Language exchange
Swap languages with members in Everywhere — teach what you speak, practise what you're learning.
Find a language exchange partner
Language exchange partners in Everywhere
Liam O'Connor
Berlin, Germany
Backend engineer in Berlin. Organises weekly board-game meetups for newcomers.
Speaks
Learning
Maya Ferreira
Lisbon, Portugal
Product designer who moved to Lisbon last year. Loves surf mornings and language cafés.
Speaks
Learning
What is a language exchange?
A language exchange pairs two people who each want to learn the other's language. You spend part of the conversation in your partner's language and part in yours, so both of you get real speaking practice with a native speaker — for free. On CrossBorders you can filter partners by city and by the language they speak or are learning, then message them directly or meet at a local event.
Tips for a successful language swap
- Split the time evenly. Agree up front on 30 minutes per language and set a timer, so one language doesn't take over.
- Bring a topic. Work, food, travel or a news story keeps the conversation moving when small talk runs out.
- Correct gently and in batches. Note mistakes as you listen and go through them at the end rather than interrupting.
- Meet regularly. One hour every week beats an occasional marathon session — progress comes from repetition.
- Meet in public first. A café, a park or one of the community's language events is a comfortable way to start.
Why exchange languages with CrossBorders members
Members here are expats, locals and travelers who are already meeting up in their cities. That means your language exchange comes with a social circle: group chats, city communities and regular events where you can keep practising with more than one person.