5 reasons why you should try a Language Exchange
A language exchange can be a great activity to partake in … especially if you are in a brand new city!
A city like Valencia is small enough to easily navigate your way around and feel at ease after just a few days. Yet it’s big enough to have an international community, giving you the chance to meet people from all over the world.
1. Meet like-minded people
To start with, this activity is perfect to meet like-minded people. If you are in Valencia for the first time, chances are you don’t know many people, if anyone at all! Making friends in a new country while attempting to communicate in a new language is not always easy. This is why a language exchange can be an awesome way to meet people and talk to others who are in the same boat as you.
2. Practice makes perfect
Of course, there’s no better way to practice speaking a new language than to talk! Most people feel really awkward and embarrassed when trying to use Spanish for the first time, and this is a big reason why you should try an intercambio, to get past the nerves! Everybody who’s there is stepping out of their comfort zone – so it makes it a lot easier to step out of yours.
3. Learn natural expressions
If you are talking to a native speaker in a language exchange setting, you can really get to learn the true peculiarities of the language. The presence of native Spaniards in the activity will help you to pick up common idioms and expressions. These are things you wouldn’t learn from a textbook, so it’s a really valuable asset to get to speak to locals and learn natural expressions, as well as regional variations too.
4. International connections
Language Exchange activities bring internationals together from all over the world – enabling you to discover new cultures and make international contacts. You’ll get to share experiences and learn about different cultures and parts of the world. This won’t only feed your wanderlust but it will give you the opportunity to make interesting contacts which could be very useful for your professional career in the future!
5. Learn about Valencia!
To round it off, speaking with natives or internationals who live here can help you to learn a lot about the city you have just arrived in! Most internationals have had to experience navigating a new city, so they will have some useful tips on things you’ll want to know. Overall, you will be able to get used to the new city and the environment, quicker than you would by yourself.
If you would like to find out more about our Language Exchange in Valencia, click here.
Or if you want to get the ball rolling and sign up for one of our Spanish language courses, here’s a look at our Spanish Courses.