At Language PAL sessions, you can come together with other language learners to practise speaking and listening to languages and learn about their respective cultures. Sessions take place weekly and are led by trained PAL Leaders who are native speakers of the language.
PAL is a supportive and confidential space to practise your language skills and ask questions you don't want to ask your language teacher. Sessions are informal and fun, allowing attendees to learn and grow in confidence through language games, listening to music, watching clips from films or TV shows or simply having conversations with other language learners. There are also lots of opportunities for you to cover things you’re struggling with as you get to grips with the language.
This PAL scheme is supported by the Languages team and the SU to give language lovers additional practice opportunities. All language learners are welcome, whether you are learning alongside your course, at home or started before university. Sessions are available in:
- Arabic
- English
- French
- German
- Italian
- Japanese
- Mandarin Chinese
- Spanish
What is English PAL?
English PAL is very similar to Language PAL. At these sessions, you can come together with other students to improve your confidence with English and learn about living and studying in the UK. Sessions are facilitated by native English speakers. Find English PAL sessions below.
PAL sessions start during Semester 1 and run weekly throughout the rest of Semester 1 and 2. Information about when and where each session takes place will be available here once sessions are confirmed. If you sign up to attend a session we can update you if details change.
What does being a PAL Leader involve?
PAL Leaders work in teams to plan and deliver weekly study sessions for students learning a language at University. You can use activities and resources to encourage students to practise using the language and learn about different cultures.
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Applications open 16 April.
We are looking for PAL Leaders who are native or near-native speakers of any of the Language PAL langauges above.
Why should I become a PAL Leader?
Being a PAL Leader is a great way to support other students, develop yourself and celebrate your culture. As a PAL Leader, you can…
- Develop valuable skills that employers look for, including communication and facilitation skills, organisation, teamwork and networking to boost your C.V.
- Share and celebrate your culture.
- Build a sense of community by meeting people learning languages.
How do I become a PAL Leader?
In order to become a PAL Leader, you need to complete a short application form demonstrating why you would make a great PAL Leader. We recommend reading the role description and outlining the skills and experiences you have that are relevant to the role. Applications normally open in September and February each year.
Successful candidates are invited to a training session near the start of the semester, where our new PAL Leaders will develop the skills and qualities they need to run effective sessions with support from the Peer Support Team.
Senior PAL Leaders act as a mentor for new PAL Leaders, facilitating weekly debriefs and supporting Leaders to plan sessions, develop activities and resolve issues. They also work with the Peer Support Team to run training and personal development opportunities for PAL Leaders and help develop Language PAL.
Why should I become a Senior Language PAL Leader?
Being a Senior PAL Leader is a great way to build on your experience as a PAL Leader and support new leaders as they take on the role. As a Senior PAL Leader, you can…
- Develop valuable skills that employers look for, including leadership, communication and facilitation skills, problem-solving and organisation to boost your C.V.
- Develop mentoring experience by supporting new PAL Leaders.
- Have the opportunity to deliver training and development activities for students.
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How do I become a Senior PAL Leader?
In order to become a Senior Language PAL Leader, you need to complete a short application form demonstrating why you would make a great Senior PAL Leader. We recommend reading the role description and outlining the skills and experiences you have that are relevant to the role. You must also have previous experience as a PAL Leader – current and previous PAL Leaders are both welcome to apply.
Applications are open in on 16 April and successful applicants will be invited to a training session around Freshers Week, where new Senior PAL Leaders will develop the skills and qualities they need to complete the role with support from the Peer Support Team.
Read the Role Description
Apply now!