How to Find a Pen Pal in a Foreign Country

Pen pals are often used to practice foreign languages, but they are also a good resource to have when traveling abroad. They can give you tips on common phrases, places worth visiting, as well as foods to avoid. Finding a pen pal may even lead to a long friendship which will enrich your life. These steps will help you find a great match.

Instructions

1. Ask a teacher. If you're a student, seek out a foreign language teacher at your school. Language teachers often have this information on hand since it encourages their students to use what they're learning outside of class.

2. Talk to your friends. If they're from a foreign country or if they have friends or relatives who live in one, let them know your intent and they may be able to introduce you to a new friend.

3. Post a flyer. If you live in an area with a large population of immigrants, visit the community message boards at your local library and post a message. Include any preferences you have, such as age, gender, language, country and anything else you would like to specify.

4. Network while you travel. If you're already an avid traveler, take advantage of any opportunities you have to find someone to correspond with. Students in foreign countries often learn English as a second language and are more than willing to communicate with a native speaker.

5. Write to more than one person. If the contact information you have received is not up-to-date, the person you wrote to may not receive your letter or postcard. By writing to several contacts, you will increase your chances of finding the right pen pal for you.

Resources

• A good resource for finding pen pals
• Search a list of members by country