De Anza College’s Cross Cultural Partners Program, which has paired ESL students with non-ESL conversation partners on campus to promote academic and cultural learning for over a decade, is accepting applications for the Spring 2011 Quarter through April 25.

This quarter, CCP is working with De Anza Student Body representatives to create better incentives for motivating and retaining participants.

A no-fee, volunteer-based program, CCP is open to any student willing to complete an application – stating interests and hobbies that can be matched with a potential partner’s – and demonstrate a desire to commit at least five hours of conversation time per quarter. Most participants join the program on a referral from their ESL instructor or as part of their service learning requirements. Some instructors also introduce the program to their students with an offer of extra credit upon completion, though participants who have enjoyed their experience have no trouble signing up for another term even without the added bonus.

“This quarter I’m not getting extra credit, but I still want to do it,” accounting student Atika Ali said. Ali still keeps in touch with her previous partner, with whom she struck up a friendship over “endless stories.”

Having low barriers to participation, however, has left the program vulnerable to participants who decide to prematurely quit the program. Biochemistry major Kwan Wong, a past CCP partner and current CCP helper, recalled her first experience with an “irresponsible partner” who simply stopped returning  phone calls and emails after their initial meeting.

Wong said that it “happens every quarter” and is unavoidable for CCP, which is now looking at perhaps adding a short agreement for applicants to sign in order to stress the importance of the commitment.

To address the issue of increased incentives for current and potential participants, DASB President Ze-Kun Li proposed at a recent CCP Council meeting the creation of DASB-funded scholarships and other types of recognition that would incorporate CCP participation as a component, an idea well-received by the council. 

CCP Co-Coordinator Gloria Heistein reiterated the need for CCP to coordinate closely with instructors, urging them to clarify the level of commitment expected from participants and to make it “more compelling” for students to join the program, instead of simply offering the optional extra points.