[PMI] Affordable Language Exchange With a Cup of Coffee

Many students are eager to move beyond exam-focused language learning and experience using foreign languages in everyday life. However, studying abroad or going on a working holiday can be financially burdensome. In such cases, a helpful alternative is to participate in weekly communication sessions where Korean and international students gather freely to interact.

On May 3rd, “Channel PNU” visited two language exchange groups, “Busan Korea-Japan Exchange Meeting Uni-One (Uni-One)” and “UN Nonsummit (Meet Talk Play).” Here, students interact with foreigners over coffee, learning each other’s languages and cultures in a relaxed and informal atmosphere.

■Calm Conversation in a Cafe

At 7pm that day, people gathered at Cafe Banker in Jeonpo, Busanjin-gu to participate in the Japanese language exchange program, “Busan Korea-Japan Exchange Meeting Uni-One” After ordering drinks on the second floor, attendees gradually gathered on the third floor. Koreans and Japaneses sat around tables in groups of four or five, introducing themselves and chatting freely. In a calm atmosphere, they engaged in conversations on various topics, such as studying Japanese, Japanese culture, and daily life.

Uni-One has a history of 10 years since 2015. In Uni-One, the main participants are Japaneses who are interested in learning Korean and Koreans who are interested in learning Japanese. They share their stories and learn about each other’s languages and cultures. Miyazawa Chie (25, Tokyo) came there while traveling in Busan and said, “It was enjoyable to talk with people who share an interest in Japanese for various reasons. Even though we were meeting for the first time, I talked pleasantly with them.”

No complicated application is needed to participate in Uni-One. Each week, notices are posted on the official Instagram account. Interested individuals can send a message to the organizers. Regular meetings are held every Friday at 7pm, and for those who find it difficult to attend on Fridays, the session is also held once a month on a Saturday. Jeon Se-Yoon, who has been involved since the beginning in 2015 and is now the organizer, encouraged students to participate, saying, “Many people hesitate to join because they are alone or feel their Japanese skills are insufficient, but anyone interested in Korea and Japan is welcome. Just come and enjoy.”

■Diverse Activities With International Friends

At the same time, the English language exchange program, “UN Nonsummit,” was held at Cafe With, Daeyeon-dong, Nam-gu. This gathering was organized by Lee Eung-Hyun, the owner of Cafe With, to help youths practice English conversation without financial burden. People from various nationalities participate in the weekly Friday meetings. Additionally, a board game night is held every Wednesday evening, allowing participants to get to know each other. No prior registration is required; Individuals can join on the spot.

On May 3rd, Cafe With was bustling with young people from various countries, each having a drink they ordered when entering the cafe. Wearing name tags indicating their names, nationalities, and languages spoken, the initial awkwardness quickly dissipated as they began talking about their jobs, hobbies, and other topics of interest. To keep conversations flowing, participants could draw on wooden sticks with suggested topics from the tables whenever they ran out of things to say. Lee said, “Many of the foreign participants work as English teachers, so they can explain in simple terms or break them down to be easily understood. Instead of aiming for perfect English, just come with the intention of making an international friend.”

Before the language exchange, there was also a global cooking session, “UN Peace Table.” Registration was accepted online on a first-come, first-served basis, and participation was free of charge. On that day, participants made Pavés Breton with Boyaval Pablo, a patissier from France. Starting with this session, a monthly cooking program led by a foreign host in English is planned. Aurore (25, France), who attends Kyungsung University Language Education Center, said, “I learned about the language exchange meeting through a friend’s introduction. I participate in the program to practice my English and Korean. In the cooking program, I could talk more naturally with strangers while baking.”

Reporter Lee Soo-Hyun

Translated by Lee Soo-Hyun