FIUTS

Language Exchange (virtual or in-person)

FIUTS Language Exchange is a FREE program open to everyone in our global community, connecting people and creating opportunities to practice languages, make new friends, and engage in cultural exchange.

Sign up to practice any language you like - and offer to support someone as they learn your language! Language exchange partners can meet one on one or in small groups, either virtually or in person. Once we’ve made the match - the rest is up to you!

Note: At FIUTS, we recognize that many people speak multiple languages, both native and non-native, with diverse accents and vocabulary. To honor the diversity of our community and the varying dialects they speak, we match language exchange partners based on reported language proficiency. The purpose of the Language Exchange Program is to connect people to others for speaking practice, not formal instruction, so we will always be able to honor requests to be placed with a native speaker or a speaker from a particular region of the world. We thank you for your understanding and are excited to partner with you in international language and cultural exchange!

You must be 18+ to participate in this program.

LE INFO (1).png — A flyer describing the 4 steps to join the Virtual Language Exchange program.

FIUTS is open to everyone. Please be aware that FIUTS is a non-denominational organization that does not allow proselytizing of any kind. This includes political, religious, or any other uninvited pressures to join a group.

All participants are agreeing to abide to the FIUTS Code of Ethics.

Participants must be 18+ to apply.

Apply Here

Support our programs

Support the Virtual Language Exchange Program by contributing a gift of any size, your contribution will be integral to advancing international understanding and global education!

Make a gift

conversation groups

Join a conversation group and practice English now! This is also a great opportunity to meet new friends, share your opinions on various issues, and gain insight into different perspectives.

In-person conversation groups are held every Tuesday and Thursday at 3:30-4:30pm at the FIUTS office. Register to attend on the FIUTS online events calendar.

FAQ

I am not connected to the University of Washington. can I participate?

Yes! We are an international organization with friends and alumni from all over the world. This program is open to everyone connected to the FIUTS community.

I am not in THE Seattle area. can I participate?

Yes! Virtual meetings make it easy for people to connect, and we encourage participation from our global community.

I want to practice with a native SPEAKER. can i request that?

We match language exchange partners based on reported language proficiency and interest in a mutual language. As this program's purpose is to allow participants to engage in speaking practice, we will not necessarily be able to honor requests to only be placed with a native speaker or a speaker from a particular region of the world.

Will I be guaranteed a language partner(s) by signing up?

FIUTS will do our best to match you with a language partner(s). However, matches will depend on various factors such as demand for particular languages, preferences, and other special requests.

I’m concerned about privacy in this program, what should I do?

If you would like to ensure that your personal information is not shared, consider creating a new email address just for this program; then, if you decide it’s not for you, you can delete the account!

When will I be matched with a language partner(s)?

FIUTS cannot tell you exactly when you will be matched. How quickly you are matched will depend on several criteria (preference, language offered/requested, etc.).

How do I contact my language partner(s)?

Once you are matched with a partner, FIUTS will connect you via email. It is up to you and your partners to make the first contact - do not be afraid to be the first one to reach out!

How often should I meet with my language partner(s)?

That is up to you, but we encourage you to meet at least once a week virtually or in person (whichever option you and your partner(s) are comfortable with).

I am concerned with my privacy; what will FIUTS do with my information?

FIUTS will make your name, email address, and personal introduction available to your partner(s) when you are connected. We will not sell or provide your information to anyone besides your prospective partner(s) unless you ask us to. If you are concerned with sharing your information with a wider audience, we recommend you create an email address and alias specifically for this program.

I contacted my partner(s) and they have not replied; what should I do?

There are many reasons why partners are unresponsive. Please allow up to one week after initial contact before contacting FIUTS. Please use the inquiry form below if you have not heard from your partner, and we will put you back on the waiting list.

My language partner(s) is making me feel uncomfortable; what should I do?

FIUTS wants all participants to feel comfortable during their exchanges. If your partner(s) are not following the FIUTS Codes of Ethics, contact FIUTS using the form below.

I applied a while ago and haven’t received a match; what should I do?

Matches will be dependent on other applicants expressing a shared interest in a mutual language. Unfortunately, FIUTS cannot make any guarantees, but we will do our best to match as many participants as possible!

If you have not received a match within one month and still want to participate, please use the form below to express that you are still interested in the program, and we will keep your application active.

Is there a deadline to apply?

No deadline! Partners will be matched on an ongoing basis depending on applications received.