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UTS HELPS U:Connect: Developing Confidence and Making Connections Through Informal Conversation

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Part of the book series: University Development and Administration ((UDAA))

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Abstract

International students need a certain degree of language proficiency to be fully engaged learners at university. Where research indicates a strong link between language proficiency and social connection, scholars suggest that universities need to embrace the social dimensions of language learning. This chapter offers a case study of one language program that addresses this need, the HELPS U:Connect program at the University of Technology Sydney, which was created out of recognition that some students at UTS wanted to improve their confidence and English-speaking skills and felt isolated from the university community. HELPS U:Connect is comprised of four tiers – the Peer Advisors program, the Buddy program, Conversations@UTS, and Talkfest – which each provide students with opportunities to develop their confidence, improve their English-speaking skills, and make meaningful social connections at UTS. The majority of participants evaluated the program as being effective in these terms. Drawing on data taken from surveys of nearly 500 participating students, this chapter offers a unique insight into the benefits of language programs that emphasize a social approach. Future directions for the HELPS U:Connect program are discussed, particularly in terms of scope for further research into the benefits of the program for participants, its value for volunteers, and the potential of language programs to inspire mutually beneficial cross-cultural connections and deepen community engagement.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia

    Ashleigh Synnott & MaryAnn McDonald

  2. Higher Education Language and Presentation Support, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia

    Sang-Eun Oh

Authors
  1. Ashleigh Synnott
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  2. MaryAnn McDonald
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  3. Sang-Eun Oh
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to MaryAnn McDonald .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia

    Henk Huijser

  2. University of Southern Queensland Learning, Teaching & Quality, Toowoomba, QLD, Australia

    Megan Kek

  3. University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, QLD, Australia

    Fernando F. Padró

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© 2021 Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd.

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Synnott, A., McDonald, M., Oh, SE. (2021). UTS HELPS U:Connect: Developing Confidence and Making Connections Through Informal Conversation. In: Huijser, H., Kek, M., Padró, F.F. (eds) Student Support Services. University Development and Administration. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-13-3364-4_29-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-13-3364-4_29-1

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Singapore

  • Print ISBN: 978-981-13-3364-4

  • Online ISBN: 978-981-13-3364-4

  • eBook Packages: Springer Reference EducationReference Module Humanities and Social SciencesReference Module Education

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