Written by Gabriela Estrada

Speaking English or French fluently is a matter of practice, but it's also about letting go of the need for perfection so you can focus on getting your message across using the vocabulary you know. 

Nothing more, nothing less!

But how do we move past the obsession with "sounding good" to the real goal of "making yourself understood"? How does this translate to real life? 

The answer is simple: by engaging in spontaneous conversation in an environment where making mistakes and laughing at the process are part of the dynamic.

That's why today I want to talk about our upcoming in-person event: the Speed Networking , where you can meet new people while practicing the language. It’s a place where brief conversations will help you get comfortable speaking English or French.

It's up to you!

Speed Networking in-person

This session is a one-hour event designed to help you break through the barrier of silence when speaking a second language. Here, you'll have the opportunity to connect with different participants in quick conversation rounds. Every few minutes, you’ll switch partners or groups and be given a new everyday topic to discuss. 

It's a relaxing and entertaining activity because there are no right answers or perfect conversations. There are questions, opinions, laughter, new people, and plenty of opportunities to speak freely without being evaluated or judged for mistakes in pronunciation or interpretation.

How does it work?

The Planeta Immiland Education team will lead the activity, which is designed to get your brain to react in real time without giving you much time to overthink the grammar. 

The activity consists of 4 steps: 

• Form a group of 2 to 3 people.

• You'll receive a dynamic topic to kick off the discussion.

• After a few minutes, you switch partners and meet someone new.

• You repeat the process and connect with new people, explore different topics, and find opportunities to practice.

What is discussed in each talk?

The topics are varied, and each participant will be encouraged to use practical vocabulary appropriate for their current level to discuss them. For example:

• Work: You'll share experiences, goals, and opinions about the world of work.
• Travel: You'll talk about travel, places you want to visit, and unforgettable experiences.
• Canada: Share what you know, what you'd like to learn, or your expectations about Canada.
• Movies: Movies, TV shows, favorite characters, and recommendations.

And many more topics that will keep the conversation going!

How can you prepare for the meeting? 

Review your personal experiences in relation to the event’s themes: think about your last trip, what you do in your day-to-day work, the movie you saw over the weekend, or your goals if you’re thinking about Canada. 

Tip: Don't try to translate them word for word or rehearse elaborate speeches; just keep the ideas and key words you already know fresh in your mind so you can share them naturally.

Work on preparing yourself mentally to meet new people in a second language. Remember that you’ll be surrounded by students who, just like you, will be breaking the ice, stepping out of their comfort zones, and overcoming their fear of making mistakes. 

Your brain should be your great ally, not your enemy: instead of letting it act as a judge, allow it to serve as a bridge to connect you with the resources available. 

Let them absorb new ways of constructing sentences and then put them into words.

The key is to remember that you won't be evaluated; you'll be having a conversation, identifying where the stumbling blocks are, and enjoying the process of expressing yourself just as you are today—but with an openness to moving forward.

Choose your language: English or French?

This event is open to participants who speak either of Canada's two official languages. When you register, you can choose the language in which you'd like to participate:

• English Networking: This space will allow you to practice your current English conversation skills with other students.
• Networking in French: Here you’ll get to put your French into practice through spontaneous conversations with other students.

Why participate in this event?

Attending this event is the best way to immerse yourself in the language, assess your current level, and speak naturally while learning from your peers.

This experience will help you:

• Talk to more confidence. 
• Express yourself in real time without relying on pre-planned conversations in your mind.
• Improve your listening comprehension.
• Getting used to listening to different voices, rhythms, accents, and ways of expressing oneself.
• Meeting new people at the same level or higher who can teach you.
• Expand your social circle and connect with people who share your interests and personal growth goals.
• Step out of your comfort zone and put the language into practice in a 100% real-life context, without apps or theoretical support materials.

Where and when are we meeting?

Our first Speed Networking will take place at the Planeta Immiland Education Bogotá headquarters, in a comfortable, safe environment designed for the community:

• Location: Planeta Immiland Education (Cra. 15 #88-64, Suite 103, Bogotá, Colombia).
• Date: September 17, 2026.
• Time: 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• Limited spaces available: This activity is dynamic, fast-paced, and effective, but it works best with a small number of participants, so we will have a strict limit on the number of spots available. 

Click here to sign up for Speed Networking and secure your spot before they sell out!

International community outside Bogotá: There's a place for you, too!

We know that our student community spans Colombia and the world. If you can't attend this event, don't worry.

You can join our online conversation clubs  or start your online courses with us. At Planeta Immiland Education , we’re constantly creating interactive activities to help you overcome your shyness, stop sounding like a robot, and find your own voice in English or French.

Are you ready to practice your language and communicate with confidence? Contact us, and we’ll be happy to help you.

Learn with us

At Planeta Immiland Education, we offer French and English courses tailored to your interests, your level, and your pace.

We are the first language school with a focus on immigration. We are accredited by Languages Canada and our teachers are certified to use the best teaching methods to help you improve your language skills while navigating your immigration process.

Our programs are designed to support you at every stage of your journey.

We offer: 

• English and French courses.
• Preparation for international exams.
• Programs focused on academic and immigration goals.
• Conversation activities to build your confidence in real-life situations.

Visit our online academy and find out which program is right for you:

https://www.planeta-immiland-education.com/.

If this article inspired you to practice your language in real time, share it with friends and family in Bogotá who might want to be part of this incredible experience.

See you in the next blog post, where we'll continue to explore how languages can open the door to new international experiences and opportunities!

With love, 

Planeta Immiland Education