The ELI Conversation Partner Program was created to benefit both American and international students through the sharing of ideas, experiences, cultural views, and personal and academic interests. The program (available to upper level ELI students) focuses on practicing English outside the classroom with American students at Howard Community College.

The main objective of the program is for ELI students to speak more in English. It encourages them to make new friends while studying here and become less anxious when approaching and talking with Americans.