New York
Practise a language with strangers. Free, no booking, come alone.
Verified places and programmes
- We Speak NYCNew York City's own English program offers free weekly conversation classes for beginner and intermediate learners, online or in person around the city. Find a class on the page.→
- Classes & conversation groups (New York Public Library)NYPL branches in the Bronx, Manhattan and Staten Island run free English and literacy classes for all levels, plus conversation groups where you chat with learners from around the world. Find a branch on the page.→
- Learn English (Queens Public Library)Queens Public Library offers English classes at beginner, intermediate and advanced levels, plus materials to practise on your own. Check the page for locations and how to sign up.→
- Langroops NYC Language Exchange (Meetup)Volunteer-run language exchanges that pair native speakers of different languages, with free online sessions and in-person meetups on weekends. Check the page for upcoming events.→
- NYC ServiceThe City's volunteering hub, where you can find local volunteer opportunities across the five boroughs. A great way to meet neighbors and practise your English.→
Coming alone — what to expect
- Language cafés are the easiest room to enter alone: everyone is there to talk to people they do not know, and the host seats you.
- Mixed levels are normal. Say your level once; nobody corrects you unless you ask.
- You do not need to be a learner: native speakers are the scarce resource and hosts love them.