Language Exchange

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QUT Language Exchange Program has been established by ISS to help those QUT staff and students who would like to take advantage of learning a language from a native speaker and, in return, teach somebody his/ her own language. So, if you're interested in learning, practising or mastering another language, want to learn about another culture and become a teacher of your own language, please complete the online registration form. Once you have completed the online form, ISS will try to find a "language match" for you. When we find someone willing to exchange language with you, ISS sends the email details to both participants.

Making it work

Arranging a meeting: You are responsible for arranging a meeting with your language partner. Please contact him/ her as soon as possible. Consider cultural differences, e.g. the importance of being on time, attitudes towards older people. Speak clearly and slowly to your language partner on the phone. Do not use slang.

Where to meet: It is up to you to choose a suitable meeting place, but it is advisable to arrange the first meeting in a very well known public place e.g. QUT library, canteen, coffee shop, etc. so that there is no misunderstanding about location. You should not arrange a meeting in your own home until you know the other person better.

First Meetings: Be prepared for the fact that it may be difficult to talk to a stranger. Relax, the other person is probably just as nervous! Try to establish how often you are going to meet and for how long. What are the reasons for learning the language and what aspects of the language do you wish to focus on (speaking? writing?). Be realistic in your expectations. Think about the needs of the other person and try to spend equal time on each language.

Topics: The best topics may include: eating, family, customs, education systems, geography, etc. Be sensitive to differences in your cultures. Be respectful and non-judgmental. Ask questions if you feel confused!

Effective teaching strategies: Be prepared! Before each meeting, plan what you will cover. Don't despair if you spend a lot of time discussing something else which is also important. Don't try to cover too much in one meeting. It makes it too confusing for the other person and may make them lose interest. Try to keep to your agreed time limits. Doing too much is just as bad as not doing anything. Practise: no one remembers without being able to practise. Think of ways some new words can be practised in your session. Be patient: you need to make the other person feel relaxed if you are to be a good teacher. Use photos, pictures or cultural items if you have any. You can even base a whole session around any of these.

Effective learning strategies: Take some notes but not too many. The best way to learn is to do. Keep a small book just for writing in new words and their meanings. Don't write more than 10 on each page. Practise. every day, but only for short sessions (e.g. 10 min). Frequency is more productive than length of practice. Tell your language partner if she/ he is going too fast. You can spend some sessions just practising what you already have done. Try to use your new language (even a few words will do) in each session.

Your responsibilities: Keep your appointments. If you cannot, inform the other person well before the next meeting. Be prepared for each session. Treat your language partner with respect, especially in relation to different cultural habits.

Please contact the coordinator of the program if you do not feel comfortable with your match or if for any reason you cannot continue the program or encounter difficulties and want some help.

Happy teaching and learning!