Level Up Village does an amazing job of setting up international partnerships for virtual exchanges. Teachers of popular languages like Spanish or subjects taught in English usually have no trouble getting matched up for an exchange or a cultural deep dive about literature, environmental issues, or identity. But what if you’re teaching Italian? Or Japanese? Or Swahili?
Suddenly, it’s a bit like showing up at a speed dating event only to find that most of the other participants all have Señora and Mme. on their name tags, and yours says Herr. Don’t worry—there’s hope: you’re just going to have to work the room a little differently!
Here’s how you can increase your chances of finding the perfect partner school—even if your language of choice isn’t exactly dominating Duolingo’s leaderboard.
1. Tap into Professional Networks
Professional development groups are basically the LinkedIn of the teaching world—but with fewer awkward motivational posts and more practical value.
If you’re teaching Italian, for instance, the American Association of Teachers of Italian (AATI) is your go-to. They have conferences, networking events, and email chains where teachers regularly share ideas and opportunities. Other language groups have similar resources—French teachers have AATF, Spanish teachers have AATSP—you get the idea. Just make sure there are some other letters after the AA, or you’ll be joining another group entirely.
For broader global education connections, check out groups like GEBG (Global Educators Benchmark Group). GEBG has an incredibly active listserv where teachers post requests for exchange partners all the time. It’s like Craigslist but without the weird personal ads. And don’t sleep on international groups like the International Boys’ Schools Coalition (IBSC)—because sometimes the best match is hiding in plain sight within an existing network. Having enjoyed my membership in all of these groups, I can personally attest to the camaraderie of the members in these organizations, as well as how not weird it is to get email blasts with these sorts of requests like…every three days.
2. Leverage Existing Relationships
Sometimes the best opportunities are closer than you think.
- Does your school have a partner school for physical exchanges?
- Did one of your colleagues move to a school abroad? And don’t you hate when that happens?
- Is there an alum teaching at a school overseas?
- Has your principal or administrator attended something like a “Headmaster’s Conference” and met anyone cool from abroad?
Teachers love helping teachers, so don’t be afraid to reach out. If your school already has an established relationship, that’s one less barrier to getting an exchange set up. Plus, working with a known partner makes the whole process smoother since there’s already trust in place.
This last suggestion may not be as popular but try canvassing parents at Back to School Night—you never know who might have international connections abroad! But then, you know…you might have to communicate with parents. Gross.
3. Try Online Exchange “Dating”
Now, for my personal favorite: E-Pals.
I stumbled across one of my virtual exchange partners using E-Pals, which is basically online dating for class pen pals. Teachers create profiles and can filter by language, subject, and other preferences. If you’ve ever thought, “I wish I could just swipe right on a school in Hungary,” this is the next best thing.
It works like this: you set up a profile, list the language or subject you’re teaching, and search for matches. Teachers can message each other directly, and before you know it, you’re introducing them to the Level Up Village family, exchanging lesson plans and student videos. It’s fast, it’s easy, and it gives you control over the process. Plus, you don’t have to explain to your principal why you’re DM’ing a teacher in Milan at 2 AM—it’s professional, I swear.
4. Get Creative
If all else fails, don’t be afraid to get a little creative. Language isn’t always the barrier we think it is. A school teaching art in Italy could pair up with a school teaching art history in the US. A culinary class in Spain could link up with a language class in the UK to explore how food reflects culture. Think about what your students are passionate about—and find a school with similar interests.
Final Thought
Finding the right partner school isn’t always easy—especially if you’re teaching a less common language. But the opportunities are out there. Between professional networks, existing school relationships, and platforms like E-Pals, you’ve got plenty of tools at your disposal.
So go ahead—put yourself out there. Your perfect partner school is waiting.
