For the last few months, I’ve been feeling like I have reached a plateau in my French learning.  I can get by in French in most situations (if I practice beforehand), but thinking and listening fast enough to have actual conversations hadn’t been getting any easier. Learning with computer programs, reading the news, and watching TV were only taking me so far, and were starting to get boring because I wasn’t seeing any breakthroughs in my ability.  So recently I tried a different method: language exchanges.

Language exchanges are where two people that want to learn each other’s language come together to talk.  Part of the time both people speak in one language, and part of the time in the other language. This way both people are able to practice listening and speaking.

There are a lot of internet sites out there to help you set up an exchange, and I don’t know exactly which one is the best, but I chose one called www.conversationexchange.com.  My number one reason for choosing it, is that it’s completely free.   My number two reason is that it seemed to be directed more toward making exchanges with people living nearby.  I’ve messaged four people through the site and been able to have conversations with one person through Skype, and one person in person.

Melissa and I occasionally practice French together, but with a native speaker it’s so much faster to learn.  They can correct all the grammar, and pronunciation, as well as help you find the word on the tip of your tongue.  I also know it’s a good way to learn because I feel mentally drained after a conversation.  Speaking and listening both take lot of concentration, and it’s stressful to get over the embarrassment of knowing you’re talking like a 2 year old.

Conversation topics so far have been introductions, thoughts on the news, travel, and hobbies.  For anyone trying to learn a foreign language, I would highly recommend this method once you feel like you have the confidence to try it.  You can do it anywhere in the world through an internet connection, and being a native English speaker puts you in high demand.  Also, it’s a great way to learn about a different culture and meet new people.