Try us out!!!

Some of our foreign participants come to our activities not to practice their Spanish or Catalan, but simply to expand their social network. Other foreigners come to put their language skills into practice.

Language exchange / intercambio structure
Our language exchanges are structured so that everyone has the opportunity to maximize both their language practice and social interaction. We have language bells, "conversation starter" material and more.

Level
No - very little Spanish: If you're a fluent English speaker (native or not), then you're in luck. You can have 0 Spanish to participate in our intercambios. Our local members will be happy to speak with you in English. On Wednesdays we often set up a "Level 1" table. Email me if you're interested in joining the "Level 1" table (NOTA: Si eres castellano / catalan parlante entonces refierete por favor a nuestra sección en castellano)

Intermediate Spanish: This is the ideal level to participate in intercambios. You have enough grammar and vocabulary to construct and understand sentences, but you need practice, confidence and patience from others. You will benefit in two ways. The linguistic AND the social aspect. People initially join us for linguistic reasons, but continue for social ones. A great way to fast-track your life in Barcelona! (NOTA: Si eres castellano / catalan parlante entonces refierete por favor a nuestra sección en castellano)

Fluent or near fluent Spanish: Quite a few of our members are virtually bilingual. Even If you're lucky enough to have a good level of English and Spanish, you will naturally still benefit from interactiving with native Spanish speakers, (I still learn new expressions and vocabulary and consider myself fluent in Spanish). People initially join for linguistic reasons, but continue to come for social ones. If you're a foreigner in Barcelona, then, chances are your social network smaller than at home. Good friendships have been created and some meet regularly in addition to the Oasis. So come to have a good time amonst an open, international and interesting bunch. (NOTA: Si eres castellano / catalan parlante entonces refierete por favor a nuestra sección en castellano)

Members' profile
Most of our members are between 25 and 45 years old (although naturally we have some younger and older!). About 85% are professionals from diverse industries such as IT (information technology), engineering, medical, educational sectors.

Better than conversation classes
Our intercambios, are virtual conversation classes but with a better student teacher ratio than you can expect to find in traditional academies.

You are placed into international groups, you're given an activity, and there is a timer to ensure that you get equal amounts of listening and speaking. Someone goes around the tables checking that everyone is participating equally and if there is a problem, you change tables. A conversation class doesn't give you all of this.

Frequency: We currently have three intercambios a week...all in central locations.

Cost: Your first visit is 2euro...to try us out...if you like it, enjoy yourself, get the practice you seek and like the group...as most people do...and you return, we charge our standard 4 euro fee for our intercambios...

the good news is that for those who attended intercambios the same week, the weekend activity is usually free (4euro for others). If you are still not convinced...click here

There is no joining fee. You come when you want. You come when you can. If you don´t like you, if you didn´t benefit, you don´t come again...but...with ever growing numbers...we are confident we will see you again, and again...and again...!

TUESDAYS 7:30-9:30pm: in Gracia
.: Joanic (L4) or Fontana (L3) More info please !!!

WEDNESDAYS 8:00 to 10:00pm: on Las Ramblas
: Liceu (L3) or Jaume I (L4) More info please !!!

THURSDAYS 8:00 to 10:00pm: The nature and location of this activity will be changing from May 2008. All the information will be in our emails. Please sign-up to be informed.

Intercambio guidelines : Try to follow these guidelines for an effective and considerate intercambios:
1. Respect the timer.
2. Take charge of your own learning when speaking in your second language.
3. Be sensitive to others' needs when speaking in your own language.
4. Don't correct grammar all the time - strive for communication.
5. Be considerate to others.

Practice Regularly, and Have Fun!