Language Exchange Programme

Fequently Asked Questions

1. What's the difference between the Language Exchange Programme and the Communication Partners platform?

   The LEP is a semi-structured programme where participants attend a workshop every other week. Each workshop has a different theme, and they are designed to explore social and cultural topics. Students will meet with their group members on their own in the weeks in between to further practise their target languages. Students are matched according to a number of criteria such as language proficiency and group involvement. The Communication Partners platform is an online noticeboard for you to find a language partner on your own by either putting up your personal information for potential language partners to contact you, or by looking for a student who speaks the target language that you would like to practise.

2. What's expected of me when I’m in the programme?

   You are required to attend all of the workshops, meet with your group members on your own, and submit a total of 4 short reflective journals (200 to 300 words for English and 100 to 300 words for Chinese) using your target language in English, Chinese, or Romanisation (Pinyin).

3. What’re the workshops about?

   There is a different theme for each workshop, and participants work on activities and tasks to learn/improve their target languages while gaining more knowledge about cultural differences. For other programme details, please visit the following link:
   http://www.ilc.cuhk.edu.hk/LEP/details.aspx.

4. Is there any other way I can find a language partner other than joining the programme?

   You can consider registering on the Communication Partners platform, where you may be able to find a language partner to practise your target language on your own.

5. Is the programme suitable for me if I know nothing about or only have a very basic knowledge of my target language?

   It depends on whether or not there are applicants who may suit your learning needs. Partners are matched according to a number of criteria such as language proficiency and group involvement. Once you are in the programme, you and your group members are expected to help each other learn and practise your target languages.

6. If I can't make it on time to the workshops, can I still join the programme?

   You can consider registering for the Communication Partners platform instead. This platform is a place where you may be able to find a language partner to practise your target language on your own.

7. If I missed the registration deadline, can I still join the programme?

   Once the registration has closed, we cannot accept new applications. However, you can consider applying for the programme next time it is offered, or you may consider registering on the Communication Partners platform, where you may be able to find a language partner to practise your target language on your own.