Top 6 Language Exchange Meetup Groups in London
Let's face it… learning to speak a new language isn’t the most exciting of tasks. It can be complicated, frustrating and downright difficult at times but this makes the skill all the more valuable.
Language exchange is two people who know different languages practising each other’s language through talking.
This simple technique can flip the difficulties of learning a new language over the head.
One of the best ways to participate in language exchange is by joining a group.
A group is made up of people who want to learn the same languages as you.
Eg - A English-Spanish language exchange group would have Spanish and English speaking people.
We have created a list of the best language exchange groups for you to join to improve your skills.
For those in a hurry -
Ohanasi Kagawa (Japanese-English)
China Unbound (Chinese - English)
Mammoth (Several languages)
London-French (French - English)
Spanglish (Spanish- English)
UK Korean Language Exchange (Korean - English)
Ohanasi Kagawa - Japanese and English
Ohanasi Kagawa is a group run by Aki (the guy on the right). It’s hands down the best group for Japanese and English language exchange.
The community is accepting and non-judgemental. They use a really great system for people participating in sessions.
When in sessions, people switch between English and Japanese every 10 minutes to ensure that both partners get to learn something.
You get to meet different people every new session (if you choose to do so).
This group is for people interested in Japanese culture like anime and manga, Japanese food, ceremonies and rituals etc.
It has branches all over the world including London but because of Covid-19, the events are currently held online.
The group is available on many platforms but we recommend Bylde because it’s easy to use. Here is the link!
China Unbound - Mandarin/Cantonese and English
China Unbound provides a relaxed learning environment for Mandarin/Cantonese and English learners alike.
The group is run by Esther. The great thing about China Unbound is that it offers courses for all levels of learners. Whether you’re a beginner, intermediate or advanced, they have a course for you.
China unbound more or less follows the same strategy as Ohanasi Kagawa where they have speed sessions of 15 minutes switching between English and the Chinese languages
No matter if you’re just beginning to learn Cantonese and Mandarin or want to gain more confidence while speaking, China Unbound has a place for you.
It’s only available on Meetup. Here is the link!
Mammoth - Several languages
The biggest language exchange group in London, Mammoth provides language exchange for MANY languages. French, German, Italian, Vietnamese, Dutch, Danish you name it, they have it. They provide a really fun environment as they also organize social events like bowling, club nights, dinners, pub crawls and more.
This is a great place for people who might be nervous about their language exchange session.
They’re only available on meetup. Here is the link!
London French - English Language Exchange
The best group for people interested in French - English Language exchange. It’s run by a group of people.
The group is more “professional” than others on this list so people who are only interested in language exchange without the cultural aspects should choose this group.
One thing to keep in mind that you need to have an intermediate or advanced knowledge of the French language. The aim of this group is to improve upon the languages that you already know rather than teaching from scratch.
The group is available on meet up. Here is the link!
Spanglish - Spanish and English
Spanglish is a language and culture exchange group run by Cristian. They hold their events in mainly bars and pubs in the heart of London.
The group provides a warm environment where people come to practice a new language and make new friends.
They hold sessions for all ages, from kids to adults. They hold long 2 hour sessions switching between both languages every 12 minutes.
They also hold themed sessions including Mexican nights and Latino parties. They also have a film club where they provide a series of films in Spanish.
The group can be found on meet up. Here is the link!
UK Korean Language Exchange.
This group is the best for people interested in the Korean language and culture. Its co-run by a group of people.
They meet up every 2 weeks and long 2 hour sessions where all the members talk about Korean culture and Language. They discuss topics like K-pop, Korean food, Korean traditions etc.
The group is available on meet up. Here is the link!
Conclusion
There are language exchange groups available for practically every language out there. Because of Covid-19 most of these groups hold their events online. Some of them have stopped hosting events for now. If you didn’t find a group for your language on this list you can find such groups on sites like Bylde, Meetup, Eventbrite etc. If you want to find out the best aspects of language exchange and how to make it work for you check out this guide.
