Now in its fifth year, the Estonian Language Friends program Keelesõber involves 900 Estonian speakers who are willing to chat with language learners to help them learn Estonian. Those who are learning Estonian and are interested in such an opportunity can register on the program's website from 7 a.m. on February 9.
’A big thank you to all the registered mentors, people from all walks of life and from different countries around the world. We are delighted that the program Keelesõber and the Estonian language unite, for example, journalists, software developers, actors, doctors, chefs, business analysts, environmental officers, sales managers and photographers from Antsla to Uganda,’ says program director Ave Landrat.
Estonian language learners can join the Language Friends program on the Integration Foundation's website www.integratsioon.ee/keelesober/keeleoppijale from 7 a.m. on Friday, February 9.
The program welcomes language learners who have reached level B1 or higher in their Estonian language studies, i.e. they can express themselves in conversations on everyday topics. The language learner will chat with their mentor at least once a week till May 14. To communicate, a channel suitable for both is chosen, such as on Messenger or by phone. The Language Friends program is open to adult language learners.
’We will start bringing language learners and mentors together on Friend's Day, February 14, and it could take until March 31. Thank you in advance to the mentors and language learners for your patience, we will definitely contact you,’ Ave Landrat remarked on the next stage of the program.
This is the fifth year that the program has been organized by the Integration Foundation. Over the past four seasons, the program has attracted almost 3,800 Estonian language learners.