Conversation Groups (Spanish Only)
English/Spanish Exchange
Volunteer Opportunities
Native Spanish Speakers
IMPORTANT: Although we make every effort to provide accurate information,
the conversation groups listed here may have changed their meeting place
and schedule; also, their description is entirely their members',
not ours. It is advisable to contact them before attending to confirm
whether information is current.
Conversation Groups (Spanish Only)
Spanish Conversation at McMenamin's in NW Portland:
This group is intended for intermediate to advanced Spanish learners, but beginners are welcome. It has been meeting for more than 15 years, and varies from 6 to 10 people.
Schedule: Every Saturday, from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Location: McMenamin's (1716 NW 23rd Ave at corner NW Savier)
Contact: Jim Gillin, jim_gillin@yahoo.com.
Spanish Conversation Night
Intermediate to advance levels welcome.
Schedule: 2nd Tuesday, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Location: Costello's Travel Caffé, 2222 NE Broadway, Portland
Phone: (503) 287-0270
The Portland Spanish Language Meetup Group
Meet local Spanish language and culture lovers for conversation and fun! Come to a Spanish Language Meetup and make new amigos as you practice speaking, discover new phrases, and finally figure out verb conjugations! All ages and levels welcome.
Organizer: Luisa
www.spanish.meetup.com/635
El Círculo Español
25 members
Schedule: 2nd and 4th Monday, from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m.
Location: First Congregational Church, SW Madison & Park, Portland
Coordinator: Juanita Nordahl, (503) 777-5117.
English/Spanish Exchange
Informal Spanish/English conversation every Monday 7:00-9:00 p.m. at New Seasons market, Cedar Hills Blvd., Beaverton (next to closed GI Joe's). All levels, native speakers of both languages, upbeat atmosphere. Gather in seating/eating area to the right as you come in. Market provides free coffee, fruit, snacks. Ample parking, various public transit options.
More information: Don Devine, devinedf@hotmail.com, (503) 646-2011.
Several conversation groups meet at branches of the Multnomah County Public Library. Engage in conversation with native English speakers who want to practice their Spanish and native Spanish speakers who want to practice their English. There will be time for conversation in both languages.
To see the list of groups, go to the library's "Event Finder" Web page and enter the keyword "Intercambio."
The Cornelius Public Library hosts a language exchange program for one hour every Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. It is free, very informal, and it has a facilitator who will provide a few topics to guide the participants in conversation. It is a great opportunity to practice language skills with native Spanish speakers. Contact:
Phone: 503-357-4093
Email: library@ci.cornelius.or.us
Location: 1355 N. Barlow St.
A conversation group meets at the Beaverton Public Library, on 12375 SW 5th Street, Beaverton, (503) 644-2197.
Native Spanish speakers and native English speakers gather to converse. These groups typically attract 15-20 people per meeting. All levels are welcome; however, since it is a conversation group as opposed to a class, it is recommended that you have some knowledge of the language you are trying to learn.
We meet on Saturday mornings, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., and converse for an hour in each language.
If you have questions please contact Don Devine, (503) 646-2011.
Spanish/English Conversation Hour
A conversation group meets at the Tualatin Public Library, on 18878 SW Martinazzi, Tualatin, every Monday evening from 7 to 8 pm. Practice your English or Spanish conversation skills and help others learn in a friendly environment. Beginners welcome! Ages 16+.
If you have questions please contact Julie Wickman at JWICKMAN@ci.tualatin.or.us, (503) 691-3069.
Volunteer Opportunities
(Basic-to-advanced Spanish skills required)
SEEDS
Students for Education, Empowerment, and Direct Service
You might want to visit this Web site first, since it details information about several important organizations, such as:
Portland Community College
El Programa Hispano
Oregon Council for Hispanic Advancement (OCHA)
Miracle Theater
Centro Cultural of Washington County
Workers’ Rights Education Project (VOZ)
Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization (IRCO)
Friendly House
Multnomah County Sheriff's Office
CascadeLink
CASH
Creating Assets, Savings and Hope
Immigration Law
Volunteer Opportunities
Multnomah County Library
Portland Indymedia
Survivor Project
Wallace Medical Concern
William Temple House
Native Spanish Speakers
An excellent way to practice is to meet periodically with a conversation partner, with whom you talk half the time in English and half the time in Spanish. A one-on-one meeting gives you more time to chat than a group setting, and allows a deeper conversation. You can find a conversation partner at local colleges and language schools where native Spanish speakers study English. Contact them for information or put a sign on their community board, if permitted. Here are a few:
Portland Community College
Mount Hood Community College
Clackamas Community College
Capstone English Mastery Center
International House
Western Pacific College
You can also go to craigslist.org to find like-minded people, either by entering the keyword "Spanish" in its "Community" section, or by placing your own ad there.
