25 and 45, will be participating in an intensive English language course at Victoria University of Wellington.

Your involvement as a Conversation Partner is crucial to the success of the programme. Meetings can be scheduled at a time and place that suits both you and your partner, with afternoons, evenings, and weekends often being the best options. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to attend events and activities organised by the Programme team, and training will be provided to support your role.

If you’re interested in volunteering as a Conversation Partner, please reach out to Emily Lake:

Email: [email protected]
Phone: 022 016 1415

For more information, see the MFAT  website

To learn more about the programme please click here