Penpals provide numerous benefits for students

Since seventh grade, I have been learning French and one of my greatest experiences was having a penpal from Canada during middle school. Once again, my French class is going to be writing with penpals, this time from Senegal. After experiencing what it is like to communicate with people from other countries, I believe that penpals could be beneficial for all students. Instead of just using foreign language classes, English classes would help students find and benefit from penpals.

What advantages come from having a penpal? If English teachers were to introduce use of penpals to their curriculum, they may notice their students developing better writing and communication skills.

Teacher Shafaq Imran from Pakistan wrote on PenPals Schools’ website, “Students learn content while practicing essential skills of communication and collaboration in a global contest.”

In addition to English teachers, social studies teachers could use penpals in the classroom. What better way to learn about other cultures than to communicate with those who experience them first-hand? While teachers can decide to use penpals within the United States, an international correspondent could open new doors for students.

For example, according to a student from New Zealand, she “learned that the more you contribute, the more you connect with other people.”

While talking about history in different regions and what life is like there currently, the students can deepen their understanding through conversation with people different than themselves. Speaking with people from various backgrounds would allow for students to understand acceptance. Often we feel a disconnect when watching the news because events may not concern us directly. However, this can change drastically if we get to know those affected by social issues. Penpals can eliminate this disconnection.

“I learned that you have to listen to other people’s points of view,” says a student from the United States. “Without that, you would never learn to understand.”

Now that students have access to the internet, communication is made even easier and faster. Why not use that to a student’s advantage? Penpals allow for people to learn about writing, other cultures, and the value of living in a diverse world.