Korean Job Discussion Forums

[byunhosa]

Is language exchange a euphemism for dating/socializing with Koreans?

I had posted on a language exchange website about being interested in finding a Korean conversation partner. So far virtually 100% of the responses I have gotten are from young (or fairly young) females. Some seem to be sincere, and refer to learning English for their jobs etc., while others talk about being a friend and showing me around, etc.

Now, part of this may be self-selection. I find some of the women here speak English better because they are more ambitious and perhaps less self-conscious about learning. But part of me wonders if some of these responses are just a cover for meeting up.

So far, I've not responded because I don't feel my Korean is yet at a level (I am a high Level II/low Level III, about a year of P/T study) where a partner would be that productive, but also because I am unsure of their motives.

Does anyone have experience with this? (BTW I am very happily married so I am not interested in making a special "friend". ).

[tigerbluekitty]

Yes, some of those ladies want to become your girlfriend and perhaps use you for free English lessons.

I've tried language exchanges before, most of the guys tried to start something romantic with me, the girls wanted to be my friend. I don't think I'm even suitable for most of them cuz our interests are so different, but still they latch onto me.

After that I changed cell phone numbers and never contacted them nor did language exchange again.

Your gut instinct is right. Follow it.

[mikowee]

[Mashimaro]

Korean women seem more interested in learning English than Korean guys. II suppose a lot of younger guys are off at the army too.

[byunhosa]

Thanks, that more or less confirms my suspicions.

But surely someone is legitimately interested in learning English (and, more importantly, teaching me some more Korean?) Why don't any guys respond?

It's a shame that the process breeds such cynicism. I feel like it is a real opportunity that is being missed.

I'm not an English teacher so I guess I was a little naive about this.

[peachgaru]

Well its hit and miss. I agree with all of the posters above-- Korean females tend to be more interested for real language study. All of the male language exchange partners I've met have tried to turn the situation into a date and one even asked to sleep with me. My female partners have been much more serious about teaching me Korean and learning English.

I'd say that its a good opportunity. With such little opportunity to speak Korean, with exception of 안녕 하세요/ 감삽니다, language exchange is kinda all we're left with...

[tanklor1]

[peachgaru]

www.hanlingo.com

[Atavistic]

I have one female and one male language exchange partner. Both are sincere.

[HighTreason]

I am male and have 2 female and 1 male Korean language partner I got through [url="http://www.FriendsAbroad.com"]FriendsAbroad[/url]. I had another female and another male one recntly, but things petered out, just slowly stopped communicating to each due to lack of finding each other interesting I suppose. I have never had the problem of them wanting to date me. I have had FAR FAR more German language partners from when I was learning German and I now count several of them among my friends.

Anyway, it could just be your perception while they are just trying to be friendly, or you could have chosen a sight that draws a lot more folks looking for that sort of thing. Remember that they don't know your language that well, and they may not even be aware that they appear flirty. ...or they could be flirty, I don't know the details.

Basically, there are many people out there who want to have a real language exchange, and I think it is one of the best things you can do to improve your foreign language learning.

[mindmetoo]

You know most white males think language exchange = date while most women on a language exchange think "oh boy, free english lesson and a chance to get some photos with a foreigner for my cyworld page!"

I'm impressed, OP

Surely, there are many women in the english exchange who have dual motivations. If the man is handsome and kind, oh what a pity if it turned into a relationship. But I would advise most men to expect a language exchange to be an exchange of language and culture, not fluids.

[tigerbluekitty]

[JZer]

[JZer]

[Atavistic]