TorontoBabel is a Toronto-based language exchange group helping people from all over the world meet and learn a new language, while also creating an international experience for all participants within Toronto.

The group meets biweekly on Wednesdays in an informal setup, like a bar with music in the background and plenty of pool tables. The gatherings offer attendees an opportunity to have conversations in a language they want to learn and make friends during the process.

Language learners of all levels are welcome, from beginner to native. A regular TorontoBabel gathering features speakers of French, Spanish, English, Portuguese, Korean, Japanese, German, Polish, Italian, Cantonese, Turkish, Mandarin, Russian, Hindi, Arabic, Farsi, and many other languages.

TorontoBabel has been active for more than a decade, and the group welcomes everyone over the age of 19. Participants need to visit the venue decided by the organizers, sign up, and get paired up with someone, or mingle on their own in a social setup. Each event brings in anywhere from 60 to 80 people.

The group offers an opportunity for people to have real-life conversations with real people outside of a language application on their phones, promoting social inclusion and language learning.

Source: The Globe and Mail