English Conversation Cafes: What People Say (Testimonials)
The English Conversation Cafés bring people together in a relaxed and welcoming environment, creating opportunities to connect, communicate, and build confidence. But what does that experience feel like for the people who take part?
Read what students and staff say about the conversations, connections, and sense of community they have found through the English Conversation Cafés.
Participants rate the English Conversation Cafes 4.6 out of 5.
"The English Conversation Café is a great way to meet new people and hear interesting opinions from students from all over the world. It’s a really welcoming environment, and even small touches like the tea and snacks make it feel relaxed and friendly."
Undergraduate Study Abroad Student, Department of Languages and Cultures, Germany
"I enjoy having the opportunity to meet people from different communities and backgrounds at the Conversation Café. It’s a really positive and welcoming experience."
Undergraduate Student, Henley Business School, Hong Kong
"The Conversation Café has helped me meet people from all around the world and hear lots of different perspectives. It’s a really enjoyable and friendly environment."
Undergraduate Study Abroad Student, Henley Business School, Hong Kong
"The Conversation Café has given me the chance to get to know people from all over the world in a relaxed and social setting."
Undergraduate Study Abroad Student, Institute of Education, Germany
"One of my favourite things about the Conversation Café is the diversity of people and cultures you meet there. It already feels very welcoming and inclusive."
Undergraduate Study Abroad Student, Department of History, Netherlands
"The multicultural atmosphere of the Conversation Café is what makes it so enjoyable. It’s a great way to connect with people from different backgrounds."
Undergraduate Student, Department of Politics and International Relations, Hong Kong
"The Conversation Café has helped me talk to new people and make friends in a really relaxed environment."
Undergraduate Study Abroad Student, Department of Sustainable Land Management, Thailand
"The magical thing is every time I find common ground with the students and then we start chatting and the time goes by very quickly."
Postgraduate Student, Department of Geography and Environmental Science, India
"I really like the variety of topics and perspectives at the Conversation Café. It creates interesting conversations and a welcoming atmosphere where everyone can contribute."
Undergraduate Student, School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences, UK
"The most interesting part of the Conversation Café is how conversations naturally develop beyond the original topic. It creates really engaging and memorable discussions."
Undergraduate Study Abroad Student, Department of Archaeology, USA
"I enjoy the small talk and relaxed conversations at the Café. It’s a great place to practise speaking and meet different kinds of people."
Xinyue Luo, MSc Economics, China
"The warm and peaceful place of the cafes provides this opportunity for me to speak with a wide variety of people in a friendly environment and to speak without any embarrassment. It helps me develop my self confidence and feel comfortable with speaking English as my second language."
Postgraduate Student, Henley Business School, UAE
"The best part of the Conversation Café is meeting international people and taking part in cultural exchange. I’d just love for the sessions to run even longer!"
Postgraduate Student, Henley Business School, UK
"It’s the highlight of my week! It’s a rare opportunity to meet international students from across the University, bringing together people of different backgrounds, ages, disciplines and cultures. What’s amazing is that the usual labels and roles fade away: you’re simply a person. It’s about much more than English or conversation, it offers a level playing field where everyone can relax, be themselves, and have a voice."
Dr Chris Cookson, Transnational Education, Global Academy
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