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Web sites for finding pen pals/key pals followed by commentary
Thanks to Dr. Sarah Jourdain,
Director of Foreign Language Pedagogy
Stony Brook University
e-mail: sjourdain@notes.cc.sunysb.edu
Web sites for finding pen pals/key pals followed by commentary All sites valid as of May, 2009. (Note that it is not recommended to have your students do a web search, using a search engine such as Google or Yahoo, typing in terms such as “French pen pals” or “Spanish key pals.” This type of search frequently sends students to sites that claim to give access to international pen-pals, but the sites are often heavy on advertising and many of their links are for dating services! )
Sites for finding partners worldwide:
http://www.ePals.com
o For key pals around the world. Site available in English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish, Japanese, Chinese & Arabic. This site does not allow direct student-student e-mail exchanges unless the instructor permits it. Several participants on the FLTeach listserv have reported success with this key pal service. Site reports that no fee payment is required.
http://www.flatstanley.com
o For pen-pal classes, via the Flat Stanley project. Though this project is geared mainly towards the elementary level, some middle school classes are represented. This site is now also available in French and Spanish. No fees involved.
http://www.language-exchanges.org/
o For key pals and video link-ups around the world. The site allows students to find individual language partners or for teachers to find partner classes interested in language exchanges. Participants typically correspond and chat using the free service Skype. No fee payment required.
http://www.kidlink.org/
o Kidlink is an international, not-for-profit organization based in Norway that proposes communication and projects on the Internet. There are about 90,000 children between 8 and 15 years old and educators from 197 countries involved. Participation in Kidlink is free and is coordinated by volunteer educators. Several participants on the FLTeach listserv have recommended this service.
http://www.globe.gov/globe_flash.html
o The GLOBE project. “GLOBE is a worldwide hands-on, primary and secondary school-based education and science program.” Many international partners are available. Some training is required to participate in GLOBE.
http://www.peacecorps.gov/wws/
o The Coverdell World Wise Schools program links educators to Peace Corps volunteers around the globe. Participation is free.
Sites for finding language-specific international partners:
French
http://www.franceworld.com/fw3/
o For pen pals throughout the French-speaking world. Participants may fill out individual application forms. Teachers may also request class partnerships. A free message board for teachers seeking partner classes is available on-line.
German
http://www.letternet.de
o For German pen pals, coordinated through the German postal service. Site divided between +17/-17 years old. Participants fill out individual application forms so teacher monitoring may not be possible. Participation in free.
Spanish
http://nuevaalejandria.com/maestros/clases/
o For key pals/pen pals in Spanish. Based in Argentina, but schools from Chile, Peru and Spain participate. This site serves to connect teachers. Participation is free.
http://www.lingolex.com/spanish.htm
o For key pals in Spanish. This site also coordinates a chat room. Participants fill out individual application forms so teacher monitoring may not be possible. This service is free.
Clearing House Site for many partnerships:
http://www.friendshipthrougheducation.org/
o “Friendship Through Education is a consortium of organizations committed to creating opportunities that facilitate interactions between youth worldwide, building an understanding between nations and a bond between humanity.” Information and links are provided to many projects and organizations including People To People International, Sister Cities International, UN CyberSchoolBus, US Fund for UNICEF, World Wise Schools (Peace Corps Correspondence), iEARN, and e-PALS.
Director of Foreign Language Pedagogy
Stony Brook University
e-mail: sjourdain@notes.cc.sunysb.edu
Web sites for finding pen pals/key pals followed by commentary All sites valid as of May, 2009. (Note that it is not recommended to have your students do a web search, using a search engine such as Google or Yahoo, typing in terms such as “French pen pals” or “Spanish key pals.” This type of search frequently sends students to sites that claim to give access to international pen-pals, but the sites are often heavy on advertising and many of their links are for dating services! )
Sites for finding partners worldwide:
http://www.ePals.com
o For key pals around the world. Site available in English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish, Japanese, Chinese & Arabic. This site does not allow direct student-student e-mail exchanges unless the instructor permits it. Several participants on the FLTeach listserv have reported success with this key pal service. Site reports that no fee payment is required.
http://www.flatstanley.com
o For pen-pal classes, via the Flat Stanley project. Though this project is geared mainly towards the elementary level, some middle school classes are represented. This site is now also available in French and Spanish. No fees involved.
http://www.language-exchanges.org/
o For key pals and video link-ups around the world. The site allows students to find individual language partners or for teachers to find partner classes interested in language exchanges. Participants typically correspond and chat using the free service Skype. No fee payment required.
http://www.kidlink.org/
o Kidlink is an international, not-for-profit organization based in Norway that proposes communication and projects on the Internet. There are about 90,000 children between 8 and 15 years old and educators from 197 countries involved. Participation in Kidlink is free and is coordinated by volunteer educators. Several participants on the FLTeach listserv have recommended this service.
http://www.globe.gov/globe_flash.html
o The GLOBE project. “GLOBE is a worldwide hands-on, primary and secondary school-based education and science program.” Many international partners are available. Some training is required to participate in GLOBE.
http://www.peacecorps.gov/wws/
o The Coverdell World Wise Schools program links educators to Peace Corps volunteers around the globe. Participation is free.
Sites for finding language-specific international partners:
French
http://www.franceworld.com/fw3/
o For pen pals throughout the French-speaking world. Participants may fill out individual application forms. Teachers may also request class partnerships. A free message board for teachers seeking partner classes is available on-line.
German
http://www.letternet.de
o For German pen pals, coordinated through the German postal service. Site divided between +17/-17 years old. Participants fill out individual application forms so teacher monitoring may not be possible. Participation in free.
Spanish
http://nuevaalejandria.com/maestros/clases/
o For key pals/pen pals in Spanish. Based in Argentina, but schools from Chile, Peru and Spain participate. This site serves to connect teachers. Participation is free.
http://www.lingolex.com/spanish.htm
o For key pals in Spanish. This site also coordinates a chat room. Participants fill out individual application forms so teacher monitoring may not be possible. This service is free.
Clearing House Site for many partnerships:
http://www.friendshipthrougheducation.org/
o “Friendship Through Education is a consortium of organizations committed to creating opportunities that facilitate interactions between youth worldwide, building an understanding between nations and a bond between humanity.” Information and links are provided to many projects and organizations including People To People International, Sister Cities International, UN CyberSchoolBus, US Fund for UNICEF, World Wise Schools (Peace Corps Correspondence), iEARN, and e-PALS.
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