Learning a language with a native teacher can be expensive when studying Korean. However, there’s a cost-free way to learn: language exchange. But this leads to the most common question: how to find a language exchange partner who is reliable and effective?
Instead of paying for lessons, you and a partner take turns teaching each other your native languages. Many people try the best language exchange apps but get frustrated by common language exchange mistakes, like partners who disappear.
I had a great experience learning Thai this way, using an app called HelloTalk. In this post, I’ll share some key tips for language exchange, based on my own experiences, that are perfect for anyone looking for a language exchange (Korean) partner.
Where to Find a Language Exchange Partner (Best Apps)
Before we get to the tips, where do you actually look? Knowing how to find a language exchange partner starts with knowing where they gather. While university clubs or local meetups are great, the easiest way is through the best language exchange apps.
- HelloTalk: This is the app I personally used. It’s structured like a social media feed (think Twitter or Instagram for language learners). You can post “Moments” with photos and text, and native speakers can correct your posts. It’s great for finding multiple, casual partners.
- Tandem: This app is more like “Tinder for language learners.” It focuses on matching you 1-on-1 with a partner who fits your profile (languages, interests, age). It’s very direct and excellent for “interviewing” many potential partners quickly to find a good fit.
- Meetup: This is less for 1-on-1 exchange and more for group practice. You can find local “Korean-English Exchange” groups in your city that meet at a cafe or bar. It’s a lower-pressure way to practice with many different people at once.
1. Prioritize a Consistent Schedule
Consistency is key when it comes to learning a language. The same goes for language exchange—it’s most effective when done regularly. That’s why it’s important to find a partner who can meet you on specific days and times consistently.
My first language exchange partner was a Thai student studying in Korea. We had set a time to meet online, but I waited, and she never showed up. I messaged her but didn’t receive a reply for several hours. This is a common language exchange mistake—partnering with someone who isn’t serious.
Language learning is a long-term process, so it’s crucial to find out early on if your partner is someone who can stick around for the long haul.
Tip: In your first conversation, be direct. Ask, “Are you free to chat for 1 hour every Tuesday at 8 PM?” Finding someone whose schedule matches yours is more important than finding someone with the perfect accent.
2. Look for Shared Interests
After my first unsuccessful attempt, I found another partner, and this time, things turned out much better. Surprisingly, she already knew who I was! She had seen my profile on italki where I teach Korean.
It turned out that she was also a university student in Korea, while I was living in Thailand at the time. We had plenty to talk about, especially regarding our experiences living in each other’s home countries. Plus, I was teaching Korean, and she was studying it, so we had even more to bond over.
Having common interests (like K-dramas, food, teaching, or even shared life experiences) makes it easier to build a personal connection. Conversations become much more enjoyable and you’ll never run out of things to say. A partner with similar interests is a key part of how to find a language exchange partner you’ll actually want to talk to.
3. Focus on Speaking Practice (Not Free Lessons)
If your language exchange partner happens to be a professional Korean teacher, you’re incredibly lucky. However, most of the time, you’ll meet ordinary Koreans. In this case, it’s best to focus on speaking practice, not structured lessons.
Before your exchange sessions, learn new phrases or expressions on your own (from an app or textbook), and then try using them in your conversation. This is one of the best tips for language exchange.
Your goal is to practice output. You can get feedback from your partner on mistakes or alternative ways to say things, and then practice again.
If you’re already at an intermediate level in Korean, and your partner is a beginner in your language, that’s an ideal situation. Because you’ll have more chance to practice speaking in Korean even while teaching your partner.
4. Practice Mutual Respect
As the name suggests, language exchange is all about exchange. If one person only wants to receive help without offering anything in return, the other might not feel valued.
Both sides need to be considerate and genuinely try to help each other. When mutual respect and care are present, the partnership is more likely to last.
Tip: The best way to show respect is to be a good “teacher” during your partner’s time. Don’t just correct them. Explain why something is wrong. Prepare questions for them in your language. A great way to manage this is with a timer: 30 minutes for Korean, 30 minutes for English. Be strict. This ensures both partners get equal value.
Your Language Exchange Journey
➤ Finding a good language exchange partner requires time and effort, just like finding a great language teacher. But when you do find the right person, it can greatly accelerate your language exchange (Korean) learning.
The relationship may even grow beyond just a language exchange partner to become a true friendship, where you support each other in more ways than one.
