Pen Pals - Brieffreundschaften
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Today, pen pals can choose if they would like to correspond via e-mail or so-called snail mail.
(© Colourbox)
Corresponding with a pen pal is a great way to experience another country from the comfort of your home. Regardless of whether you and your pen pal decide to write traditional letters or e-mails, in English or in German, communicating with someone from another country can be an exciting and new learning experience at any age. Here are some organizations which are able to connect US citizens with pen pals in Germany.
Letternet
With some 500,000 members from 160 countries, Letternet is one of the largest free pen pal clubs worldwide. It was founded by the German postal service Deutsche Post AG and offers opportunities to find a writing partner in Germany. Online registration is required and members must be at least eight years of age.
Letternet
Goethe-Institut
With the Goethe-Institut's free pen pal finder service you can look for pen pals, Brieffreundschaften, worldwide. Using this service you can browse through ads from people looking for international pen pals or create and post your own ad.
Goethe-Institut’s Pen Pal Service (in German)
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Corresponding with a pen pal offers people of all ages an opportunity to learn about another country and its inhabitants.
(© Colourbox)
People-to-People International
This private organization, headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri, offers a free service that connects teachers and their students with classes in other countries for pen pal exchanges and projects.
People-to-People International
Student Letter Exchange
Founded by an American teacher in 1936, this organization links students (ages 9-18) across the US and from more than 100 countries throughout the world. The correspondence is conducted in English.
World Pen Pals
Since their founding at the University of Minnesota in 1950, World Pen Pals has been encouraging international friendship and cultural understanding. Students (ages 9 and older) and entire classes or groups can apply for international pen pals. A minimal registration fee is required.
International Pen Friends
Since 1967, IPF has provided more than 1.5 million people (ages 8 - 80+) with pen pals. It offers services in six different languages. Application fees apply.
These are, of course, only a few of the many services and possible ways for you to start a pen pal exchange. We hope you will find the one that is right for you.
