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Last updateFri, 01 Apr 2016 2pm

English conversation club seeks expat members

What started in 2012 as a language practice meetup for a group of ten people has now become a thriving movement, with multiple sessions held across Guadalajara and a membership of over 1,500 people. 

The English Language Conversation Club in Guadalajara holds sessions in three separate locations – central Guadalajara, Tlaquepaque and Zapopan. 

Marga Goranova started the group with high-school best friend Radostina Kazmin, after the owner of La Casa del Mezquite café in Guadalajara invited her to organize an English -language event. They decided on a conversation club that would allow members to socialize but practice their language skills at the same time. 

The size of the groups ranges from four to 14 members. There are five sessions every week. 

“We have found there is a real necessity in Guadalajara,” said Goranova. “There are many people who have studied English and need a way to practice it. Once they come to the conversation club, they find a nice atmosphere, they make friends and they stay.”

To ensure conversations at club meetings flow, the organizers provide a wide variety of topics related to different aspects of society and culture. Occasionally, members approach the organizers with specific requests for discussion topics. 

In addition, the conversation club organizes for guest speakers to give talks about culture, art and society. Members are also invited to social gatherings like barbecues outside of the club.

The majority of club members are Mexicans but Goranova is interested in attracting expat members who want to mix with locals and share their different cultures and experiences. 

The conversation club meets at three different places.  In Guadalajara, there are twice weekly events at Rojo Cafe, Guadalupe Zuno 2027, between Chapultepec and Marsella, Mondays 7:30 p.m.-9 p.m.  and Thursdays 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m.  In Zapopan, the club meets at La Casa del Mezquite, Aldama 22, Wednesdays 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m.  and Saturdays 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.  In Tlaquepaque at Calle Fray Antonio de Segovia 1200, Tuesdays 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m.  Normal price 120 pesos, introductory trial fee 60 pesos. For more information, call Goranova at (33)-1339-8986 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..">This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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