English Conversation Club: When Language Becomes a Bridge

In 2024, the English Conversation Club returned for its second edition, creating a vibrant, diverse, and engaging space for children to improve their English language skills while connecting with new people from diverse cultural backgrounds.

Organized as part of the Future Acceleration Program, this project creates opportunities for personal growth, communication, and cultural exchange. The Club helped 18 motivated teens ages 11 to 15 gain confidence for a globalized future in an interactive, safe environment with the help of 12 volunteers from the global UiPath community of employees.

Language has the unique ability to connect individuals across borders, and the English Conversation Club embraced this potential fully. Recognizing the importance of advanced English skills in today’s interconnected world, the program provided a supportive environment where teens could build the confidence needed to express themselves in English—a key skill for academic success, career opportunities, and everyday interactions. They interacted with people from various ethnic and cultural backgrounds, broadening their perspectives and fostering mutual respect and a sense of community.

The project ran for four weeks, with 90-minute sessions held weekly. Each meeting was designed to balance structured and guided interactions with freestyle, creative discussions. A facilitator from our partner, A_Best, led the sessions, with the support of volunteers from the global UiPath community of employees, all proficient English speakers.

The English Conversation Club provides an inclusive environment where teens with pre-intermediate and intermediate English proficiency can thrive. Activities were carefully tailored to ensure maximum engagement, with both group discussions and smaller interactions in breakout rooms. The teens explored a range of topics relevant to their interests and current global challenges, including:

🗺️ Around the World: Exploring different cultures and global diversity.

🤖 Technology and AI: Discussing innovations shaping the future.

🧗 Motivational Stories: Inspiring discussions about resilience and success.

🌳 Taking Care of the Environment: Understanding the importance of sustainability.

📣 Empowering Young Voices

Through language, the English Conversation Club fosters more than just communication skills—it empowers children to embrace new opportunities, connect with others, and prepare for a future full of possibilities.

For bringing this experience to the kids and this and everything else, thank you to the 12 inspiring volunteers: Laura Mateias, Melissa Hoe, Mathias Schotte, Mark Schuster, Teodora Baciu, Purna Singh, Rajesh Undaviya, Corina Bacanu, Hans Poppelaars, Cristiana Malcica, Shilpashree VP and Jack Hutchins.

This enriching experience is curated by Ana Maria Păun, trainer at A_BEST, one of the biggest independent foreign language centers in Romania. They generously gifted this experience to the kids, from designing the methodology to facilitating the sessions and moderating the practical exercises.

If you are a part of the global UiPath community of employees, you can sign up for any of our volunteering opportunities by getting in touch with our Volunteering Program Manager, Magda Țucăr.