A new program in Brazil is using video chats to connect Brazilian English-language students with U.S. adults in retirement communities looking for company.

CNA language schools in Brazil connected young Brazilians who wanted to learn English but could not afford to study abroad with native English-speakers in the U.S, older adults who might have been confined to Windsor Park Retirement Community near Chicago. In exchange for practicing and learning English, the U.S. retirees gained a conversation partner, navigating topics of culture, family, dreams and wherever partners decided to drive the conversation.

The programs started with retired volunteers. Students chose their conversation partner and the two connected online, answering CNA-suggested questions before moving naturally to other topics. According to CNA curriculum, partners planned to chat once a week for at least three months. Every conversation was recorded for language teachers to evaluate. 

CNA has opened the exchange to other U.S. institutions, requiring a computer with a webcam and internet access to connect older adults with English-language students, so both could learn something from each other, whether English, Portuguese or a universal language of understanding and friendship.