If you had a one-way ticket to Mars and could only bring 15 kg of luggage – what would you pack? What’s something common from your childhood that will seem strange to future generations?

These may seem like questions from a game show but are, in fact, the type of conversations a group of Curtin students have been having online over the last few months as part of the CHAtS Online program.

CHAtS (Conversational Help and Speaking) Online is a program that connects Curtin student volunteers with mentees wishing to improve their spoken English.

Each week for four weeks, volunteers and mentees participate in conversation-based activities, including a series of open-ended questions and conversation starters based around a theme.

Each session is facilitated by a program leader and co-leader who pose questions, keep the session flowing and, of course, assist with those pesky technical issues that keep us on our toes during video calls.

So, whether it’s pondering random questions or bonding over childhood trends, the CHAtS Online program has grown into a space where students can be social, develop their confidence, and feel connected.

If you’re looking to improve your conversational English, you can register now to be a CHAtS online mentee. You can also get involved as a volunteer. Registrations are open until Monday 29 June.

And for some more questions…

What would you normally be doing in your free time?
Most likely reading or trying (and failing) to recreate recipes that are very clearly out of my level of expertise – Nirzari, program leader

Tell us who would be in your ‘study from home’ playlist?
Oh, I have been studying a lot lately while listening to Mozart sonatas… I was doing an assignment and during my research, I came across the Mozart effect and have been listening to it since – Pedja, volunteer

What is something positive you have observed in the last 12 months?
The role of resilience facing COVID-10 restrictions. The capacity for adaptation of many people around the world. It is something to be proud of – Angelica, mentee

Tell us who would be in your ‘study from home’ playlist?
I like electronic music. Playlist genre is minimal techno and trance. It helps me remain energised and inspired – Ahmet, mentee

What is something positive you have observed in the last 12 months?
​Cheap petrol and easy parking! Haven’t seen a double-digit fuel price for a long time, and it is so easy to find parking – Cannis, mentee

Tell us who would be in your ‘study from home’ playlist?
As weird as it sounds, studying has always been more productive for me when in a quiet environment – Thivya, volunteer