International students and volunteers: Also check out the Volunteer English Practise Program (VEPP).

Where Can I Practise Speaking?

Do you want to practise your Spanish with a native speaker? Have you ever wanted to write Cantonese? Are you fluent in Catalan, but need help with your English? The Language Exchange can help!

The Language Exchange is an online "To Do" specifically reserved for people looking to practice their language skills. Many international students on campus want to practice their English, and many native English speakers need help with their foreign language study. The Language Exchange aims to match these people to exchange language help.

Steps

1. If you are an international student, post a message explaining what languages you can speak and/or read.
   If you are a native English speaker, post a message describing what languages you wish to learn.
2. Browse the listings to see if someone matches your skills and needs.
3. Once you find a match, arrange to meet in a neutral spot on campus. Decide how many hours of language help you are each willing to exchange. Often, students exchange one hour of English help for one hour of help with another language, but the transaction is up to you.

Keep in mind that the Language Exchange is unmonitored. Although only people within the university community (students, instructors, librarians, and staff) can interact with you on the VLC, it is always best to exercise caution when meeting someone for the first time. Arrange to meet in a public place, and be careful about giving out personal information.

The International Centre has a program called the VEPP (Volunteer English Practise Program). The VEPP will arrange for international students to practise English with a community member. These community members might be either from inside or outside of the university community. The International Centre provides training to the volunteer community members involved in the program. They also take steps to try to ensure that these volunteers are accountable and trustworthy.