language partner

[cm1]

I live and work in Beijing and would like a language partner to meet up with, say once a week, for English-Chinese exchange. I've come across a website called conversationexchange.com which looks quite promising although haven't signed up yet. Does anyone have any comments good or bad about this site? Or can recommend another site? Or any other way to find a language partner? I'd rather avoid thebeijinger.com as the target user seems to be very young. I would prefer to meet up with people say in the 35+ age range (I'm 50+ but young at heart and very motivated!) Thanks for any suggestions.

[siqi_cn]

I don't know where you can find language partner with 35+ age. But I can give some suggestions. You can go to the English club in the college. There are so many students that like to communicate with you.

[Meng Lelan]

An English club in a college is not going to be the right place to find a language partner age 35 and over. About age 40 and over, talking to someone half your age gets awkward and clumsy in a language partnership.

There's languageexchange.com and italki where you can find and select ages 35 and over.

[siqi_cn]

English teachers are good targets.

[Lu]

Or perhaps put your own ad in the Beijinger? Or ask around, perhaps you have a friend or acquantaince who knows somebody who could use help. There seems to be no shortage in language partners in China, so it should be possible to find someone. Good luck!

[amandagmu]

How good is your Chinese? In addition thebeijinger, I would try putting an ad up locally in areas or places where English language schools that cater to business professionals might exist (which draw Chinese professionals wishing to improve their English), plus maybe places like bookworm or April Gourmet perhaps? Also, I heard from another expat (not sure on her age, but probably over 50) that "the Hutong" and "Culture Yard" might cater to an older age demographic, but I have never been to either place. It seems from their websites that they probably attract a lot of people wishing to practice English, and both are outside the university district so probably a slightly older demographic goes to these places. I have randomly found going to hutong cafes a great place to strike up conversations with people eager to participate in language exchange - although since my Chinese is usually better than their English, we don't speak much English...