Travel for Free with a Speaking Exchange Program
Ever wanted to spend a week in a medieval castle…for free? Here is a quick roundup of programs that let you swap your English speaking ability for a free stay at a beautiful, off-the-beaten-path location. Of course, nothing in life is truly free, so I’ll say up front that most programs require a nominal deposit (some refundable) to hold your spot. But if you include the free city tour (including transport) on your first day of the program, 3 meals a day, and access to world-class spas in historic locations, it’s definitely worth it.
I haven’t personally done any of these yet, but I hope to in 2021/2022. I was accepted to one program in Milan last year, but we all know why that didn’t happen. I’m writing about this now to daydream of when we can do this again. Some programs are still running though, so check the websites for those.
These experiences range from just one day to more than six weeks, if you’re feeling adventurous. This is great if you have a traditional job with limited vacation, and just feel like doing something different.
So if you want to learn more about having an amazing cultural experience for only the cost of your flights, keep reading!
So what are speaking exchanges?
Speaking exchanges are programs where you converse with English learners for 8 hours a day — no teaching, just talking. Usually your entire day will be booked with speaking sessions from 9am to 9pm, with some breaks in between. You could be grouped with two other native speakers, and given a topic to engage in for an hour. You may be asked to showcase a secret talent, while explaining how it’s done. At the end of each day, there is unstructured social time where you can unwind with your English learners over a glass of local wine. Check out the sample schedule below for a better idea of what you might be doing.
Your audience may be kids or adults. I chose to focus on adults here because, in general, it makes for a less stressful vacation. If I had the whole summer with some relaxation time built in though, I might go for the kiddos. So if meeting new people and talking all day sounds like fun to you, this might be a great way to spend your vacation.
Angloville
Angloville seems to offer the greatest range in countries. You can see your options include the UK, Romania, Poland, Hungary, Slovakia, Czech Republic, and Malta.
I love this lineup of countries especially because I would never have a reason to visit Malta otherwise. Angloville highlights an often overlooked corner of Europe.
Time Commitment
Angloville requires a minimum one week commitment, but most participants stay for longer. If you’re going to go all that way you might as well right? I love this because it’s the perfect length of time if you have limited PTO but still want to have an authentic vacation experience.
Age groups available
Angloville has three age groups: 7-11, 12-19, and the over 19 adult group. Your experience will be quite different depending on the age group you choose. Learn more about the program here.
Angloville participants seemed to skew younger, probably because they work with kids, and the program recommends the kids programs for English speakers ages 18-29.
TEFL Certification
Angloville not only offers the traditional speaking exchange, but also an opportunity to get TEFL-certified in their Teacher Experience program.
The process is mostly the same, except you log 80-240 hours of real-life teaching experience coupled with a 120 hour online training. The program is accredited, and gives you a certification you can use throughout the world. If I wasn’t already certified, I’d definitely consider this. The cost is 69 euros (83 USD) with 45 (55 USD) refunded upon completion of the program. Check out details here.
Speak in Italy
I applied to this one honestly because I thought the venues were so beautiful. I could imagine myself walking into this beautiful wood-paneled room and playing the piano as cartoon birds settled on the windowsill.
Maybe this wasn’t a good reason?!
I also chose this one because of its focus on adults, and creating an experience for professionals who needed English for their jobs.
Locations in Italy
There are four great locations in Italy, and it’s honestly hard to choose. Check them all out here. You can have an urban experience in Rome, go out to the countryside in Lombardy, or hang in the Mediterranean in Puglia.
Time Commitment
This one is short and sweet; you can go for an intense 4-day weekend, or do an 8-day program with a slightly more chill schedule.
Diverbo
Diverbo puts on a week-long English village for adults, dubbed a “talkathon”. A group of 15-25 native English speakers will rotate among native German and Spanish customers.
Locations
Nine locations throughout Germany and Spain –locations that are off the beaten path like Tarragona, Jaen, and parts of the Black Forest. Some of their resorts are seriously amazing. You must carve out time for a spa visit!
Time commitment
One week, from 6-8 days. Veterans can apply for a second week, but newbies cannot. They say because it’s too tiring. I guess they want to make sure you don’t burn out!
Age Groups
Adults only, but they do have a second program which accepts teen volunteers to interact with other local teens.
Grupo Vaughan
Each program is “ quirky, special and impossible to replicate.” They actually have three types of programs: Daytown, Vaughan town, and fifty-fifty. Daytown offers an intense 9 am to 7 pm action-packed day of non-stop talking. This would be great for you if you have limited time or just want to see if a speaking exchange is right for you.
Locations
Six locations across the Spanish countryside. If you choose a day-long program, you’ll find yourself closer to the metro areas of Barcelona, Madrid, or Zaragoza.
Time commitment
The DayTown experience is of course one day, and the VaughanTown experience runs for one week. The FiftyFifty program features half classes and half conversation. You would only be responsible for the talking part. These programs vary, Check out the calendar here to see when the next program is coming up!
Age Groups
VaughanTown programs are adults only, but they do have a YoungAdult program available.
Conclusion
With the exception of a few locations, most of these happen in the countryside and away from major cities. Keep in mind that most of these will offer a city tour on the first day of the program before the learners arrive. You should plan to arrive early so as not to miss it!
Otherwise, it can be a great change of pace and a getaway from your current life, especially if you live in a bustling city. These are definitely a lot of work, so don’t go in expecting to have a ton of free time; the vacation is the social interaction. One thing’s for sure–you will never be bored.
Of course, many of these programs are running on a limited schedule in light of current events. However, check their websites to see how they are following guidelines to make this a safe experience for everyone.
I should also mention, these experiences are last-minute friendly; you can usually book these 72 hours in advance and expect to be placed on a program. As spontaneous as I am, I love to have this option.
What do you think of this alternative way to travel? Does it sound like too much work? Have done any of these?
