Face to Face

People learn languages primarily through personal relationships, but few refugees have the chance to build friendships with locals. Did you know that most immigrants have never been inside an American’s home?

At the same time, many Americans are afraid of people who look and act differently than they do. Many Christians take foreign mission trips without ever visiting with a foreigner in their own backyard. The Scriptures repeatedly urge us to love the foreigners residing among us. Nothing is more Christian than service to orphans, widows, and refugees.

We will help you build a friendship with a refugee who needs to practice using English.

How Does It Work?

1. Get Trained

Sign up by yourself or with a group (family, friends, Community Group, etc.). Then meet with Jen, our Mentorship Coordinator, to learn about the vision for our mentorship program and about how you can get involved. Jen will train you about some basic dos and don'ts, cover some basic cultural principles, and answer all your questions.

2. Get Matched

Once you've gone through our training and done a background check, we will match you with an individual or a family based on the size of your group, your availability, and your interests. We'll go with you to help you become comfortable and establish a connection. This part is so fun!

3. Become Acquainted

We'll join you for a meeting or two (or until you're comfortable). Begin meeting regularly at a time and place that suits you both. Share pictures and laughs while developing a friendship! We'll give you some initial goals so this time won't be awkward.

4. Make A Plan

During the first month, we’ll identify their interests and language needs, and develop a plan together. We'll leave you with initial goals and a resource kit, as well as any needed books, conversation topics, and other materials.

5. Learn Together

You’ll meet weekly to practice. You may read books together, play games, meet for coffee, work through an English textbook, or just watch TV. The point is to find something that you enjoy doing together, because this is the best way to learn English and to develop a friendship.

6. Receive Support

We’ll come visit every month or two to assess their progress and give you new goals and ideas. In the meantime, when you have a language or culture question, give us a call and let us walk you through it! Your job is to build a relationship, and our job is to help you be successful.

Get Started Today!

Are you ready to jump in with both feet and learn about another culture? Click below for the registration form. You'll have to print it, fill it out, and then email it to us at contact@refugeelanguage.org. If you have questions or concerns, please email us as well.

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