Extreme Language Exchange is a little like speed dating, but less awkward (give my regards to aperitivo) and with less desperation involved. You will be paired up with an Italian speaker for 10 minutes at a time, during which you both will be working on your respective foreign tongues.

Don't worry about your proficiency. Even if you don't speak a lick of Italian, just come with some prepared words or phrases you want to say—this is a great opportunity to meet Roman locals and get their take on the best things to see and do during your stay in Rome.

Try to help your partners along by correcting their English when necessary, and respond in Italian as best you can. In my experience, my partners were leaps and bounds ahead of me in terms of language proficiency, but it still made for fun conversation (and also meant I could just respond in English when I didn't know how to say something in Italian). I had only taken three weeks of elementary Italian classes, and often ended up speaking in a mix of Italian and the Spanish I still remember from high school. This got me some laughs, but hey—they knew what I was talking about. And no one is judging here.

How much does this activity cost, you ask? Nothing. It's completely free! The bar does offer a great aperitivo for just 7 Euro, so get there a little early, order something Italian like a Negroni (or don't...I had a mojito), grab some fantastic free food, and wait around until the exchange begins.

The exchange is held every Thursday night from 7:30 to 9:30 pm (19:30 to 21:30 in Italy) at the mateBar in Trastevere, just behind Piazza Trilussa at Via Benedetta 17. Sign up on the website before attending, so they'll know how many speakers of each language to expect. When you arrive at the bar, check in with Andy, the gregarious host, and head over to the bar for your apéritif.

The Extreme Language Exchange was a great experience for me. I learned how to speak Italian better in the three hours I was there than in the three weeks of Italian classes I took. I spoke to Italians of all ages and skill levels, and even made some Roman friends! Even if you're only in Rome for a few days, this is an experience worth having— immerse yourself in Italian culture by combining Italian aperitivo with la lingua d'Italia.