Free language swaps promoted by Benissa

A FREE language exchange programme organised by Benissa town council already has more than 50 people registered.

The idea of ‘Habla Benissa’ was launched in November, and is an innovative exchange programme where two people, who wish to learn one another’s language and culture, are able to meet and teach each other free of charge.

The project, developed by the department of foreign residents, puts people in contact through a registration process, and then matches them with their requirements.

Currently, registered people have requested languages such as English, German, French, Dutch and Spanish amongst others.

The programme is based on the fundamental objective of exchanging languages, whilst at the same time discovering cultures and socialising with people who, in many cases, due to language barriers, would not have that option. Currently there are twenty pairs of learners, who after several weeks, have already noticed progress and improvements in relation to their knowledge in the chosen languages.

Benissa council will shortly undertake a survey with the members of 'Habla Benissa' to evaluate how the programme is helping them, and to ask for any suggestions to improve the service.

In order to be part of 'Habla Benissa', interested persons should access the website of the town hall (www.ajbenissa.es) and within the section 'Destacados', click on the registration form for ‘Language Exchange’ and find ‘Habla Benissa’ in English.

Once the form is completed, people will be entered onto a database which will put people in contact for their exchange.

Email notifications will be sent to the interested party with contact details of their potential language partner.