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Connecting Through Language
Local Language Exchanges Combating Isolation
by Melissa Whittington
Moving to a new country can be stressful, especially when the language and culture are quite different from your own. It's natural to feel overwhelmed while trying to get settled and make new friends. But remember, language exchange events are not just about learning a new language, they're about building a community. They're designed to be supportive and welcoming, providing a safe space for you to learn more about your environment and connect with others who are going through similar experiences. So, if your PCS has given you anxiety about language, culture, and making friends, why not give a language exchange a try?
South of Seoul Culture and Language Exchange Group
In 2016, Katie Howell and Siegrid Pregartner had personally experienced the challenges of language barriers when they first moved to Pyeongtaek. Together they decided to establish a local language exchange. Both were already volunteering with PIEF (Pyeongtaek International Exchange Foundation) for their Talk Café. They invited the members from the Talk Café and created a Facebook group. In the beginning, those meetings were just Howell and Pregartner, but eventually, they got bigger. During Covid, those meetings naturally stopped, but when restrictions were lifted, Howell was able to get the group started again.
In 2016, Katie Howell and Siegrid Pregartner had personally experienced the challenges of language barriers when they first moved to Pyeongtaek. Together they decided to establish a local language exchange. Both were already volunteering with PIEF (Pyeongtaek International Exchange Foundation) for their Talk Café. They invited the members from the Talk Café and created a Facebook group. In the beginning, those meetings were just Howell and Pregartner, but eventually, they got bigger. During Covid, those meetings naturally stopped, but when restrictions were lifted, Howell was able to get the group started again.
Katie Howell decided to partner with South of Seoul and find and promote similar language exchange meetings in the area outside of Seoul. In collaboration with South of Seoul, this initiative led to the creation of a current list of local language exchanges in the South of Seoul Culture and Language Exchange Facebook group. With a diverse range of weekly and bi-weekly meetings, catering to different interests and learning styles, there are ample opportunities for you to find a group that suits your preferences and fits into your schedule. This flexibility puts you in control of your learning journey, empowering you to learn at your own pace and in a way that best suits you.
Katie Howell decided to partner with South of Seoul and find and promote similar language exchange meetings in the area outside of Seoul. In collaboration with South of Seoul, this initiative led to the creation of a current list of local language exchanges in the South of Seoul Culture and Language Exchange Facebook group. With a diverse range of weekly and bi-weekly meetings, catering to different interests and learning styles, there are ample opportunities for you to find a group that suits your preferences and fits into your schedule. This flexibility puts you in control of your learning journey, empowering you to learn at your own pace and in a way that best suits you.
Howell says; “ Too many people have their mental health suffer from isolation and culture shock that can come with moving to a foreign country. These meetings are a perfect low-pressure, no-commitment opportunity to alleviate this stress. In the future, I hope we can assist people in hosting more meeting times, and I really hope more people from the base will take advantage of the meetings.”
Howell says; “ Too many people have their mental health suffer from isolation and culture shock that can come with moving to a foreign country. These meetings are a perfect low-pressure, no-commitment opportunity to alleviate this stress. In the future, I hope we can assist people in hosting more meeting times, and I really hope more people from the base will take advantage of the meetings.”
These weekly meetings, relaxed and casual, provided the perfect platform not only to develop and practice language skills but also to grow personally. They offer a unique opportunity to learn more about the culture, make local friends, and most importantly, to feel empowered in your new environment.
These weekly meetings, relaxed and casual, provided the perfect platform not only to develop and practice language skills but also to grow personally. They offer a unique opportunity to learn more about the culture, make local friends, and most importantly, to feel empowered in your new environment.
Why Should You Join A Language Exchange
Why Should You Join A Language Exchange
Joining a language exchange program in a foreign country can offer several significant benefits:
Language Immersion: Immersing yourself in a foreign language environment through a language exchange program provides one of the most effective ways to learn a new language. Constant exposure to the language in daily conversations with native speakers helps improve vocabulary, pronunciation, and overall fluency much faster than traditional classroom learning. You'll gain confidence and proficiency by actively using the language in real-life situations.
Cultural Understanding: Language and culture are deeply intertwined. Through a language exchange, you learn the language and gain insights into the local customs, traditions, and way of life. Engaging with native speakers lets you understand their perspectives, values, and beliefs firsthand. This cultural immersion enhances your overall experience abroad and fosters cross-cultural understanding, which is valuable for personal growth and developing global awareness.
Social Connections and Networking: Joining a language exchange opens up opportunities to meet people from diverse backgrounds, both locals and fellow language learners. Building friendships and social connections with native speakers can enrich your experience abroad and create lasting relationships.
Increased Confidence and Communication Skills: Regularly engaging in language exchanges helps boost your confidence in communicating in the local language. Over time, you'll become more comfortable expressing yourself, handling different language challenges, and adapting to various communication styles.
Enhanced Integration and Adaptation: Language exchanges play a crucial role in integration and adaptation to a new country. By actively participating in language activities and interacting with locals, you'll feel more connected to the community and become part of the local fabric. This integration enriches your experience abroad and facilitates smoother transitions into daily life, work, and social interactions in the new environment.
Participating in a language exchange program in a foreign country offers the unique benefits of accelerated language learning, cultural immersion, and the opportunity to form meaningful social connections, making it a rewarding and enriching experience.
Joining a language exchange has been made easy with social media. Check out South of Seoul Culture and Language Exchange Facebook group to see when and where a group meets next! If you attend a language exchange that does not suit you, I recommend exploring other options until you find your tribe. It is a great opportunity to meet new friends that will help improve your experience in Korea. Since language exchanges are run by volunteers, the leaders and members might change from time to time. Also, new language exchanges pop up and can be started by anyone who is interested in securing a location and promoting the event.
My Language Exchange Experience
I attended my first language exchange after I had been in Korea for over 6 years. I had moved to a new area in Pyeongtaek, and many of my friends had PCS’d out of the country. So when a local café owner invited me to attend their weekly meeting, I decided to see what it was all about. Even though I am an extrovert, I admit I was nervous attending the first time. However, I was warmly welcomed by all of the attendees and enjoyed the camaraderie and kindness I found. I look forward to my weekly meetings and making new friends. Through this community, I have made several local friends with whom I gather regularly to explore the area and learn more about the culture and the country.
Currently, I am helping to lead one of the local language exchanges. It is always wonderful to welcome new members and see people making new connections and improving their skills. I love that it is a relaxed environment for introverts and extroverts to ask questions, learn new skills, or just enjoy meeting new people. Many of the groups have special events like picnics, potlucks, or meetups at local restaurants to continue community building.
I am grateful for the opportunities available to participate in local language exchanges that Katie Howell and Siegrid Pregartner helped to cultivate locally. For local expats, it is a great chance to increase your comfort zone while living in Korea.
About the Author
Melissa Edwards-Whittington is a graduate of Mid-Atlantic Christian University. Locally, she volunteers with the South of Seoul organization. In addition, she and her husband create YouTube content as the KimchiRednecks. Their content includes local eateries, travel around Korea, and their life here in Korea.
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