Our Why:
Lingo Friends was born from one belief:
Learning a language is about connecting with people.
We combine smart AI and real conversation to make language learning feel natural, fun, and social.
The Problem
Speaking is the most challenging part of language acquisition.
Traditional methods focus on grammar and vocabulary—but real-world conversations with native speakers? That’s where most learners struggle to build confidence.
The Solution
Lingo Friends connects you with native speakers in a mutual exchange. You practice the language you’re learning while helping someone else do the same.
Our platform is built for students, powered by AI, and rooted in real human connection.
Become Fluent in Any Language
How It Works?
Speak. Swap. Grow.
01
Sign Up & Choose Your Course
02
Get Matched
03
Have Conversations & Connect
04
Continue Practicing
& Refining Skills
Core Features
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🧠 AI Practice : Pre-call warmups, grammar feedback & conversation prompts
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💬 Live Subtitles: Real-time captions during calls
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📓 Vocab Saver: Instantly store and review new words
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🕒 Built-In Timer: Equal time for both speakers
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📆 Calendar Sync: Stay on schedule with Google or Outlook
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📝 Meeting Planner: Set goals and topics in advance
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🤝 Local Events: Practice IRL at “Nights Around the World”
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🎓 Campus Integration: Match with peers at your university
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🧊 Conversation Feedback: Rate and refine future pairings
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✏️ Shared Blackboard: Add notes, photos, and corrections during sessions
Our Method
Our platform utilizes Natural Language Processing and AI tools to enhance the language learning experience. Currently, users will get matched and meet their partner in person for a 1-hour live conversation. They will spend 30 minutes practicing each language, which guarantees mutually beneficial language exchange. After the meeting, users can independently review their vocabulary and practice challenge spots in order to improve. In the future, we would like to implement a video call feature, so users can meet remotely.
Our Team
Varsha Mani
Chief Marketing Officer
Hey, I'm Varsha! I’m a sophomore Business major from Austin, Texas. I speak English and Tamil fluently. I love traveling and learning about new places and cultures. In my free time, I enjoy exploring new coffee shops in Austin, baking, crafting, and spending time with my family and friends. I am excited to build Lingo Friends, so we can create a tight-knit community of language learners!
Vania Trejo
Founder
Hi! I’m Vania, founder of Lingo Friends.
I’m a recent UT graduate who loves traveling and exploring new cultures. I speak Spanish and English and picked up French in college. While conducting a research project studying abroad, I realized many students struggle with the speaking part of language learning. What helped me most were real conversations and friendships—that’s what inspired Lingo Friends: a fun, supportive space for students to connect and grow through real interaction!
Keertan Chennupati
Chief Technology Officer
Hey, I’m Keertan! I study engineering at the University of Texas at Austin and love exploring technology and how things work. I speak English, Telugu, and some French. You’ll usually find me playing or watching sports, listening to music, or enjoying the outdoors. I’m always eager to learn new things and enjoy being part of projects that challenge me to grow.
Nicole Rincon
UX designer
Hi everyone! My name is Nicole Rincon. I study Informatics with a minor in Programming and Entrepreneurship. I speak Spanish, English, and a little French. One fun fact about me is that I love to travel and listen to music.
Isabella Babba
Social Media & Community Manager
I’m Isabella Babba, a creative and driven Public Relations student passionate about sports media and marketing. Coming from an immigrant household, I bring a unique perspective to connecting with diverse audiences. With strong skills in organization, design, and communication, I thrive in fast-paced and dynamic environments.
Lydia Huang
Software Engineer
Hi, I'm Lydia! I'm currently studying Informatics at the University of Texas at Austin, and I speak English and Mandarin Chinese. When I'm not coding, you can probably find me at the gym or out trying new food places. I love learning new skills and creating cool things, so I'm excited to be a part of this project and build Lingo Friends into something great!
We believe speaking should come first—so we built the platform we always wished we had during traditional classroom learning
Hear It From Our Students
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Nella Balducci
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Klara Del
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Tom Peterston