Language exchange
One-to-one partner matching and small-group conversation, so you practice in real dialogue.
About BALA
An international community built on language and cultural exchange — founded in Paris, now in the USA and Europe.
Our story
BALA was founded in Paris, France, as a community for language exchange and cross-cultural connection. We believe language learning shouldn't only happen in a classroom. Real language is used, understood and remembered in conversations, events, journeys and genuine human connection.
BALA began by connecting Chinese speakers and learners with people who speak other languages — English, French, Spanish, German, Japanese, Korean and more. But BALA isn't limited to Chinese: today our community is open to everyone, and we welcome exchanges between all languages and cultures.
For BALA, language is only the beginning. What we really want to build is an open, friendly, diverse community with long-term connection — where people meet because of a language, understand each other because of a culture, and form new friendships, collaborations and possibilities.
What we do
Language salons
Themed conversations on life, travel, education, tech, film, food and more.
Cultural sharing
Members share their cities, festivals, ways of life and personal stories.
Festivals & themed events
Chinese festivals, French culture nights, American holidays and other international celebrations.
International community
Make friends, find collaborators and build connections that last.
What we believe
Open community
Whatever country you come from and whatever language you speak, you're welcome.
Real conversations
We encourage face-to-face dialogue and genuine human connection.
Diverse cultures
We respect every country, language, culture and way of life.
Long-term connection
One event can become a friendship, a collaboration — or the start of a whole new chapter.
Who can join
BALA is open to anyone curious about languages, cultures and international exchange.
- Students
- International students
- Researchers
- Professionals
- Entrepreneurs
- Travelers
- Newcomers
- International families
- Language learners
- Anyone curious about other cultures
You don't need a high language level. What matters is a willingness to talk, to share, and to discover a different world.
Why join
- Practice the language you're learning
- Meet new friends from different countries
- Share your own language and culture
- Get to know other cultures and ways of life
- Join free language exchange events
- Take part in cultural events and themed salons
- Grow your international network
At BALA, you can be a learner and a sharer at the same time.
Signature programs
International interviews
Every cross-cultural experience has a story worth hearing. We interview people from abroad who have traveled, studied, worked or lived in China about their view of Chinese culture, everyday life and language learning — and, over time, more people living between cultures.
Global travel & cultural experiences
Sometimes the best classroom is a city. We're planning programs that combine language practice, cultural exploration and local exchange — so participants don't just visit a country, they step into local life.
Connecting with China
We connect our community with universities and companies in China for visits, interviews and exchange.
Weekly Instagram Live
Every Sunday, 20:30–21:30 (Paris time), on @bala.chinese — live tips on learning languages.
Where we're going
From Paris, to the United States, and on to Asia, Europe and more cities around the world. Each city can have its own BALA community, all sharing one idea: open up conversation through language, build understanding through culture, and create new possibilities through connection.
One day, when someone arrives in an unfamiliar city, we hope BALA is where they find people to talk to, events to join, and an international community of their own.
