Mandarin & English Language Exchange

Brussels is Europe’s heart, and our meetup is its friendly beat. [[ Whatsapp groupchat link to join ]](https://chat.whatsapp.com/CRmOwQksJ1g8qTd8z4RniU) Join us Saturdays at 7:30 PM for a language and culture exchange like no other. With attendees in their 20s and 30s from across the globe, it’s where ideas and friendships flourish. Let’s connect over words and waffles.

Are you a parent living in the Leuven area wanting to connect with other parents? This event is made for you! Join one of our volunteers, Jasmina, Lexi and/or Martina for a picnic at De Bruul, kids and partners welcome! The group will meet at 12:00 and will find a cozy place to sit together. We will keep everyone updated on the day of via a whatsapp group, which we will share prior to the event.

. Find us on Facebook to see what's actually happening. Bring your own knitting or crochet project and join other people who enjoy yarn crafts for a relaxing couple of hours on Saturday afternoons. The 1st Saturday of the month is not an in-person meet-up, but on zoom. All people and all levels welcome, including beginners, whom we are happy to help get started (although we don't run classes). No charge. All you need is some yarn and a crochet hook or a pair of knitting needles. We are very friendly so don't be shy. The venue may change from time to time so please check back on the day before the event to be sure you have it right. We mostly speak English, but people in the group are very international and speak many languages. Looking forward to seeing you.

Improvisation is not just for comedians. It is a practical skill you use whenever life does not follow the script: during a meeting, a job interview, a difficult conversation, a presentation, a Q&A session or an unexpected challenge at work. On **Saturday 30 May**, Atomic Toastmasters invites you to a practical workshop designed to help you **think on your feet, stay calm under pressure and respond with more confidence**. The workshop will be hosted by **Nayara**, an aviation expert who knows from professional experience what it means to adapt quickly, communicate clearly and make decisions when circumstances change. During this two-hour session, you will practise simple and effective techniques to: * respond more naturally when you are put on the spot * structure your thoughts quickly * speak with clarity even when you have little time to prepare * become more comfortable with uncertainty * use improvisation as a communication skill, not as a performance trick This is a hands-on workshop. You will not only listen. You will practise, experiment and learn in a supportive environment. No previous Toastmasters experience is required. Guests, beginners and experienced speakers are all welcome. ## Practical information **Date:** Saturday 30 May **Doors open:** 09:45 **Workshop:** 10:00 – 12:00 **Location:** Shopping Linthout **Address:** Rue Bâtonnier Braffort 2, 1200 Brussels **Public transport:** Close to metro Merode **Parking:** Paid on-site parking available **Price:** 10 € ## Agenda **09:45 – 10:00 \| Arrival and welcome** Participants arrive, check in and meet the group. **10:00 – 10:10 \| Opening** Welcome by Atomic Toastmasters and introduction to the workshop. **10:10 – 10:25 \| Why improvisation matters** A short introduction to improvisation as a practical communication skill, with insights from aviation and real-life situations. **10:25 – 10:55 \| Thinking on your feet** Exercises to practise quick thinking, active listening and spontaneous responses. **10:55 – 11:10 \| Short break** **11:10 – 11:40 \| Speaking under pressure** Practical activities to help you stay calm, structure your message and respond with confidence. **11:40 – 11:55 \| Applying improvisation in daily life** How to use these techniques in meetings, interviews, presentations, conversations and Toastmasters sessions. **11:55 – 12:00 \| Closing** Final takeaways and next steps.

✨ MEET & MATCH : SPEED DATING (50 FEMMES - 50 HOMMES), 30/05 MADAME MOUSTACHE - BRUXELLES ✨ Et si, pour une fois, les rencontres ne reposaient pas sur un swipe… mais sur un vrai regard, un sourire, une conversation ? Le 30 mai, on vous donne rendez-vous sur la terrasse de Madame Moustache, en plein cœur de la mythique Place Sainte Catherine. Entre ambiance chaleureuse, cocktails, coucher de soleil urbain et énergie bruxelloise, ce cadre vivant et convivial est l’endroit parfait pour faire de nouvelles rencontres dans une atmosphère détendue et élégante. Pour cette édition de Meet & Match, nous avons imaginé une expérience à taille humaine : 💫 100 participants soigneusement répartis – 50 femmes & 50 hommes 💫 Une tranche d’âge harmonisée – entre 25 et 38 ans 💫 Une ambiance bienveillante, détendue et sans pression Ici, pas de malaise ni de solitude : tout est pensé pour que chacun se sente à l’aise, guidé et libre d’être soi-même. 🔥 AU PROGRAMME 🕖 19h00 – Possibilité de boire un verre Arrivez tranquillement, profitez d’un verre en terrasse et laissez la pression redescendre après votre journée. 🕢 19h30 – Explication du déroulement On vous explique tout simplement comment la soirée va se passer, dans une ambiance conviviale. 🕢 20h00 – 22h00 – SPEED DATING Place aux rencontres ! Des échanges de 5 minutes en face à face, puis on tourne… et on recommence. Un rythme fluide, naturel, qui permet de rencontrer plusieurs personnes sans stress. 💡 Petit plus (et pas des moindres) Pendant le speed dating, vous pourrez discrètement indiquer vos coups de cœur via l’application PartyFinder. Après la soirée, on s’occupe du reste : les matchs sont révélés automatiquement le lendemain. 💛 Pourquoi venir ? Parce que rencontrer quelqu’un “en vrai”, ça change tout. Parce que l’énergie d’un échange face à face ne se remplace pas. Et parce que cette soirée pourrait bien être le début de quelque chose… ou simplement une très belle rencontre. 🎟️ Les places sont limitées à 100 participants Alors si l’idée vous parle… ne tardez pas trop. ⚠️ Réservation obligatoire pour le speed dating (à partir de 20€ via PartyFinder). Tickets Disponibles ici: [https://www.partyfinder.com/en/event/16268](https://www.partyfinder.com/en/event/16268) *** En bonus : Pour 5€ de plus, vous pouvez accéder à la soirée "International Party powered by Justanight" chez Madame Moustache qui aura lieu à la suite du Speed Dating. Plus d'infos sur la soirée : https://www.partyfinder.com/en/event/16139 On vous attend pour une soirée simple, authentique… et pleine de surprises ✨ *** 📍 Madame Moustache 5-7 Quai au Bois à Brûler, 1000 Brussels

Hi everyone, This coffee morning event is @ **Schmet !!!**, on Saturday, is 30 May 2025, from 10:00 - 13:00. - Outside! Schmet is a new place and belongs to Château Moderne. It only opened a few months ago. 😃 It's right at Place Poelaert. This is their Instagram account. It's still very new. https://www.instagram.com/schmet.bxl/ 1. The **prime time** of the event is **10:30 - 12:30**. That's when most people will be there. 2. When you enter the place, you will see a long table that is set up for the event. 3. If you intend **to join past 12:00** (high noon), then there is no need to register. Just come and join! 4. **DON'T forget to cancel** if you can't join! 5. **Please, be respectful towards each other during the event. (And after ;))** **As always, feel free to follow us on INSTAGRAM!** https://instagram.com/weekendmorningcoffee?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA== *** **THE STRUCTURE of THE EVENT:** * I post the event on Saturday/Sunday for the following Saturday. * I send out a reminder as an email or a comment on the event page on Thursday/Friday. * There is sometimes a waiting list. * **For everyone on the waiting,** please check your status and messages on Friday evening the latest. I message everyone on the waiting list on Friday. * **Please, move to "not going" AS SOON AS you know that you can't come anymore, that includes everyone who is on the waiting list.** **IMPORTANT:** * When you register yourself, be careful not to register accidentally a +1 guest (unless you bring a guest). It happens very often. * If you have any questions then, message me. *** **A MESSAGE FOR NEWCOMERS:** *In the three years of hosting this coffee group, I have met many people who struggle with anxieties when coming to an event for the first time. Sometimes, it took them more than one attempt before being able to join.* *Occasionally, people reach out to me before the event, and I have always been grateful for that as it offers the opportunity to communicate with each other and to find the best and most gentle way for that person to join the group.* *I would like to encourage everyone who struggles with this to contact me before. It would really be too bad if you can't join us, as it mostly gets better the second or third time you come.* *In addition to that, if you arrive and notice any signs of nervousness or fear, you can always let me know right then.* **THANK YOU AND SEE YOU ALL ON SATURDAY!** **LOCATION:** Schmet 2 Rue des Quatre Bras Brussels 1000 (right at Place Poelaert)

**PLEASE READ THE ATTENDANCE POLICY (below) IF IT'S YOUR FIRST TIME** **SUNDAY COFFEE & JAPANESE CONVERSATION** 日曜日のコーヒー＆日本語会話 Our "Japanese/English Conversation Exchange" offers you a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of Japanese culture and language, all while helping native Japanese members to learn their target language. 私たちの「日本語/英語会話交流」は、日本の文化と言語の世界に没頭しながら、ネイティブの日本人メンバーが英語、フランス語、またはオランダ語を学ぶのを手助けするユニークな機会を提供します。 **Date: /** 日付：**(almost) every Sunday** **Time: /** 時間：**from 4.00 pm to 6.00 pm** **Location: /** 場所：**Cafe Caberdouche - Place de la Liberté 8, 1000 Bruxelles** **Venue Note: /** 会場の注意：**The manager of the cafe kindly accepted us to book a table on a regular basis. To thank him for his kindness, please order AT LEAST ONE DRINK**. カフェのマネージャーが親切にも私たちに定期的にテーブルを予約することを承諾してくださいました。その親切に感謝の意を示すために、少なくとも1杯のドリンクを注文してください。 **Location Assistance: /** 場所の案内：**If you can't find us, ask one of the waiters. They know where we are :) You can also send us a message.** 私たちを見つけられない場合は、ウェイターの一人に尋ねてください。彼らは私たちがどこにいるか知っています :) メッセージも送っていただけます。 **Event Agenda: /** イベントのアジェンダ： * **4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: JAPANESE CONVERSATION** \- Join us for the Japanese conversation and cultural exploration\. Beginners are welcome / 日本語会話 \- 最初の30分は日本語の会話と文化探求に充てられています。初心者も聞くだけでも歓迎です。30分後に参加しても構いません。多言語交換 \- ベルギーの多様性を体験し、ネイティブの日本人メンバーが英語、フランス語、またはオランダ語を学びたいと熱心に待っています。さまざまな言語で異文化交流の会話に参加しましょう。私たちの日本の友人にベルギーの文化、伝統、生活を紹介しましょう。 * **6:00 PM: EVENT CONCLUSION** \- Please respect the event's start and end times to maximize your language exchange opportunities\. Your participation and enthusiasm are appreciated\! イベントの終了 \- イベントの開始時間と終了時間を尊重して、言語交換の機会を最大限に活用してください。参加と熱意に感謝します！ **Attendance Policy: --->** 以下の日本語 * We're excited to have you join our events and appreciate your commitment to learning and growing together. To ensure a productive and enjoyable experience for all participants, please take note of our attendance policy: 1. **Punctuality:** Please arrive on time for scheduled events. Late arrivals can disrupt the flow of the event and may miss important information. 2. **Language Commitment:** If you sign up for language-specific sessions, such as Japanese conversation or language exchange, we kindly request your commitment to actively participate in that language for the designated duration. 3. **Respect:** Treat fellow participants, organizers, and cafe staff with respect and courtesy. Harassment or disruptive behavior will not be tolerated. 4. **Removal Policy:** A participant who is not respectful towards other members will be removed from the group and blocked, with no warning. This point is not negotiable. 5. **Cancellation:** If you are unable to attend an event you've registered for, please let us know as soon as possible. This helps us plan accordingly and allows others to take your place if there's a waitlist. 6. **No-Show Policy:** Three no-shows (failing to attend without prior notice) may result in restrictions on event registration to ensure fairness to other participants. By attending our events, you agree to adhere to these guidelines. We aim to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where everyone can learn and connect. Thank you for being part of our community! **出席ポリシー：** 私たちは、イベントに参加していただけることを楽しみにしており、皆さんが一緒に学び成長することに取り組んでいただけることを感謝しています。すべての参加者が生産的で楽しい経験をするために、出席ポリシーにご留意ください： 1. 時間厳守：予定されたイベントには時間通りにお越しください。遅刻はイベントの流れを乱し、重要な情報を見逃す可能性があります。日本語のみのセッションは午後4時、全言語のセッションは午後4時30分開始です。 2. 言語へのコミットメント：日本語会話や言語交換など、特定の言語のセッションに登録された場合は、その言語での積極的な参加をお願いします。 3. 尊重：他の参加者、主催者、カフェのスタッフには敬意と礼儀をもって接してください。嫌がらせや迷惑行為は許容されません。 4. 退場ポリシー：他のメンバーに対して敬意を持たない参加者は、警告なしにグループから削除され、ブロックされます。このポイントは交渉の余地がありません。 5. キャンセル：登録したイベントに参加できない場合は、できるだけ早くお知らせください。これにより、他の人があなたの代わりを取ることができます。 6. ノーショーポリシー：事前の通知なしに3回のノーショー（欠席）がある場合は、他の参加者に公平になるようイベントの登録に制限がかかる場合があります。 私たちのイベントに参加することで、これらのガイドラインに従うことに同意するものとします。私たちはみなさんが学び、つながることができるように歓迎される包括的な環境を作り出すことを目指しています。コミュニティの一部としてご参加いただき、ありがとうございます！ **Note: Please stay tuned to our event page for updates and schedule changes. We can't wait to see you there and exchange languages, cultures, and stories!** 備考：更新やスケジュールの変更については、イベントページをご覧ください。そこで皆さんにお会いして、言語や文化、物語を交換できるのを楽しみにしています！

¡Ey, qué tal! ¿Crees que podrías sobrevivir solo con tu español? Vamos a ponerlo a prueba con un cafecito☕️ (o con lo que te dé la gana en el momento, ya sea una bebida o un snack ) Dónde: Leopold PDN. Este café puede ser algo difícil de encontrar, especialmente cuando llueve ️☔️, pero así empieza la aventura, ¿no? No esperes hasta estar completamente perdido—mándame un mensaje antes de empezar a maldecir Google Maps ️. ‼️️Si el clima se porta, picnic en el parque (Cinquantenaire), obvio 🌳🧺 La idea: Pides algo (¡obligatorio! ☝️) y te unes a la mesa. Empezamos con una mini intro y luego hablamos de todo: actividades, viajes, música… Y si tienes ganas, ¡jugamos a algo! Todo en español, así que ¡prepárate para la inmersión! Dependiendo de cuántos seamos, podemos dividirnos por niveles para que todos disfruten al máximo. Juegos: Nada de tableros gigantes que acaben tirando los cafés por toda la mesa. Solo juegos rápidos y divertidos (tipo UNO o Exploding Kittens ). Yo llevaré unos, pero si tienes alguno que te guste, tráelo sin miedo. Eso sí, los juegos con texto, ¡en español! ⏱ Horarios: Empezamos a las 15:00, pero si llegas más tarde, no pasa nada, te unes cuando quieras y te quedas el rato que quieras. ¿Vas a llegar después de las 15:30? Dímelo en el chat para guardarte un lugar. Lista de espera Si estás en la lista de espera pero realmente quieres venir, o si tienes cualquier duda, mándame un mensaje directo... Más info se puede compartir en el chat o por DM —asegúrate de revisar tus mensajes el día antes para no perderte nada crítico . ‍🐈‍⬛ El Código de los Amigos: Nada de formalidades – aquí venimos a divertirnos Respeto y buena onda – si no, ¡¿Los errores?! ¡Nos dan igual! Y si nos cuesta, cambiamos al inglés o mejor: 💃 ¿No puedes venir? Cancela para que alguien en la lista de espera pueda tomar tu lugar Si estás en la lista de espera, no te presentes sin confirmación. ¡Hasta luego!

Join us for some friendly Badminton games- all levels welcome! IMPORTANT- in order to secure your place you’ll need to both book a spot on Meetup AND pay €8 by Friday morning. This is to make sure we can cancel courts if demand isn’t there, and make sure we’re being fair to people on the waitlist. Refunds will only be possible after Friday AM if another player is definitely able to take your spot Always worth joining our W’app group as well for faster, often better, updates! https://chat.whatsapp.com/IL7Gbs6TmIm0GXyidQxCFS?mode=gi_t

Hello, readers ! In May we are reading Fathers and Sons by Ivan Turgenev. We will meet at Maison de Quartier Malibran, Rue de la Digue 10, 1050 Ixelles. **Please keep your RSVP up to date** and happy reading!

Welcome to our weekly event in the upstairs room of The Sister Café, rue Chair et Pain 3, one block from the Grand Place. Please get there early enough to order your drink at the bar first. Thank you! After introductions we will collect questions from the group participants, choose one by voting then discuss it for an hour. Then most of us stay for drinks and bizarre conversations. Past questions have been wide and not confined to academic philosophy: What is a genuine friend? Is social media turning us into emotional zombies? Do we lose some of the experience of things by defining them? Are we driven by sex? Is loneliness a personal failure? Is morality relative? **Crucially, be kind and respectful and generous** in your disagreements; remember how much you personally enjoy someone else proving you wrong before celebrating your cutting counterexamples.

Let's grab some coffee/food and share a morning chat! The East Market has an ample parking lot and outdoor and indoor seating. Grab a cup of coffee from Winston's Coffee & Waffles or on your way to East Market and meet us on the second floor - table behind or east of the elevator. Per what this group is about: "Everyone is welcome! International transplants to Columbus who want to improve language skills, Columbus residents who enjoy talking to people from other countries, and those who would like to discuss international travel and culture, and who enjoy getting together for good conversations."

Hey Everyone! Let's meet at Belle's Bread Bakery and Cafe. There is lots of free parking and easy access to the cafe and many shops and restaurants as well. This is a great way to meet new and old friends while chatting about life and practicing English language speaking skills. All are welcome and encouraged to join us anytime between 11am and 1pm. Looking forward to seeing you soon.

Inspired by our successful events like "Saturday Mornings @ East Market" and other "Pot Luck in the Park" lunches, this gathering promises to be a blend of fun conversations, language exchange, and cultural insights, all while sharing wonderful foods with each other. **Please bring a dish to share and anything you would like to drink.** We will provide plates, plastic silverware and napkins. So, come hungry and ready to chat!

The aim of this group is to get together and practice our German. Doesn’t matter if are a beginner or a native speaker. The goal is to speak and improve our German. Everyone is welcome! If the weather is good, look for us in the Biergarten. Pro Tip: Get there before 6:00 for happy hour pricing.

This event is 2:30 - 4 pm Sunday. Conversation tends toward intermediate/advanced, but everybody is welcome. If you come and don't see us right away, keep looking. We could be anywhere in the restaurant. Or out on the patio.

Ciao a tutt\*! Let's meet Monday at 6.30pm at the Upper Arlington Library (**Tremont** Branch) in **Meeting Room A** to speak in Italian for 1 hour.

June meetup at the Library. We’ll play games and have casual conversation in Japanese and in English. All levels of Japanese ability, from non-speaker to native, are welcome. After the meetup we will go out to eat at a local restaurant.