Are you currently learning a language? Interested in learning a new language? Want to find native speakers in the language you are studying/interested in? Then behold of this app > HelloTalk (available on both ios and android)
Depending where you live, sometimes it is difficult to find an individual who can speak the language you are studying. However, this particular can help vastly as it connects you to native speakers (in the language you are interested in) from all over the world. The beauty of this app is you choose the language you are interested learning in and it will connect you to an individual who wants to learn the language you fluently speak. It is a language exchange app where you both help each other out.
So for me, I input Korean as the language I want to learn, and it connected me to Korean people who would like to learn English. I have been self learning Korean. I have not actually put my Korean into practice to see my progress.. and it turns out that I am still lacking. I can read, and listen very well but when it comes to actually making sentences then it is game over for me.
At first I was quite skeptical about using this app as I personally think speaking to someone online who you don't know of, or have never met is weird (and dangerous lel). However, my friend has been using an app similar to HelloTalk (Tandem - if you would like to know an insight on this app, my friend has also made a post on it http://www.itstanda.com/lets-talk-tandem) and has said that she has made loads of friends and it has helped her Chinese studies. Thus, I forced myself to try be open about it and just give it a shot and see what happens.. and I do not regret it at all.
Once you have successfully installed the app, the first thing to do is fill in your profile - a profile picture (don't worry does not allow users to enlarge it), and a quick self introduction. It does not need to be super detailed, can be very basic. It is just so users can get to know you a bit before starting a conversation. The picture below is an example how the profile would look like (yes it is my own personal profile)
The learning points seen above in the picture can be very useful during the times you are having some difficulty in a conversation on HelloTalk. Some of the options include literal translations from (in my situation) Korean > English. This is great if you do not understand what the person has said to you; or if you want to make it slightly more challenging, you can get the sentence to be spoken out loud. As an individual may be good at listening and not too strong in their reading.
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WHO CAN FIND ME?
I only just realised this couple days ago, but you can filter who can actually find you. You have the capability to choose the age range, and option of same gender. Which is potentially great because you may not want someone who is too young/old speaking to you. It is essential you feel comfortable with who speaks to you - from personal experience I have had rather awkward conversations which brings me to the following section...
CONS
As a female user on this app.. you may experience users starting a conversation with you intending to basically get into your pants. It is as if they think HelloTalk is another version of Tinder.
The app is a language exchange app which is a platform to help one and another HOWEVER you get the odd people who will only seek for language help in your native language and does not return the favour in helping you. This defeats the purpose of the app.
I do believe HelloTalk is a great app as you are able to find great language study buddy(s) and can potentially build that relationship to good friends. If you are ever visiting their country, or they are visiting your country you can meet up.. I am actually travelling to Seoul, South Korea in over a months time so I will be meeting a few of the users I have talked on HelloTalk - look out for future travel posts.
I hope this has given you a nice overview of the app, and if you are currently using it.. let me know how you think of the app :)
안녕!
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