Free conversation partners through official language volunteer schemes

Key rules

• Cost: Volunteer conversation schemes are mostly free.
• Level: You usually need about A2, enough for a simple conversation.
• Regions: Each region runs its own scheme, so register with the one for the place you live.

What these schemes are

Several regions run official volunteer schemes that pair you with a local speaker. You practise the regional language together, for free. The volunteer is not a teacher. You just talk.

Which regions run them

Each region has its own scheme and its own way to join:

• Catalonia: Voluntariat per la llengua, run by the Consorci per a la Normalització Lingüística.
• Galicia: Voluntariado lingüístico, run by the regional government's language policy office.
• Basque Country: Mintzapraktika and Hizkuntza Elkarrizketak.
• Valencia: Voluntariat pel valencià, run by Cultura Valenciana.

If you live elsewhere, these schemes may not be open to you. Ask your town hall whether a local one exists.

What they ask of you

The schemes are mostly free. They usually ask for about one hour a week for around ten weeks. In Catalonia that means 10 sessions. You and your partner agree where and when to meet, in person or online.

Hours and length vary by scheme and by year, so check the current terms before you commit.

Your level

You need a basic level. Catalonia's scheme is aimed at people who can hold a simple conversation, roughly A2 after a beginner course. It is not usually for complete beginners. Other schemes set similar levels, decided by each provider. If you are a beginner, take a course first and join afterwards.

How to register

In general you fill in a form on the scheme's website, or go to a local language centre. You are then matched with a volunteer who speaks the language.

In Catalonia, you register through a Consorci per a la Normalització Lingüística centre. You are matched after a short interview.

Details differ by scheme. Check the current steps with the scheme before you register. The checklist and timeline below walk you through the order.

Timeline and deadlines

• Register and get matched with a volunteer: before the first session

• Agree with your partner where and when to meet, in person or online: before the first session

Checklist

• Find the official volunteer scheme for your region.

• Check that your level is about A2, enough for a simple conversation.

• In Catalonia, register through a Consorci per a la Normalització Lingüística centre and get ready for a short matching interview.

Registration steps differ by scheme, so check the current steps with the scheme itself.

Frequently asked questions

Which regions run official volunteer conversation schemes?

Official volunteer conversation schemes run in Catalonia, Galicia, the Basque Country and Valencia. In Catalonia the scheme is called Voluntariat per la llengua. In the Basque Country there are two, Mintzapraktika and Hizkuntza Elkarrizketak. In Valencia it is Voluntariat pel valencià.

Can I join a volunteer scheme as a complete beginner?

No, volunteer schemes are not usually for complete beginners. Voluntariat per la llengua in Catalonia is aimed at learners who can hold a simple conversation, roughly A2 or the end of a beginner course.

Can I meet my conversation partner online?

Yes, you and your partner agree where and when to meet, and that can be in person or online. This is useful if you live far from each other or have a tight schedule.