First of all, you are not always asking native English speakers to practice with you as most of them would be so frustrated and bored by your fragmented sentences . Most English levels of non native speakers are far lower than native speakers unless that one has different intention to speak to you (eg: teachers or lovers).Secondly , Both of you had better share similar goals during the road of learning English . I intend to pass IELTs test in the future months , so I want to find a language partner with similar goals or intention . At least , he has to know what I am trying to do. Finally , you cannot expect your partners have the same level in English as you .You may talk and listen , try to find some way to enhance your english , respect , tolerate your partners and never push your partners too much . You will get improved and make a progress as long as you reflex from every conservation . However, it is not so fast as you expect . Time is the biggest enemy to English learners especially in the scope of speaking and listening .
It is good to find a comparable language partner or native speakers . However, it is ideal as most english speakers would not like to practice with you without any reward . Rather than listening training, to speak prefers to train your organization and thinking in English . it is not necessary for you to practice with native English speakers . Furthermore, If only you can find a native speaker , your partner must be patient enough to correct you , otherwise , you are as good as Ayad at speaking , while , that indicates you are not always necessary to have a native speaker partner . A patient partner who wants to practice with you is critical instead of native speakers . Of course , if a native speaker who are willing to allow you practice, it is the best .
If you only find a language partner or teachers, soon when they get bored and desperate with you who have no progress at all or cannot practice speaking with you everyday instead they just do typing because of busy life or can speak with you in certain time like on weekend but not always, well..they will be 'kick you out' from their language partners term.
Jy opinion how to find a good language partner is dont. Find friends so you have connection and strong will to improve each other and never give up no matter how worst you are and discuss not only trivial or daily life matters or aboutyour own progress but start with whatevef topic eventhough it is very private to talk too. Learning is not solely about rules but also about everything.
I agree. It's very difficult when you are starting a new language. There is an extended period, while you absorb the basics, where you can't have a conversation yet. I know, that is where I am at with my Mandarin at the moment. I am trying to learn tones, as I have been told that if I get into bad habits in pronouncing words, it will be harder to correct later. But I am a very boring language partner. :-)
If you target language is another person's mother tongue , I guess it would be pleasant and motivated for either side.
