Social Clubs and Volunteer Opportunities

Social Clubs

English Conversation Club

Each Monday, International House provides a casual, small-group setting where all members of the Duke community--students, scholars, spouses, and staff--can practice conversational English.

Topics include American culture, social systems, and issues related to daily life. Come and you will have chances to share your experience in the U.S. with others while practicing conversational English with the help of Duke staff volunteers. Through discussions in small groups, you will also learn about other cultures from various countries.

The Spring 2022 English Conversation Club is from Monday, Jan 24 to April 18 (excluding March 7), from 5:30 to 6:30 PM. The location is International House, 2 Epworth Dorm Lane, Duke East Campus. There will be free parking near the building.

Please email Ling.jin@duke.edu for more information.

Spanish Conversation Club

Are you interested in speaking the second-most spoken and studied language in the United States?  Practice your conversation Spanish and meet people from around the world, including native Spanish speakers. Our conversations are informal and interesting. 

Every Monday from 6:30 pm to 7:30 p.m. at International House. For more information, contact Luis Vergara. 

The Spring 2022 Spanish Conversation Club is from Monday, Jan 24 to April 18 (excluding March 7), from 6:30 to 7:30 PM. The location is International House, 2 Epworth Dorm Lane, Duke East Campus. There will be free parking near the building.  

Check out Spanish Conversation Club Facebook page.

Volunteer Opportunities

For international students, scholars, spouses, and partners who are interested in volunteering in the local Durham community:

Duke’s Office of Durham and Community Affairs has a resource site as a way to share support activities by partners in the local Durham community. If you are seeking volunteer opportunities, feel free to search current listings in this database.

VoLearnTeer with IHouse

For U.S. American students, alums, faculty, and staff who hope to engage with the Duke international community: 

English Conversation Club

Volunteer Responsibilities

  • Lead small group discussions with members of the Duke community who would like to practice conversational English
  • Topics include American culture, social systems, and daily life

Volunteer Benefits

  • Meet people from around the world and learn about their cultures
  • Receive training and gain experience in facilitating group discussions and cross-cultural communication

Time Commitment

  • Mondays from 5:30 to 6:30 pm

Useful Links

Duke Language Partners

Volunteer Responsibilities

  • You will be matched with a non-native speaker who would like to practice conversational English or another language you speak
  • Meet with your language partner for weekly conversation

Volunteer Benefits

  • Learn/practice a new language by requesting a partner speaking a specific language
  • Form cross-cultural connections
  • Learn about another culture
  • Develop intercultural sensitivity
  • Gain language tutoring skills

Time Commitment

  • Weekly meetings based on partners’ schedules

Useful Links

International Friends

Volunteer Responsibilities

  • Spend time with an international member of the Duke community to form friendships
  • Help someone acclimate to the life at Duke and in the U.S.
  • Share culture with one another, such as customs, holidays, cuisine, and values

Volunteer Benefits   

  • Form cross-cultural connections
  • Explore Duke and the Triangle together
  • Learn about another culture
  • Receive training on cross-cultural communication and intercultural sensitivity

Time Commitment   

  • Monthly meetings based on participants’ schedules    

Useful Links

  • This program is currently on hold.