How to Write Emails to Overseas Penpals

Get an e-pal to expand your views and make a friend in the process.

Getting a penpal in your own country introduces you to a new friend and allows you to learn about a different lifestyle; getting one overseas opens doors to an entirely different culture. Having an overseas penpal used to be expensive since sending mail to another country is costly, but with the expansion of email you can communicate with one or multiple penpals electronically without spending any money. Emailing penpals also ensures you send and receive responses instantly.

Instructions

1. Use a penpal service to search profiles of other people looking for penpals. Select someone with whom you can understand and communicate effectively. Don't try to get a penpal who speaks a completely different language than you, since you can't understand each other and online translators are quite ineffective at accurately translating text. It is acceptable to find a penpal who knows a language you're learning or who wants to learn your primary language. You can work together to expand your vocabulary and understanding.

2. Write about topics your penpal is going to find interesting. He probably isn't going to want to know you wore jeans and a sweater today but is interested to know what you did. Ask him questions he can reply to about himself, his family, his life or his country. Reply to all questions he asks you. Be sensitive to cultural differences. Many cultures are not as readily open about their personal lives as Americans are and some may find some personal questions impolite.

3. Include pictures of you and your experiences. If you visit a monument or interesting place, like a zoo or museum, send photographs to show and tell her about it. Remember to keep any personal identification information private and out of photographs like license plate numbers, last names or addresses to protect your safety.

4. Write often but don't expect a response immediately or get frustrated if it has been a few days since he last wrote to you. Having a penpal is a fun experience but shouldn't be stressful or more important than other obligations, like school and work.

Tips & Warnings

• Never give out personal information to someone you don't know, including your phone number, address, workplace or school you attend. You never know if the person on the other end of the email is who she says she is.

References

• Friendship-By-Mail: International Penpals
• PenPal Party: Pen Pals Frequently Asked Questions