How to Find a Chinese Conversation Partner

Now that you understand the importance of having a Chinese conversation partner, you may be wondering how to find one.
Many colleges and universities offer programs to hook up Chinese speakers who are students at their school with local students who want to practice Chinese and are willing to help their students improve their English skills. Contact the foreign language department of nearby schools to find out if they have such a program.
Even if your local school doesn’t offer a conversation partner program, you may be able to make a connection on your own by placing an ad in the school paper or on bulletin boards on campus.
People who don’t live close to a school may have more trouble finding a conversation partner, but that doesn’t mean it is impossible. Try placing ads in your local classified paper or go talk to people working at a local Chinese restaurant who may be or know recent immigrants eager to practice their English in exchange for a little bit of Chinese conversation.
For the more technologically inclined, you may be able to find a conversation partner online who can converse with you via free chat or calling services such as Skype.