Language Exchange Frequently Asked Questions

Weekly reminders about the Thursday meetups at Café Tarifa in La Alameda, and the time of the event, are sent out on Instagram, the WhatsApp Groups, and the WhatsApp Channel.

You can also find information about the specific meetup on our website itself.

When the following day is a public holiday, the event usually runs later. We typically announce these and any other changes.

Follow us on social media to stay up to date on anything new!

We meet every Thursday, from 9:30 PM, at Café Tarifa Alameda.

There are usually 2–3 exceptions per year:

• We take a break during Semana Santa (Holy Week).
• During Seville’s Feria (April Fair), we don’t hold meetups at the bar. We meet directly at the fairgrounds instead.
• Around Christmas, it depends on how the dates fall.

It’s worth following us on our social media (especially Instagram) and joining the WhatsApp Groups to stay up to date on anything new.

The main Language Exchange is on Thursdays because it’s an ideal day to bring together friends with different backgrounds:

• Students from the University of Seville (US) and Pablo de Olavide University (UPO).
• Students learning a foreign language, coming from the Official School of Languages (EOI), a Language Institute (IDI), or a language academy (English or other languages).
• Students who’ve relocated from another region of Spain (e.g., through the SICUE mobility program).
• Foreign Erasmus students (among others, from Italy, France, Germany, etc.).
• Foreign students who are attending because of an event, whether from an association (e.g., ESTIEM) or through a department, program, or group.
• Foreign Spanish-language students who are in Seville through a study program or taking individual classes, whether at an international center or a Spanish-language school.
• People who are living in Seville temporarily. For example:
  • Visitors of people already living in Seville.
  • Backpackers.
  • Friends from Couchsurfing or BeWelcome.
  • Digital nomads or remote workers.
  • Attendees of a conference or international event.
• Foreigners living in Seville during an academic term or a specific period of time — for example, Language Assistants or Au Pairs (Nannies).
• Foreigners doing internships at companies in Seville, Huelva, and Cádiz.
• Foreigners who are residents of Seville, for example expats.
• People who aren’t studying a specific language, but who want to meet new people.

Many of these people take advantage of the weekend to leave the city and visit other places in Andalusia, Spain, or abroad (Morocco, Portugal, Gibraltar, etc.).

There are also people who’ve built their own friend group in Seville and go out with them over the weekend.

Also, if Friday is a public holiday (for example, Friday, February 28th), then Thursday turns into “Juernes” (a long Thursday-into-Friday night), and we get to enjoy a longer meetup where time flies 😀

This activity is free to attend. You only pay for your drinks/food.

English and Spanish are the official languages. There are always good people around to practice both.

French, Italian, and German are languages you can practically always find someone to practice with.

Meanwhile, other languages like Arabic and Portuguese also tend to come up often at the Language Exchange.

It’s possible to speak Dutch, Danish, Polish, Norwegian, Swedish, Czech, Ukrainian, Russian, Greek, Turkish, Chinese, Korean, and Japanese, though their presence isn’t guaranteed.

Eso sí, el Andaluz nunca debe faltar 😉

Everyone standing at the bar is part of the Exchange.

Many of the people sitting down are too, but they tend to prefer a bit more privacy with whoever they’re talking to.

People who are standing are looking to meet new people, have a great chat, and enjoy a good time.

It’s true that at other meetups there might be stickers identifying name and country (and/or the language someone speaks or wants to learn), but at our meetups, except for special events, we don’t use those kinds of identifiers.

Some people might think that makes it harder. We think it makes it more interesting 🙂

This way, we get to step outside our comfort zone, which helps us sharpen our social skills and improve how we interact with people.

That way we can practice more and better, as well as meet more people.

In addition to what we mentioned above, we’d rather not label people by their country.

We’re living through a time of wars and international disputes. We prefer that people be identified by what they are… people. And that each person be known for who they are as an individual.

It’s much better to approach someone with a warm smile and kindly ask what country they’re from or what languages they speak.

Some people might think that for a conversation to flow well, the group needs to be at the same level.

One of our core principles has always been that people can help each other. If someone at a B2 level helps someone at a B1 level, that’s great — they’re helping another person while practicing at the same time.

Keep in mind that when a native speaker talks with someone who’s in the process of learning, they’re helping that person out.

Also keep in mind that organizing groups by level, with a native speaker mixed in, would feel too staged and would take away the magic of meeting someone new, regardless of their level.

Either way, we recommend studying at home or with a language school to improve your level. That way, you’ll get the most out of the Language Exchange.

We share some Tips for a Language Exchange. We hope you find them useful 😉

All levels are welcome.

It’s a great way to put what you know into practice.

Don’t forget: the path is made by walking. Start walking with us.

It’s true that if you’re a more introverted or shy person, it might be a bit harder for you, but everyone is very kind and patient. Plus, people will look out for you and help you fit in.

Even though you might think just going to listen is a good idea, we encourage you to also take part in the conversation.

We understand you might need to feel secure before you start talking, but putting your knowledge into practice is the best way to build confidence.

Seville’s longest-running Language Exchange starts at 9:00 PM on Thursdays.

You might show up before it starts, or right at that time, and not see anyone.

People usually trickle in gradually. Punctuality isn’t required. What matters is showing up ready to learn, meet new people, and have a good time.

What time most people arrive depends on whether it’s winter or summer.

here are certain dates (September, January–February) when groups of friends tend to be more punctual. Let’s give them a warm welcome.

The end time also varies, but we usually wrap up around 1:15 AM.

On days when the following day is a public holiday, the event runs later.

No problem at all. Better late than never.

You’ll simply get to enjoy the event for less time.

Once the work day or school day is over, nighttime is an ideal moment to meet up and talk in a more relaxed setting than an office or a classroom.

At this time, friends coming along can have already had dinner and enjoy the rest of the night in an international atmosphere.

We can always take a little nap first, then head to the Language Party.

Also, the next day is Friday, and we have the weekend to rest 🙂

When you come to the meetup, it’s really important to bring a willingness to learn, meet new people, and have a good time.

Don’t forget your manners and good vibes.

A good attitude and an open mind are super important.

If we go in with the mindset of enjoying it as much as possible, we’re sure to have a great night 😉

Whether someone is bothering you or you see someone bothering another person, please let the organizer know as soon as possible.

We can’t allow that kind of behavior to bother attendees at the meetups.

If you can’t find or don’t know who the organizer is, please let the bar staff know.

Thank you 🙂

Yes.

The Language Exchange is designed so that everyone feels comfortable, at ease, and safe while practicing languages and meeting new people.

There’s at least one organizer (host) at every meetup.

Although there’s usually a lot of people and the host can’t keep an eye on every group at once, you can ask for help at any time if you feel uncomfortable or if any inappropriate situation occurs.

You can also go to the bar staff, who are familiar with the event and can help you.

Anyone who shows up with bad intentions or to bother other people is not part of the Exchange and will be asked to leave.

Our goal is to create a respectful, pleasant, and safe environment for everyone.

Yes.

Since it’s an event with a lot of people in a public place, sometimes people who aren’t part of the Exchange approach with the intention of stealing phones or wallets.

That’s why we recommend:

• Always keep an eye on your personal belongings.
• Don’t leave your phone or wallet unattended on the table.
• Let the organizer or bar staff know if you see anything suspicious.

Together, we all help keep the group’s atmosphere good and safe.

It’s true that good weather makes us more eager to go out, but our friends are used to not-so-great weather, so if it’s raining, it’s not a problem.

The venue can set up a covered area so we don’t get wet, and the Exchange keeps going.

Also, fewer Spaniards tend to show up on those days, so there tend to be more foreign friends per Spanish person.

Head to the meeting point and join some of the groups you see standing around.

Everyone is very friendly and welcoming.

Just start speaking, politely and with good vibes, in the language you want to practice.

If you run into any trouble, you can look for the Organizer.

It’s important to check out the different groups, and if you hear one speaking the language you want to practice, that’s your group.

Introduce yourself politely and with good vibes, and the people there will welcome you.

Starting out with one group doesn’t mean you have to spend the whole night with them. The event is very dynamic, and the idea is to meet as many people as possible.

If you’ve had a good experience, it’s a great idea to exchange contact info (phone number, WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, etc.) and meet up another day of the week, at a different time (and doing other activities). The goal is to grow your circle of friends, gain different cultural knowledge, and improve your level in the language you’re working on.

The Language Exchange is the tool that lets you achieve that 🙂

If you want to practice English, you should definitely introduce yourself in English.

If you want to practice Spanish, you should definitely introduce yourself in Spanish.

If a group is speaking one language, try not to switch it when you arrive.

Adapt to whichever language the group is speaking at that moment.

If you see or hear a group speaking German, French, Italian, or Arabic, simply look for another group or join and wait until they switch to English or Spanish.

It’s as simple as that.

There are usually two age groups:

• Between 20 and 29 years old.
• Between 30 and 39 years old.

Either way, age is just a number. You’re sure to find someone you click with 😉

There’s no upper age limit.

It’s true that the typical age range is between 20 and 35, but if you’re older than that, there’s no problem at all.

As for a lower limit, attendees are required to be legal adults.

In the past, minors have attended accompanied by a parent/guardian or with express written authorization.

Either way, what matters most is showing up ready to have a good time and meet interesting people 😀

That’s right!

We’ve always thought it was a nice addition to the meetup.

A lot of people enjoy being in the photos, but some people prefer not to be.

That’s why it’s not an issue. Whoever is taking the photos will always ask before taking a group photo. If you’d rather not, just say no — no problem at all 🙂

People often ask to be featured on the cover of the post.

There’s something for everyone 😀

You can check out our photos on Instagram (feel free to follow us too 😉 ).

The official meetup is on Thursdays, but we also run other activities on other days of the week. You can check the Activities Calendar to see when and where they are.

We also have a Language Exchange Community by Area, where you can meet up with other people on other days of the week.