Making new friends around the world has never been easier than it is today. With the advancement of technology and globalization, incredible apps have emerged that enable conversations and friendships with people from different countries, cultures, and languages. One app that makes this easier is HelloTalk, available for download below. Below, discover five great apps for making international friends online, detailing their features, differences, and how they provide an enriching experience of cultural and social exchange.
1. HelloTalk
HelloTalk is one of the most popular apps for those who want to make international friends while learning a new language. It connects people from different parts of the world based on the language they want to learn and teach.
HelloTalk learn languages
HelloTalk's main feature is language exchange: you help someone learn your native language while they help you learn the language you want to practice. Chat is the center of interactions, with support for text, voice, video, and even real-time corrections from your conversation partner.
The app also features a social media-style feed where users share thoughts, photos, and questions in their target languages. This encourages engagement and contextual learning. Usability is simple and intuitive, with built-in translations, a dictionary, and automatic audio transcription—ideal for beginners.
HelloTalk is an excellent platform for those looking for both learning and real connection with people around the world.
2. Slowly
Slowly offers a unique approach: instead of instant messaging, it simulates sending digital letters, where each message takes hours (or even days) to reach the recipient, depending on the distance between users.
Slowly: Making friends by letter
This approach recaptures the charm of exchanging letters and encourages deeper, more thoughtful conversations. Profiles are created based on interests and languages, and you can choose who to exchange letters with, making the experience personal and engaging.
The app also offers collectible digital stamps from different countries, further encouraging international interaction. Furthermore, the interface is calm and unhurried, perfect for those seeking authentic and lasting connections.
Slowly's unique feature is that it slows down communication in a fast-paced world, making each message more meaningful.
3. Tandem
Similar to HelloTalk, Tandem connects users based on the language they want to learn and practice. But it stands out for also offering sessions with professional tutors (for a fee) and a highly focused learning environment.
Tandem: language exchange
Users can chat via text, voice, or video call, and even receive grammar corrections directly in messages. The app's technology helps keep conversations flowing with topic suggestions and useful phrases.
The modern interface and filtering by language level and interests make partner searches more accurate. Furthermore, Tandem prioritizes safety, with profile verification and active moderation, promoting a healthy environment.
It's ideal for those who want to make international friends with a focus on language exchange, but without sacrificing a good educational experience.
4. Ablo
Ablo offers a virtual travel experience and real-time global connection. With built-in automatic translation, you can chat with anyone in the world, even if you don't speak the same language.
Ablo
Ablo's goal is to create genuine friendships while you "travel" through different cultures, discovering customs, foods, music, and lifestyles. The app suggests people based on your interests and location, fostering spontaneous connections.
Chatting can be via text or video, and the translator works in both, making communication much easier. Gamification is also present: you earn "miles" as you interact and explore different countries.
With a focus on entertainment and cultural curiosity, Ablo is ideal for those who want to make friends and discover the world at the same time.
5. Speaky
Speaky is a global language and culture exchange community. The app connects users with shared interests, providing a platform for daily conversations with people from around the world.
Speaky: Language Exchange
With support for multiple languages and a lightweight interface, Speaky makes it easy to find conversation partners based on compatible schedules and communication preferences. Conversations can be via text or audio, and there are built-in correction tools.
One of Speaky's strengths is its welcoming community, which encourages the creation of lasting friendships. There are also features for saving favorites and easily staying in touch with your international friends.
With a combination of learning and cultural coexistence, Speaky stands out for its simplicity and effectiveness.
Featured Features
Apps designed for making international friends offer a variety of features that enhance and simplify the user experience:
- Real-time translation: Present in apps like Ablo and HelloTalk, this feature allows conversations between people who don't speak the same language.
- Text correction: Common functionality in HelloTalk, Tandem and Speaky, useful for language learning.
- Video and voice: Call communication brings users even closer together and makes the experience more personal.
- Profiles with interests: Filtering by interests makes it easier to find friends who share your interests.
- Internal communities and social networks: Like the HelloTalk feed, which allows for public posting and more open interactions.
These tools not only bring people together but also help with personal development and language learning, creating a global network of friendships.
Conclusion
Making international friends online is an enriching experience that goes beyond exchanging messages. It's an opportunity to learn about cultures, practice languages, broaden your worldview, and create real, lasting connections.
With apps like HelloTalk, Slowly, Tandem, Ablo, and Speaky, you can start your global journey right now, right from your smartphone. Each app has its own unique approach and style, so it's worth experimenting and finding the one that suits you best.
With a good internet connection and an open mind, the world is literally at your fingertips.
