The FUTURE of Learning

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How to use MEET-UPS to meet a NATIVE ENGLISH SPEAKER

meet up

(Photo credit: http://bit.ly/12cglH1)

There are so many different places you can go to meet Native English Speakers these days, but one I really want to push is the new internet phenomenon of the ‘Meet –up”.

So what is this all about?

Well if you google the words ‘meet ups’, you will be very surprised how many there are in your area. They are groups that are created by other people who are interested in a certain topic, e.g. chess, walking, books, business….you name it! There is a meet up about it. And it is all free!

The amazing thing about meet-ups is that you just contact the group online and they will tell you where they are going to ‘meet up’ next time and you just turn up. Usually it will be a café or park or tennis court…depends what the focus of interest is. And for sure they will be full of native speakers who enjoy doing the same kind of thing as you e.g. Chess, reading, walking etc.

If you go once and enjoy it, usually they like to socialize too and that way you can find some very like-minded people to talk and joke with. You can go to many different ones in one week! All with different people and all with a similar interest to you.

What I would not recommend however is to go to a meet-up for people who want to only practice their English…chances are you will end up only meeting non native speakers like yourself and it will be hopeless.

So give it a try. These days this is one of the best ways to meet people. And don’t forget to practice your conversation starters too!

Let me know how it goes for you!

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aiyshah2014 Avatar
aiyshah2014
I own and operate ELIT Language Centre in Kuala Lumpur. I have had over 30 years experience teaching both adults and children. At ELIT Language Centre we have taught international students from over 70 different countries. I’m soon to launch a new book ’23 Things to think about when you feel overwhelmed’, so watch this space for the launch date and how you can gt a copy!

6 responses to “How to use MEET-UPS to meet a NATIVE ENGLISH SPEAKER”

  1. cegosasiapacific Avatar
    cegosasiapacific

    That’s a great mode for learning. Thanks Aiyshah. A piece of advice though for the ladies: there are some meet-ups where people, especially men, try to form unnecessary friendships. Beware of them. Find genuine meet-ups.

    Reply
    1. aiyshah2014 Avatar
      aiyshah2014

      Thanks good point.

      I personally have been to a few meet ups and have never been hit-on! Perhaps that is a sign of my age! (sigh) Anyway…..Yes i always say make sure it is in public place with already a lot of members, plus goo d to take a friend too!.

      Reply
  2. David McFetridge Avatar
    David McFetridge

    In my experience, these meetups are a great way to learn a language, though I always prefer to meet up with a individual person as otherwise I have difficulty making sure I speak enough of my target language. Meeting an individual person ensures you can set a reasonably strict 50-50 rule of how much of each language you speak

    Reply
    1. aiyshah2014 Avatar
      aiyshah2014

      Thanks for your feedback. Yes i agree, if you have the chance to speak one to one that is the ultimate.

      At the same time I do recommend people (particularly females) to take appropriate precautions about meeting strangers to ‘talk’, and follow the usual rules of make sure you meet in a public place, don’t give them your address, etc…

      Thanks for your idea.

      Reply
  3. A. Guuled Avatar
    A. Guuled

    well in my opinion it is useful I have been to many meet- ups and it was great

    Reply
  4. aiyshah2014 Avatar
    aiyshah2014

    Reblogged this on AIYSHAH'S ENGLISH PAGE and commented:

    Meet ups are now happening in almost every city in the world…check this out.

    Reply

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