Proxymeeti Gets Ready for Its First Language Meetup in Leiden
The team behind Proxymeeti sat down together on September 7 to map out the next steps for their youth project in Leiden. With backing from the coach through the European Solidarity Corps, the group is working to make it easier for local residents, international students, and newcomers to meet up, chat, and learn languages together.
A big part of the discussion focused on keeping everything simple and open for anyone who wants to join. Instead of asking participants to download complicated apps or create new accounts, the team picked Google Meet for their online calls so anyone can join right from an internet browser. For day-to-day chats, sharing links, and answering questions, they decided to set up a regular WhatsApp group where everyone can talk freely with one another.
The project started in August and will run over ten months, with the very first online language exchange happening later this September. The organizers agreed to keep online sessions and in-person events separate rather than trying to livestream physical meetups, making sure both formats feel natural and easy to follow.
Over the coming days, the team is launching an Instagram page featuring language fun facts, cultural notes, and behind-the-scenes updates, all clearly marked with the European Union logo to highlight their community support. Instead of just posting into the void, the organizers plan to reach out personally to local student groups, language cafes, and friends around Leiden to build up the circle.
Things are moving fast, and the first meetup date will be shared soon. Anyone in Leiden looking to practice a language and meet friendly people is invited to get involved.
