Language Conversation Practice Meetings

Know of a UT language conversation group that we’re missing? Contact us at tlc@austin.utexas.edu!

This list is being updated as the Spring Semester gets into full swing. 

Arabic Reading Group - Arabic Table

The Arabic Table is an opportunity for Arabic students and speakers to practice their language skills in an informal setting. In Fall 2024, the Arabic Table will be led by Molly Wells. For questions, contact Molly or Arabic Program Coordinator Olla Al-Shalchi.

Time: Friday, 1:00-2:00pm
Location: CAL 422

Contact: Dr. Olla Al-Shalchi
Contact email: olla@austin.utexas.edu

Czech Conversation Group - Czechs Mix

Practice speaking and listening in Czech in a casual conversation hour! For upcoming dates, see the Department of Slavic and Eurasian Studies Events page.

Time: Fridays, 12-1:00pm
Location: BUR 560

Dutch Conversation Group - Nederlands Taalcafé

All levels welcome!

Time: TBD
Location: TBD

Contact: Vincent VanderHeijden
Contact email: vdheijden@austin.utexas.edu

French Conversation Group - French Language Board Game Club (Le Club de jeux de société)

Come to practice French conversational skills and play games with new friends! 

Time: 5:00-6:00pm
Location: HRH Lounge 2.118

German Conversation Group - Stammtisch 

Meet new people and practice your German with other learners. Any level of German welcome!

Time: Thursdays, 5:00pm
Location: In front of Little Field Café ( across from BUR)

German Nature Walks- UT Naturspaziergänge

Practice German outside of class. Any level of German welcome!

Time: Sundays, 9:00am
Location: contact Vincent VanderHeijden, vdheijden@austin.utexas.edu

Hebrew Conversation Group-Hebrew Roundtable

The Hebrew Roundtable is a weekly gathering for students to practice speaking Hebrew in a casual setting.

Time: Tuesdays, 12:00-1:00pm
Location will depend on weather: check @utaustinhebrew on Instagram for location information. Meetings will usually take place at Lucky Lab on San Antonio St.

Faculty Contact: Dr. Avi Blitz
Contact Email: avi.blitz@austin.utexas.edu

Italian Conversation Group - Tavola Italiana

Come and practice Italian in an informal setting! Open to all.

Time: Wednesdays, 4:00-5:00pm
Location: HRH 2.118 (Lounge)

Japanese Conversation Group - Japanese/English Exchange Conversation Table 

Want to improve your Japanese speaking skills with native speakers? Join us at Kaiwa Tables, where Japanese speakers and other Japanese learners come together and help each other practice our respective languages. All levels are welcome!

Time: Tuesdays, 2:10-3:10 pm
Location: WCH 4.104

See the UT Japanese Association website (https://www.texasja.org/) for more information.

Faculty Contact: Junko Hatanaka
Contact Email: jhatanaka@austin.utexas.edu

Japanese Study Group - JLPT Prep Club

This is a weekly self-study group. By studying together with fellow students, stay motivated and get ready for the test. Bring your own study material or use ours. We have various textbooks for all the levels, N5 to N1. Not taking JLPT this year? No problem. Everyone in UT Austin Japanese language program is invited.

Time: Tuesdays 12:45-1:45; Thursdays 2:15-3:15pm
Location: WCH 4.104

Faculty Contact: Midori Tanaka
Contact Email: midori@austin.utexas.edu

Persian Conversation Group - Persian Table

Persian Table is a weekly informal meeting between Persian learners at the University of Texas at Austin, organized by advanced-level students. The objective of Persian Table meetings is to encourage students to form a community of Persian speakers and practice their language skills in actual conversations, regardless of their level of the language. 

Time: Mondays, 5:00-6:00pm
Location: CAL 516 

Faculty Contact: Dr. Babak Tabarraee
Contact Email: babak.tabarraee@austin.utexas.edu

Portuguese Conversation Group - Bate Papo

Join Bate-Papo to practice your speaking and listening skills, learn more about culture and grammar, and meet fellow students of Portuguese. Students of all levels are welcome!

Time: TBD
Location: TBD

Contact: 
Contact Email: 

Russian Conversation Hour - Texas Russian Club

Our weekly conversation hours are a great way to lose your new-language shyness! Practice your speaking skills, learn more about culture and grammar, and meet fellow students of Russian!

Time: Mondays, 4:00-5:00pm
Location: BUR 454 (CREEES Lounge)

Spanish Conversation Hour - Cafecito

Time: Thursday 11:00-12:00pm
Location: BEN 2.104

Faculty Contact: Alex Thomas
Contact Email: alexjhthomas@utexas.edu

Swedish Conversation Hour 

Swedish learners and speakers of all levels are welcome.

Time: Mondays 11:00-11:45am; Wednesdays 3:00-3:45pm
Location: BUR 335

Turkish Conversation Hour - Çay Saati: Turkish Tea and Conversation Hour

The Turkish Tea and Conversation Hour is an informal gathering for intermediate, advanced and native/heritage speakers of Turkish on the UT-Austin campus. The Turkish Tea and Conversation Hour aims to facilitate Turkish language practice and foster intercultural friendships.

For the Spring 2025 semester, Çay Saati will meet on the following dates:

• Wednesday, January 29, 11:00am
• Wednesday, February 5, 11:00am
• Wednesday, February 12, 11:00am
• Friday, February 21, 12:00pm
• Wednesday, February 26, 11:00am
• Friday, March 7, 12:00pm
• Wednesday, March 12, 11:00am
• Friday, March 28, 12:00pm
• Friday, April 4, 12:00pm
• Wednesday, April 9, 11:00am
• Friday, April 18, 12:00pm
• Friday, April 25, 12:00pm

Location: All meetings will be help in CAL 516 except on February 21st, which will be held in CAL 515.

Faculty Contact: Jeannette Okur
Contact Email: jeannette.okur@austin.utexas.edu

Ukrainian Conversation Hour - Ukrainian Speaking Club

Come practice your Ukrainian skills in a casual conversation hour where we practice speaking and listening. All levels of Ukrainian welcome!

Time: Thurdays, 5:00-6:00pm
Location: BUR 480