Exchange lessons involve mutual teaching where two native speakers teach each other their native language. These lessons involve an exchange of time in lieu of payment.

These lessons are very important for our mission because they increase access to lessons thereby increasing cross-cultural connections, cultural understanding and openness. 

Before you start your Exchange Lessons, check out these important tips for a successful language exchange!

1. Send a message to your potential language exchange partner explaining which languages you can teach including your level of proficiency in each and make sure that you have added these languages to your Tutor Profile. Also include which language(s) you want them to teach you and why. The more specific you are in this initial contact, the better.

2. If you have specific needs for your lessons, tell your language exchange partner right away so that they can prepare lessons that will meet your needs. Equally, ask your partner if they have any specific needs you should prepare for. This way the lessons will be focused on what both you and your language exchange partner want and need.

3. Always be respectful of your language exchange partner’s time. Even though these are free lessons, you should always show up on time and always avoid rescheduling or cancelling last minute.

4. Try lessons with more than one language exchange partner. Since these lessons are free, and only cost your reciprocated time - if you have the time, why not try lessons with someone with a different accent or background so you can get more experience practicing and learning.

5. Use the free LIM materials and lesson plans. Unless you have agreed to do only unstructured conversation, try to keep your lessons professional and structured so you and your exchange partner get the most out of your lessons. 

6. Take notes and make sure to do your homework. Just like paid lessons, you’ll learn more and progress faster with exchange lessons if you study between lessons and always do your homework.

7. This is an immersion experience so you should be speaking in the lesson language for 100% of the lesson. You don’t have to worry about switching half way through because the platform will enforce an equal exchange of lessons - so you know with confidence that the next lesson will be 100% dedicated to the other language in the exchange.

8. When you are acting as the tutor, try to make sure your exchange partner does as much speaking as possible. The platform will enforce an equal exchange of lessons - so you know you will get plenty of speaking practice in return in the next lesson.

Ready to start? Sign up and send a request for your Top Tutor results to choose your exchange partner and schedule your first Exchange Lesson today!