SPEAK is a language and culture exchange that fights intolerance by promoting diversity, creating new networks and sharing languages. It is primarily based in Portugal (a country that is doing a particularly good job at accepting and integrating new immigrants), but also Spain, Germany, and Italy.
From their website: “SPEAK is a linguistic and cultural program built to bring people closer together – a crowdsourcing language and culture exchange between migrants and locals that breaks barriers, promotes multilingualism, equality and democratizes language learning. Anyone can apply to learn or teach any language or culture including those of the country where they are residing.
The courses in SPEAK are diverse and inspiring. Throughout this learning process, participants get to know other people, learn and explore common interests, break prejudices, misunderstandings and even promote comprehension as well as cooperation. Besides courses, there are social events aimed at creating a bond between participants and where there is room for dialogue, celebration and friendship.”
For more background information on migrants in Portugal, here’s a good article.
Center for Intercultural Dialogue 