ELI Conversation Circle Facilitator Spotlight: Fiona Pratt-MacDonald

The ELI Facilitator Spotlight series highlights volunteers who go above and beyond in fostering cross-cultural connection and community at  U-M by leading multiple Conversation Circles.

Meet Fiona Pratt-MacDonald, a Master of Arts student in Higher Education with a focus on Student Access and Success. Fiona began volunteering with the English Language Institute’s Conversation Circles program in Fall 2024. Since then, she has also led circles in Summer and Winter 2025. 

After a year teaching English in Japan, Fiona enrolled at the University of Michigan with a renewed commitment to supporting international students and fostering cross-cultural connections. Her warmth, curiosity, and thoughtful facilitation style make her Conversation Circles welcoming spaces where participants feel seen and encouraged to share.

Fiona has been a dedicated facilitator and an active participant in Conversation Circles spring and fall celebrations. She graduated this past December, and we wish her the best of luck for her future adventures.

Name: Fiona Pratt-MacDonald

Hometown: East Amherst, New York

Role in the University of Michigan: Graduate student

Degree Program: Master of Arts in Higher Education (Concentration: Student Access and Success)

What do you hope to do after graduating from University of Michigan?

I hope to enter into a PhD in Higher Education program. My dream is to become a professor. Between now and then, I want to work at the University of Michigan in a student success-focused role.

What inspired you to become a facilitator at the English Language Institute?

After teaching English in Japan the year prior to starting my master's degree, I knew when I returned to school I wanted to be in a space that allowed for direct interactions with international students and/or English language learners. Not because I necessarily wanted to "teach" anyone anything, but because it is important for me to not only continuously broaden my own worldview but to also holistically support those entering into a new community as I was supported in such a way when I lived abroad. When I learned about this program through an email, I knew this was something I had to be a part of! I have met some amazing people because of it and cannot wait to continue doing it in future semesters.

What have you enjoyed the most about your experience as a facilitator? Why?

Many of my conversation circle members actually carried over from my first circle in the Fall 2024 semester, so one of the most enjoyable experiences has been really getting to know the members of my circle. With each meeting, not only do I learn more about their cultures and their professional / academic aspirations, but more of what makes them the living, breathing, and wonderfully thinking humans that they are! I am very grateful for the grace they have given me as a facilitator, and I'm excited for our future discussions.

Was there one discussion or activity that you had with your Circle that particularly stands out as memorable/enjoyable/significant? What made it so special? 

We went to UMMA (University of Michigan Museum of Art) as a group one Saturday, which was very nice because it was great to sort of just "be in each other's company" and then discuss the art from our different perspectives! It was a great bonding moment and took the pressure off of "saying things in the right way" because we were able to just speak to the emotions and memories the art evoked in us.