Hi Dodo! I'm one of them you deleted from your Skype & maybe MSN, too. pity, I was delighted with exquisite chats with you. yes, I've got some trouble in exchanging languages: I'm not available the whole day: sometimes I'm very busy because of the unstable way of my working, and yes, I'm not English native-speaker... However, I must say that I've found Italki web-site quite good place for searching for the language exchange. I've found some people really willing to exchange languages. what can decide about the effectiveness of these contacts? I'll try to answer taking in consideration my experience taken from Italki web-site: 1. motivations of both sides: question your Italki partner why he/she wants to learn a foreign language. it gives you some interesting information, how much the person is concerned and determined to learn/teach of course, there are some silly guys looking for on-line dates, but after some words you will know what's the purpose of the chat 2. suitable time for both sides: you need to make an appointment with your language partner. you both must decide what time is the best for you both. when you're signing in on-line, you can't count that your Italki partner will have enough time right now. if you had a standard teacher at your place, it's hardly to imagine that you can visit him/her at any time saying: I'm here! Teach me right now! I think it is the most essential thing 3. plan of learning/teaching: it depends on the your & your Italki partner needs 4. maybe it's a matter of Heaven gift? so pray for decent and good language partners!