Program Information

The Language Exchange Program has been designed to provide authentic speaking opportunities for UQ students/staff who are interested in learning, developing or sustaining non-native languages. Participants are matched in pairs or small groups to help one another to improve their target languages. It is expected that students meet for at least one hour per week and focus half their time on each language.

The Language Exchange Program's purpose is to improve the conversational skills for participants and not for academic purposes.  Students who need assistance with English or another language for academic purposes should contact ICTE or the School/ Faculty they are based in. Unfortunately, for this reason - we are not able to accept ICTE students into the Language Exchange Program.

Who can be involved?

Are you interested in practising your conversational language skills with native speakers? The Language Exchange program will match students who are either:

• Studying a language other than English at UQ
• Interested in improving their foreign language skills and cultural diversity
• Intending on going on exchange/study abroad or have done so and would like to continue with a language
• Intending on travelling for pleasure to a Non-English speaking country and want to learn the basics to get around
• Have an interest in a particular culture and want to learn the language
• An international student looking to gain fluency and confidence speaking English

How does the program work?

1. Students register their interest by filling in an online form which can be found below.  
2. The Mates@UQ team will then try to find you a suitable match which will depend on the language you have requested, faculty/school you are based in and availability. It is important to note that some languages are more available than others and we cannot guarantee you will get a match.
3. Around mid-semester Mates@UQ will send you the details of your match and organise an event to meet your language exchange partner(s). 
4. Participants are then expected find a suitable time and location to meet for at least one hour per week.
5. Mates@UQ will periodically check in on your progress however it is up to you to continue to meet and get the most out of your partnership.

Why be involved?

International students

• Improve your English language skills and confidence in speaking and pronunciation
• Learn everyday Australian terms and phrases
• Opportunity to share your culture with others
• learn more about the local culture and build you social networks through friendly interaction with other students

Local students/staff

• Improve your foreign language skills and confidence in speaking and pronunciation
• Learn some basic language and conversational skills if you are planning to go on exchange / travel or work overseas
• Gain valuable conversational experience if you are studying a language
• Increase your understanding of other cultures
• Build global contacts and future professional networks
• Apply a second language to resume and compliment your current studies. e.g. 1; Business students have much to gain much by learning an Asian language as they are our major international trade partners in an ever expanding global market. e.g. 2; Education students can demonstrate strong teaching and learning experience while overcoming cultural and language barriers.

Application Process

After placing over 330 participants, the LEP intake for Semester 2, 2012 is currently closed.

Expressions of interest for the Semester 1, 2013 program are now open by clicking here. An expression of interest is not a registration, however, if you submit your contact details we will email you a registration link and program update as soon as registrations open for the Sem1, 2013 program.

Download Frequently Asked Questions (PDF, 26 KB)