Present perfect simple and Present perfect continuous practice: http://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/en/grammar-reference/present-perfect-simple-and-present-perfect-continuous

A reading and listening about cultural diversity: http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/language/wordsinthenews/2012/05/120521_witn_changing_america.shtml

Some ideas for starting "small talk": http://www.englishclub.com/speaking/small-talk_conversation-starters.htm