We at Cheap in Madrid believe that intercambio groups, which are language exchange clubs, are a great way to practice another language. That’s why we’ve been profiling intercambio groups around Madrid. Multilinkual is a vibrant intercambio that meets on Tuesdays at 10pm at O’Neill’s (c/ Príncipe 12 metro: Sol) and on Thursdays at 10pm at Beer Station (Cuesta de Santo Domingo 22, metros: Santo Domingo/Ópera/Callao). Attendance is fee and everyone is welcome. I sat down with David Poza, who runs the group.
CiM: Did you found this intercambio group? When? Why was it started?
David: I founded it about 14 years ago. I taught Spanish when I finished university whilst I looked for a job and I had international friends in Madrid and wanted to keep my English, French and Italian alive.
CiM: What about the intercambios enthuses you most?
David: The good atmosphere, how sociable people are and the fact that it’s always a mix of regular people, friends and newcomers every time. It’s free and that’s a good thing too, of course…
CiM: How do you get the different people to talk to each other?
David: I coordinate the group and introduce the newcomers according to the language they want to practice.
CiM: What is the atmosphere like at the intercambios?
David: I’d describe it as sociable, friendly, and welcoming.
CiM: What do you recommend to people here trying to learn Spanish?
David: Practicing, avoiding using their language especially English speaking people, reading and watching TV and meeting Spanish people, for instance at Multilinkual meetups.
CiM: Are you trying to practice any other languages right now?
David: English, French, and Italian.
CiM: Can you recommend an interesting book about Madrid?
David: Camilo José Cela’s La Colmena, and many Benito Pérez Galdós novels.
CiM: What’s a good movie that takes place in Madrid?
David: There are many but right now I remember Amenábar’s Abre los ojos.
CiM: What are your favorite hangouts in Madrid?
David: Retiro Park, La Latina Paseo del Prado and Castellana.
CiM: Does this group host any other events?
David: On Wednesdays we have International Dinners for €15 at different international restaurants. On Thursdays before the intercambio there is a comedy show, and once a month it is in English. On Fridays we watch films in original version at Cine Ideal (where they give us a discount), and then we go to the 4D pub afterwards (you get a free drink with your used cinema ticket).
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