Session Tips

About Language Exchange

Language exchange pairs two people who each want to practise a language the other speaks or signs natively. Partners do not need to be at the same level — what matters is that both of you are supportive and willing to improve. Each session should be divided equally between the two languages, so you both get practice and help.

Recommended Session Structure

A balanced session gives both people equal time to practise. The hour below is only a suggestion — feel free to adjust it to suit your goals and the time available.

Introduction

• Introduce yourselves in both languages.
• Pick a language to start with.
• Choose a conversation topic for each language.
• Don't worry about repeating topics across sessions.
• Explain how you would like to receive corrections.

During the Conversation

• Start a timer for the current language.
• Discuss the chosen topic and keep the conversation flowing.
• Ask open questions to follow up and encourage longer, more engaging conversations.
• Correct your partner according to their preferred feedback style.
• Don't worry about mistakes — just keep the conversation going.
• Once the timer ends, switch languages and repeat.

Wrap-up

• Tell your partner what they did well.
• Suggest one area they could improve on.
• Discuss topics or themes for next time.
• Agree on a date and time for your next session, and try to keep a consistent slot.

Correction Types

Immediate Correction

Briefly interrupt the conversation to give a quick correction, then let your partner continue.

Delay and Discuss

Note down errors while your partner continues, then review them together at a natural pause.

Ask and Signal

Let your partner ask for feedback whenever they need it. You could also agree on a signal, such as a raised hand, for when they would like help.

Chat Corrections

If you are meeting via video call, type corrections into the chat box as your partner continues. This works well when writing notes by hand would get in the way.

Suggested Topics

Daily Life · Family & Friends · Food & Cooking · Hobbies · Music · Films & TV · Books · Games · Sports · Travel & Places · Pets & Animals · University · Home & Living · Technology · Culture & Traditions · Art & Creativity · Science & Nature · The Answer to Life, the Universe, and Everything

Textbook Exercises

Pick specific words or grammar points you would like to focus on, then practise making sentences with them. Remember that your partner is a native user of the language, not a language teacher: they can tell you whether a sentence sounds right, and offer a better version, but they may not be able to explain the rule behind it.

Themed Conversations

Choose a theme or topic at a suitable level, then prepare a short list of relevant words and phrases to work into the conversation.

Question of the Day

Agree on a thought-provoking question before the session, then have both partners answer it in the language they are learning.

Explain

Try to explain something you learnt recently to the other person, and get them to explain it back to you and see if it makes sense.

General Tips

• Focus on getting your message across, rather than trying to make every sentence perfect. Practice beats precision.
• Match your partner's level if you notice them struggling: slow down, sign or speak more clearly, and use simpler words.
• Give your partner room to respond — ask open-ended questions, give them time, and resist filling every pause.
• Keep a note of new words, phrases, and corrections so you can review them after the session.
• Not every session will go perfectly — turning up regularly is what matters.