Language is one of the most important tools for the integration of refugees and immigrants into a new society. However, learning it can be challenging for newcomers due to a lack of sufficient resources and language services available for refugees with different educational backgrounds in France.
At STCP, the Language & Culture Exchange is one of our first programs, and it has evolved as STCP continues to grow. In this program, we host beneficiaries from diverse backgrounds: asylum seekers, refugees, immigrants, expats, students, and even language learners. Since January 2025, we have been running two Language & Culture Exchange events every week:
- French Language & Culture Exchange on Wednesdays
- English Language & Culture Exchange on Thursdays
At STCP, we start the Language & Culture Exchange according to the academic calendar in France. However, we do not consider it an academic program, because our focus is on socio‑cultural topics. Our goal is to help beneficiaries better integrate into French society by learning subjects such as Paris in summer, protecting oneself during heatwaves, shopping expressions, politeness in France, French winter traditions, and similar socio-cultural topics in English sessions, where beneficiaries learn about life and culture in English‑speaking countries.
This year, we resumed the Language Exchange sessions on 9 September 2026, after a one‑and‑a‑half‑month break, and we will continue weekly sessions until the end of July 2027, except during holidays. We aim to keep the Language Exchange a learning opportunity for both beneficiaries and volunteers. With more than 20 nationalities represented among our participants, our volunteers also learn about other cultures and lifestyles through conversation sessions, as shown in Naomi’s reflection on her volunteering experience at STCP.
Our Language Exchange programs have faced challenges, especially the French sessions. Nevertheless, we are grateful for the support of our current volunteers. Without their consistent commitment, continuing the Language Exchange would not be possible. Still, we need more support from volunteers. This support can take different forms:
- individual participation in the sessions to converse with beneficiaries,
- group participation such as CSR events,
- or donations to help us provide food and drinks for beneficiaries at the end of each session.
If you have not yet attended the Language Exchange, you can sign up on the ServeNow App and join an event, or contact STCP for more information.
Written by Safiullah Ebrahim
