In an increasingly digitized world, friends are making more friends globally in a more exhilarating way than is possible. International pen pal programs can offer an exhilarating opportunity for high school students to engage in new cultures, enhance their foreign language skills, and develop friendships that could last a lifetime, all through the act of writing. Whether students want to exchange letters using the US Postal Service, swap emails, or engage in a pen-pal program as a global classroom project, pen-pal programs provide learning opportunities that often provide meaningful, education, and, in many cases, transformative experiences for a young learner. Below are 8 awesome international pen pal programs that connect high school students with other high school students around the world!
1. Students of the World
Location: Global (primarily U.S., France, Italy, Japan, and more)
Program Format: Online and traditional letter exchanges
Cost: Free
Eligibility: Ages 13–19, fluent in English or willing to practice
Deadline: Rolling admissions
Students of the World has historically served as a bridge between teenage, globally engaged, and curious youth. The program lets students select their pen pals based on common interests and a chosen mode of correspondence (handwritten letters or digital communication).The program also extends student-to-student communication beyond letter writing and includes suggestive thematic writing prompts, stimulated ideas for cultural sharing, and various forms of creative expression. Some of the students who take advantage of the program and identify pen pals comment not only on the process in developing their writing and language skills but on the ability to develop a broader definition of international customs, traditions, and subjectivities.
2. International Pen Friends (IPF)
Location: Over 190 countries
Program Format: Postal letters and email options
Cost: Around $15 USD (one-time registration fee)
Eligibility: All ages (high schoolers are grouped by age range)
Deadline: Open year-round
Created in 1967, International Pen Friends is one of the most trusted and oldest pen pal organizations in the world. International Pen Friends connects students of like ages, interests, and preferred languages around forming meaningful friendships that last and are important; writing letters the traditional way rather than through text messaging and social media; and creating literacy and understanding of different cultures while cultivating patience through caring and developing empathy with students who share common goals of letter writing.
3. Global Penfriends
Location: Worldwide
Program Format: Digital and postal exchanges
Cost: Free basic membership, optional paid services
Eligibility: Ages 13+
Deadline: Open enrollment
Global Penfriends provides a safe and friendly space that allows young people to meet friends from around the world using either email or letters. Students can connect, while benefiting from the maximum security features and moderation controls offered as part of the platform. Students can search for matches by age, shared interests, and language goals. Many youth use Global Penfriends to practice a foreign language or learn to make friends with those who live and think differently than they do. Global Penfriends is a great choice for those who wish to first consider what it means to 'go global', whether they are a shy novice or a highly social adventurer.
4. InterPals
Location: Global
Program Format: Web-based messaging and snail mail
Cost: Free
Eligibility: Ages 16+
Deadline: Open enrollment
InterPals has connected pen pals from around the world since 1998, and has millions of active users engaged in language exchange, cultural learning, and promoting global friendships.This community welcomes high school students to join and communicate with students in dozens of other countries and you could message each other in minutes or exchange mailing addresses to send letters. If you want to meet people and are serious about language learning, this is the website for you.
5. PenPal Schools
Location: Online over 150 countries
Program Format: Collaborative classroom projects and pen pal messages
Cost: Free for individuals; paid classroom options available
Eligibility: Ages 12–18
Deadline: Rolling admissions
Through guided projects around topics based in academic content, PenPal Schools cultivate cross-cultural connections between students from around the world by bringing students together around subjects like climate change, identity, and human rights. Over the course of engaged and facilitated opportunities for conversation, students connect through safe and guided exchanges, supported by teachers or program facilitators. This is particularly effective for students interested in global citizenship and international collaboration.
6. My Language Exchange
Location: Global
Program Format: Email and voice chat (no postal mail)
Cost: Free with optional premium features
Eligibility: Ages 14+, parental guidance advised
Deadline: Open
For students interested in language fluency, My Language Exchange connects language learners with a community of native speakers across the globe for guided conversation by text, email, and voice. They provide support for 100+ languages with the objective of real-time interaction to practice listening and speaking and improve fluency. It is great for AP or IB language students and anyone getting ready to study abroad or take a language immersion course!
7. Peace First Pen Pal Program
Location: International
Program Format: Monthly email/letter writing with optional Zoom calls
Cost: Free
Eligibility: Ages 13–19
Deadline: Biannual registration windows
This socially-conscious program connects teens around the globe that are interested in activism and leadership and creates opportunities for activism and community engagement through reflections that allow students to explore identity, social justice, power and building community through using written prompts each month. There are optional virtual meetups to enhance the connection and allow for collaborative peace-making actions. This is a great opportunity for students interested in taking action to make change through dialogue.
8. Language International Pen Pal Program
Location: 100+ countries
Program Format: Email and video conversation
Cost: Free trial, then session-based fees
Eligibility: Ages 15–19, actively studying a foreign language
Deadline: Open, session-based
Language International’s pen pal platform offers connections for language learners around the world, combining conversation practice in a structured manner under teacher facilitation. Through this platform, students practice fluency with classmates who are native speakers of the target language and develop vocabulary and confidence in social language. It is a great option for learners who are preparing for oral, in-person exams and/or travel on their own internationally.
If you are a high school student pushing yourself to stand out in college applications, RISE Research offers a unique opportunity to work one-on-one with mentors from top universities around the world.
Through personalized guidance and independent research projects that can lead to prestigious publications, RISE Research helps you build a standout academic profile and develop skills that set you apart. With flexible program dates and global accessibility, ambitious students can apply year-round. To learn more about eligibility, costs, and how to get started, visit RISE Research’s official website and take your college preparation to the next level!
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