Do you want to make friends while practising a language? Or maybe learn the local slang for your trip overseas?
Then join the UNSW Language Exchange Program!
We know how robotic language textbook conversations can be. So we've created a program where you can exchange language and cultural insights in a casual and conversational way. You'll be matched with up to 5 partners for reciprocal learning to give you real life exposure to cultural codes and local slang.
What is this program?
- It allows you to gain language and cultural insights in a relaxed environment.
- It’s open to all UNSW current students, including study abroad and exchange students.
- You can be a complete beginner in the language you wish to learn or an advanced speaker.
- It’s FREE!
Why should I join this program?
- Gain conversational experience and confidence in talking in another language
- Learn the local slang (i.e. all the things you don’t get in a textbook)
- Make friends from Australia and around the world
- Increase your employability in Australia and abroad
- Prepare for a trip, study, or employment abroad
Here's some fun facts:
Over 120 different language combinations have been exchanged by 12,000 program participants since 2010.
Countless lifelong connections have been made, including two marriages!
How does this program work?
1. Apply
The program runs once a week for 90 minutes per session, from Week 2 to 10.
Applications for T3 2024 are now closed. Please check back at early 2025 to apply for T1 2025.
If you are interested in learning more or being notified when applications open, click here.
2. Get Matched
Our fancy algorithm will match you to your group buddies, on a first come first serve basis. You'll be put into a group of four to six and notified via email once you've been matched.
*We will be offering a limited number of languages in Term 3. This is to help ensure a better experience and higher rate of matches.
3. Meet and chat
You'll be invited to the Language Exchange Launch on Thursday 19 September 2024. Here you'll have the opportunity to meet your team and other program participants. You'll also get advice on how to share a language and get the most out of the experience.
From there, you break off into your groups for 90 minutes every week. You have total freedom to choose what topics to talk about ... remember this isn't a formal class.
4. Completion
Once you've met the program requirements, you'll receive a certificate to say that you've successfully completed the program!
You can choose to continue the exchange connection after the program concludes. After all, you may have made lifelong friends.
Let's hear from past participants
"(It) was a great opportunity to get back to learning Bahasa after leaving Indonesia 5 years ago. We met almost every week and made progress each time we met. Was overall a great experience and I will definitely continue learning Bahasa."
- Heechan Kang, Indonesian to Korean
It was good experience not only learning English from a native speaker, but also teaching my language to others.
- Mahiro Akiyoshi, Japanese to English
"We are a Mandarin and Japanese exchange group. At first we went through when2meet and found out the time slots where the most people were available. I then booked a study room at the main library for that time slot each week so that we could have a free space to discuss. At the first meeting we agreed on the topics we would discuss at each subsequent meeting, so we progressed very well after that. I really enjoyed being able to learn about some of the customs and unique cultures of different regions during this project."
- Hemu Li (Mandarin to Japanese)
Become a Language Exchange Facilitator
Excitingly, the Language Exchange Program is now a part of Global Connections. This is a suite of programs that are all about intercultural mentorship and leadership opportunities.
Application to become a Language Exchange Facilitator in T3 2024 are now closed, but please reach out to [email protected] if you would like to know more about the opportunity.
Applications for T1 2025 will open towards the end of term.
If you are interested in learning more or being notified when applications open, fill out our Expression of Interest Form!