Hi Rita. I think language exchanges are a great way to learn a language. They can be however you want them to be. Maybe try a few different ways and see what you enjoy most. For me talking to people and learning about culture and different perspectives has been the best part so I don’t have any structure to my calls. We simply talk about whatever comes up and since I’m interested in culture and food and many other topics we simply talk about those. Talking about a variety of topics allows you to learn a wider range of vocabulary.

Other people prefer more structured calls, such as picking a topic ahead of time and reading about it or looking for related words and practicing them. Others want to choose an article for each to read and discuss it on the call.

I don’t think it matters how you do it, just that you do it. The more you talk the more your speaking abilities will improve. Then supplement that with all the other things you can do to learn a language.

Good luck.

Things can change if you are talking to professional teachers, tutors or language exchange partners.

With teachers or tutors the first call is used to assess your current language level and to know your needs and goals.

On subsequent calls you can rely on them to conduct the conversation, but don't forget to give them a feedback to help them to be effective.

With language exchange partners, and, sometimes, with tutors, you can set a subject for the current or next call, or just have smalltalk.

You could even exchange links to online news articles, to prepare in advance a subject for the next call.

Hello Rita, I hope all is well! If you would like to practice English with a native speaker then send me a PM. Have a great day!

Let's talk.

I can help you to improve your English.

hola estoy interesado en aprender ingles