Ever wanted to learn another language in a fun, cheap and stress-free way? Language Exchange Ireland has created this environment. They hold a language exchange night in Dtwo on Harcourt Street every Monday night at 6.30p.m.
It is a sociable way for people to improve their chosen language of French, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian or English. It is informal and set in an easy-going pub environment. The night is set out similar to a ‘speed dating’ system. You are assigned a seat number upon arrival and sit opposite a native speaker of the language you are learning. You speak English for five minutes and then the other language for five minutes before moving onto the next table and meeting the next person.
The night isn’t too expensive at €5, which includes food, and Dtwo have a drinks promotion during the event with all pints and bottles only €3.
It is an event, which was started in March this year by language students and is becoming increasingly popular with an average of 50 attending every Monday night. Language courses are generally so expensive and time consuming for those with a busy college schedule that learning a language would not be considered a priority. Brian Heavey from Language Exchange Ireland told The College View, “For so many learning a language seems to have a barrier, as people spend their money doing courses, private classes and studying at home but do not actually reap the benefits as they cannot actually speak the language they want. The exchanges cater for all levels, so whether you have just started a language or are fluent, check out this event.”
If you can’t make it into the city centre on a Monday night, fear not. There are still many chances for DCU students to learn a foreign language. The
Street area of the Henry Grattan building has a languages noticeboard for students to get in touch with other students wanting to learn a language.
There are many students looking to learn English in exchange for their knowledge of French, Spanish and other languages.
There are also two very good websites which let you practise your languages. Check out www.language-exchanges.org and www.sharedtalk.com
Emma O’Rourke
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