From ENGin Sessions to a Speaking Club: How One Match Became a Real Collaboration
- Emiliia Tokar
- Aug 7
- 2 min read
Updated: Aug 8
Emiliia Tokar is an English teacher and ENGin student who joined the ENGin for Educators program. Below, she shares what happened after she met her volunteer and where that connection took her.
The most meaningful connections begin with a decision to try something new. For me, that decision was joining the ENGin for Educators program, where I had the opportunity to meet Siobhan, a volunteer from London, who later became my language partner, a wonderful colleague, and a friend.
How It Started
I first discovered the program through a recommendation from one of my colleagues. I was curious and decided to give it a try. Very soon, I realised it was a connection that went far beyond improving my English skills. Our online meetings with Siobhan became a space where we exchanged ideas, discussed education, shared experiences, and learned more about each other's perspectives.
A Year of Regular Meetings and Something More
Over the past year, Siobhan and I have continued meeting regularly online. What started as a learning opportunity gradually developed into a meaningful collaboration. We now meet to practise English, yes, but also simply to talk about life.
As we are both educators, our discussions are always inspiring and useful for both of us. We come from different professional backgrounds, but we share the same passion: helping people learn, grow, and become more confident. Every conversation gives us a chance to see things from a different angle and take something new away from the experience.
As Siobhan described our connection:
"...we learned from each other — me learning from you as much as the other way around. It grew into a collaboration, which is a nice way to put it. It also opened up another opportunity for me to get involved in the speaking club — thank you."
When the Friendship Grew Into Something Bigger
This collaboration has also brought a new chapter to our journey together.
Siobhan has become a volunteer in my speaking club "Let's Speak!", where I create opportunities for people to practise English in a friendly and supportive environment. She now hosts free speaking club sessions, helping participants around the world improve their communication skills, discuss interesting topics, and feel more confident when speaking English with native speakers.
Seeing this partnership grow has been incredibly rewarding. What began as a language exchange has turned into a shared educational project built on curiosity, support, and the desire to help others.
What This Experience Taught Me
This experience has reminded me that education is about creating connections, not only about teaching knowledge. Sometimes, a single opportunity can lead to a long-term friendship, professional collaboration, and a community where everyone continues learning from each other.
I am truly grateful to Siobhan for her time, kindness, and willingness to share her experience with me and with our speaking club community. And I'm thankful to ENGin for making this connection happen.
If you are an educator looking to practise your English and connect with teachers and volunteers from around the world, ENGin program might be exactly what you need.
ENGin partnerships can grow in unexpected directions — read how ENGin volunteer Dmytro went from zero experience to teaching english full-time.
