Community Conversation Course (CCC)

General Overview

This course is designed to help non-native speakers of English improve their speaking and listening conversation skills. It is open to students, faculty and staff at the University of Pittsburgh as well as to international residents and visitors who are living and working in the Pittsburgh area. All classes are taught by teachers-in-training or volunteers who are graduate and undergraduate students at the University of Pittsburgh. The number of classes and levels offered each term are dependent on enrollment and teacher availability.

All students take a short oral placement interview to determine their level and are registered for the appropriate classes. Students may not choose their schedule or level based on convenience.

Each class meets twice per week for one hour and fifteen minutes per class. Classes are typically held in the early evening from 5:30 – 6:45 pm. Classes are held in university classrooms on the University of Pittsburgh campus.

Dates

CCC runs two times per year during the fall and spring semesters.
Each term is 10 weeks long.
Online registration for Fall Term 2026 until September 18
In-person registration: Week of September 14
Classes begin: 09/21
Thanksgiving Break - No Classes 11/23-11/27
Classes end: 12/03
Closing Ceremony 12/04

Classes meet in person, 2X/week, 5:30 – 6:45 PM in classrooms on the University of Pittsburgh campus.

You will receive a schedule of classes at registration.

Tuition

There is a $100 non-refundable registration fee paid each time an applicant registers for a CCC course.
Price does not include textbook.

Course Description

This course is intended for low intermediate to low advanced non-native speakers of English. There is no beginner-level course.

Class size will be limited to 20 and will be on a first-come, first-served basis.

Course Goals	Course Activities
Improve overall English speaking and listening skills Explore culture relevant to improving the language skills that are the focus of the course Recognize, understand, and use selected vocabulary	Studying and completing exercises and practice activities in the textbook Listening to and studying video and audio clips Conversing on personal, social, and/or academic topics Reviewing problem areas in pronunciation Doing grammar exercises as needed

There are no grades, quizzes, tests, or other types of formal evaluations in this course. Students will engage in various activities with the goal of improving their listening and speaking skills.

Campus Life and Pitt ID Card

Students in the Community Conversation Course are not eligible for a University ID or to participate in University sponsored student activities.

Application Procedure

Complete the online CCC sign-up
After you register, you will need to attend a placement interview to determine which class is best for you.
- After you sign-up online, you will receive an email at the beginning of September (fall term) or January (spring term) with information about the registration dates and location.
After the interview, you will pay the non-refundable $100 registration fee. You can pay with cash (exactly $100 only) or a check/money order made payable to The University of Pittsburgh or via the PItt secure online paymnet system with your credit or debit card. You will receive a receipt for the payment.
Late Registration: If you are not able to attend an in-person interview session, you can still join a CCC class before the end of the first week of classes. Sign-up online, and you will be contacted to schedule an in-person or Zoom interview.

Certificate

Students will receive a certificate of attendance at the closing ceremony.