Language exchange guides
How to find someone to practise with, what to say once you have, and how to keep it friendly and safe. Short, honest and free to read.
Getting started
How to find a language exchange partner
Where to find a language exchange partner online or nearby, what to look for in one, and how to reach out so the exchange actually lasts.
How to write your first message to a language exchange partner
What to say in your first language exchange message, with copyable examples in English, Spanish, German and Japanese, plus what to leave out.
Language exchange apps compared
Tandem, HelloTalk, InterPals, Slowly, ConversationExchange and Talkabout compared on format, cost, sign-up rules and features, checked September 2026.
Language exchange vs tutor, which is worth it?
An honest comparison of language exchanges and paid tutors, covering cost, structure, feedback and progress, and when each one is worth it.
Good conversations
How to structure a language exchange
A simple plan for a language exchange session, how to split time 50/50, and whether to practise by text or voice, with templates for both.
What to talk about in a language exchange
Language exchange topics and questions sorted by level, from A1 small talk to C2 debate, plus how to keep a quiet conversation going.
How to correct someone kindly in a language exchange
How much to correct in a language exchange, the gentlest ways to point out mistakes in text and speech, and how to ask for corrections yourself.
How to keep a language exchange going
How to keep a language exchange going after the first chat: routines that survive busy weeks, what to do when it fizzles, and how to move on politely.
Practising a language
How to practise Spanish with native speakers
Methods and phrases for practising Spanish with native speakers: ser and estar, tú or vos, what to ask, good first topics and phrases to copy.
How to practise German with native speakers
Methods and phrases for practising German with native speakers: cases and word order in chat, du or Sie, Swiss German, and phrases to copy.
How to practise Japanese with native speakers
Methods and phrases for practising Japanese with native speakers: keigo and politeness levels, kanji in chat, dialects, and phrases to copy.
How to practise English with native speakers
Simple methods and phrases for practising English with native speakers: phrasal verbs, the present perfect, British or American English, and what to ask.
Comparisons
Talkabout vs InterPals
Talkabout and InterPals side by side on format, age rules, cost and safety tools, from each service's own pages, checked October 2026.
Talkabout vs Tandem
Talkabout and Tandem side by side on format, approval, free limits, platforms and age rules, from each service's own pages, checked October 2026.
Talkabout vs HelloTalk
Talkabout and HelloTalk side by side on format, daily message limits, paid plans, social features and age rules, from official pages, October 2026.
Staying safe
Comparing Talkabout
InterPals alternative - Talkabout compared with InterPals
Talkabout and InterPals compared on age rules, safety tools, reviews, apps and features, with sources checked 21 October 2026, for people thinking of switching.
Sites like InterPals for language exchange
Six sites and apps like InterPals for pen pals and language exchange, from Slowly to Tandem, compared on cost, platforms and age rules, checked 21 October 2026.
Try it with a real person.
Someone's learning your language right now. Talkabout is free, runs in your browser and takes a minute to join.