Voices en Español

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When people think of a language intercambio, they typically consider it to be an exchange of spoken conversation. But there is another way to learn about another culture, make new friends and improve your Spanish without ever opening your mouth. And you can do all this from the comfort of home while you’re still in your Snuggle Bear jammies.

In today’s podcast I introduce you to my friend Gabriel (Gabi) Guillén, a Spaniard who has launched an interesting and unique language intercambio web site, specifically for Spanish and English speakers. It’s called Blogs Exchange.

Here’s how it works: You create a blog on Blogs Exchange and write posts in the language which you need help with. If you’re a native English speaker, you post in Spanish. If you’re a Spaniard, you post in English. The site can assign you a “learning buddy” who will give you written feedback on your postings. You can also give feedback to others in the network, even if they aren’t officially your learning buddy.

Blogs Exchange launched a few months ago in the fall of 2007, so it is still in beta mode. But it is open to any native speakers of Spanish or English. This would be a great site for high school Spanish teachers or Spanish college professors who want to arrange a group learning project in Spanish. It’s also fun for individuals, regardless of age.

If you already enjoy writing, why not try blogging in Spanish over at Blogs Exchange?