Conversation partners are for students who are at a high level of English proficiency (particularly in writing), but may not be accustomed to hearing and speaking English in fast-paced interactions. A conversation partner can help you improve your speaking and listening skills, explain vocabulary and idiomatic expressions, identify speech errors, coach pronunciation, and discuss American culture with you. He/she can also help you figure out how to "get things done" in the United States and participate in local opportunities and events. Conversation partners do not provide formal instruction - they generally do not use textbooks, assign homework, or give tests.
In order to be matched with a conversation partner, you must show that you can stay in touch with the volunteer by phone. You will need a U.S. phone carrier (such as Verizon, Sprint, T-Mobile, etc.) and you must set up a voice mail account on your phone. Sending and receiving phone messages will be one of the ways that you practice English conversation skills.