CPALs (Community Partnership for Adult Learners) is a learning community for adult, non-native English speakers in the greater Williamsburg area. All of our teachers and tutors are volunteers and undergraduate students at William & Mary. We provide:
- Free, informal lessons on English as a second language (ESL) and American culture
- Conversation hours
- Social & cultural events
- A one-on-one conversation partners program
Lessons and conversation hours are held on Tuesdays & Thursdays from 7–8:30. We meet during William & Mary’s fall and spring semesters, but conversation partners can choose whether or not to keep in touch during the winter and summer.
How to Get Involved
Some learners get involved with all of the above, while some choose just one or two. It’s your choice! New learners are always welcome; if you have any questions or want to be added to our mailing list, send us an email at cpalearners@gmail.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
How well do I need to speak English to get involved with CPALs?
We teach lessons in English, but if you don’t feel comfortable in an English-only environment, you can usually be paired with a conversation partner who speaks your native language!
What types of social events do you hold?
Some events we’ve had in the past:
- A recipe swap, where we wrote a cookbook and held a potluck
- “PALsgiving” each November
- Pumpkin carving
- Game nights
Contact
Email: cpalearners@gmail.com
Our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/cpals/ (please answer the membership questions if you’d like to join!)
Instagram: @cpals_wm