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Step 1
Join Postcrossing, an international project that links people from around the world through the exchange of postcards. The main goal of the website is not to create long-lasting, one-on-one friendships, but instead to foment communication with as many people as possible. You can always request more permanent penpals when you exchange the postcards, though. Postcrossing also has a private forum where people meet to exchange not only letters, but also small souvenirs and presents.
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Step 2
Search online for websites catering to penpaling. The two largest ones, PenpalWorld and EpalsConnect, have over half a million members each, so you’re more than likely to find somebody to match your hobbies, passions and interests. Most websites allow you to search by sex, age range, country and interests.
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Step 3
Look to sponsor a classroom. This doesn’t necessarily mean giving money away. Many teachers around the world are now matching their English students with international penpals, in an effort to get the kids writing and communicating. Some create one-on-one matches, while others will match you with a whole class, so you would be writing a collective letter, rather than an individual one.
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Step 4
Post an ad. If you prefer to let others find you, consider posting your information instead of searching for penpals directly. Make the ad interesting and offer some details about yourself that distinguish you from the general population (rather than just saying you love poetry, mention a few poets you love).
