Language exchange for busy professionals

You have a job, a commute and limited evenings. Language practice still fits if you plan it. Here is how to make a small amount of time count.

One hour a week is enough to start

You do not need a daily class. One hour with a native speaker, plus short study on other days, builds speaking skill. See how often to practise.

Pick a slot you can keep

• Lunch break near work: 45 minutes, half in each language.
• After work: a coffee before you head home.
• Weekend morning: a longer and calmer slot.

Choose a fixed day. Put it in your calendar. A regular slot is much easier to keep than a plan you arrange each week.

Choose a place on your route

Pick a cafe near your office or your station. A short trip means you will still go on a tired Thursday.

Use work as a topic

Talk about your job in your target language. Learn the words for your role, your team and a typical day. These words are useful and you will use them again.

Prepare in five minutes

Before you meet, write three things you want to say and two questions to ask. Look up the words you need. Five minutes of prep makes the hour much more useful.

Review in five minutes

After the meeting, note five new words. Read them on the train the next day.

If you travel for work

Practise the phrases you need for the trip, then try them on your partner. Ask how locals say things, not just how a textbook does.

What to say about your work

Keep it short and concrete, in the language you are practising. Say what you do. Name one task from this week. Name one word you wish you knew. Ask your partner the same three questions back.

What to do at a first table

If a table fits your diary, book it. Introduce yourself in two sentences. Say what you want to practise, such as a meeting or a phone call. Ask your partner to help with it.

An example exchange

You: "This week I wrote an email to a client. I was not sure about the last line." Partner: "Can you say it to me? I will tell you if it sounds natural." You: "I hope we can speak again soon." Partner: "That is fine. You could also say: I look forward to speaking again."

Find a partner

Nearly Fluent is a free app for finding language partners in Surrey and London. Read how to find a language partner, or join free.