Language Partners Exchange Program

The Language Partner Exchange Program is a free program that connects students through language exchange. The success of the program depends on participants and each person’s enthusiasm and commitment. Students are matched based on the language they want to practice and/or the language they are willing to share. Each pair or group is encouraged to meet once a week for at least one hour to practice conversation skills.

Interested participants should fill out the sign-up form here during the first two weeks of the semester. Please note: sign-ups are accepted only during the first two weeks of the fall and spring semesters. Partners are assigned after the sign-up period ends.

We try to recruit native speakers, but we cannot guarantee that your partner will be a native speaker of the language you want to practice. You may instead be paired with another language learner at a similar proficiency level, unless you indicate on the information form that you are willing to meet with someone at a lower proficiency level.

You can participate if you speak a language that a World Languages and Cultures student would like to practice. If we are able to match you with someone who wants to practice your language, we encourage you and your partner to also practice English so that you can benefit as well.

If you do not speak a language that any World Languages and Cultures student needs to practice, you can still apply, but there is only a small chance that we will be able to match you with a partner.

We do our best to accommodate preferences, but we cannot guarantee a match. In some semesters, there may not be another participant available in your target language. We also cannot guarantee matches based on gender, age, or other personal characteristics.

We are a small team matching many participants across multiple languages. We will send partner information as soon as matching is complete. Pairing information is typically sent during the third week of the fall and spring semesters. Thank you for your patience.

The LSRC usually arranges an initial meeting where partners can meet and socialize. The time and location will be included in the initial interest form, as well as the email you will receive after completing the form. We strongly encourage you to attend. At the event, we will provide activities to help you get to know each other, and we encourage you to agree on a weekly meeting schedule before you leave.

Please allow at least 48 hours for your partner to respond. Since most participants are busy Iowa State students, pairs or groups may not always be able to coordinate schedules. If your partner leaves the program or is unresponsive for an extended period, please let us know and we will work to find you a different partner.

Ideally, participants should meet for at least one hour per week. If you are matched with a native speaker of the language you are learning, try to keep a balance between speaking English and speaking the target language so that both partners benefit.

Partners are free to have an open conversation about any topic they chose. However, a list of suggested topics is available in the Language Studies Resource Center (LSRC), 3142 Pearson Hall and online on our website.

Partners are free to have open conversations about any topics they choose. Here are some suggested topics.

Getting started

• Self-introductions (name, hometown, major/job, daily schedule)
  
• Why you are learning this language
  
• Language goals for the semester
  
• Two truths and a lie / simple icebreakers

Daily life and routines

• A typical weekday and weekend
• Food you eat often; favorite snacks; eating out vs. cooking
• Shopping and prices
• Public transportation / driving / getting around
• Weather and seasons

School and work

• Classes, homework, study habits
  
• Professors, classroom culture, participation styles
  
• Campus life and student organizations
  
• Part-time jobs, internships, workplace culture
  
• Stress management and time management

Culture and traditions

• Holidays and family traditions
  
• Gift-giving, greetings, and etiquette
  
• Weddings and dating customs (as you feel comfortable)
  
• Cultural taboos and “things foreigners misunderstand”
  
• Music, movies, TV, and internet culture

Travel and place

• Favorite places in your hometown
• Travel experiences and dream destinations
• Local sights, museums, parks, street food
• How people live in cities vs. rural areas

Food and cooking

• Describe a favorite dish step-by-step
• Ordering food in a restaurant (role-play)
• Cooking traditions at home
• Food memories from childhood

Hobbies and entertainment

• Sports and exercise routines
  
• Books you like; a story you recently read
  
• Games (board games, video games)
  
• Social media and apps you use
  
• Concerts, shows, celebrities

Opinions and discussion (for intermediate+ learners)

• What makes a good friend?
• Education: what should schools teach?
• Work-life balance
• Technology in daily life
• Environmental habits and sustainability