Networking Games for Multilingual and ESL Groups
These networking games work when your guests don't all share a first language.
Why Multilingual Groups Don't Mix on Their Own
People find others who speak their language, and stay there.
It's not unfriendly. Talking in a second language is tiring, especially in a loud room.
Fast games, jokes, and slang make it harder. The right game makes it easier.
How to Write Icebreaker Prompts for ESL Groups
- Short sentences, common words
- No slang, idioms, or cultural references
- Questions with easy answers: places, food, family, hobbies
- Avoid questions that need a long story to answer
'Find someone who speaks three languages' is easy to read and easy to answer.
'Find someone who's been through the wringer this year' is not.
1. Find Someone Who... for ESL Groups
Simple prompts like 'Find someone from a different continent' or 'Find someone who loves to cook.'
Guests can point at the prompt, which helps if they're nervous about speaking.
2. Map Pin Introductions for Multilingual Groups
Hang a big world map. Guests pin where they're from, then find someone whose pin is far away.
It needs almost no language to start, and the map tells the story.
3. Teach Me a Word Networking Game
Each guest learns 'hello' and 'thank you' from three people in three languages.
Everyone gets to be the expert, which is a nice flip for people learning English.
4. Food From Home Pairs
'Find someone and tell them about a food you miss from home.'
Food is the easiest topic in any language. People use their hands, their phones, and lots of smiles.
5. Phone-Based Networking Bingo With Bilingual Prompts
Jam Bingo gives every guest one prompt at a time on their phone, and you can write each prompt in two languages.
Guests understand the question right away, then answer in English or whatever language they share.
Prompts push people to find someone outside their group, so language circles start to mix.
1. A conversation starter to connect
Each guest receives a tailored conversation starter.
2. The exchange: get people talking
See fun facts and contact information, and unlock your next conversation starter.
3. A list of everyone: people met
See all your new connections in one spot.
How to Mix Language Groups at a Large Multilingual Event
- Give instructions on screen, in simple words
- Use one-on-one games instead of big group games
- Pair language learners with patient native speakers on purpose
- Keep music low
- Give people time, no buzzers or races
Networking Game Tips for ESL Classes and Language Exchanges
Start with the easiest prompts and build up to 'Ask someone why...' questions.
Let learners use their phone to look up a word. It keeps the conversation going.
Teaching a class? See our ice breaker bingo for ESL guide.
Hosting newcomers or international students? Try the expat and newcomer meetup bingo template.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are good networking games for ESL groups?
Games with short written prompts, one-on-one conversations, and no time pressure. Find someone who..., picture-based introductions, and phone-based bingo with bilingual prompts work well.
How do you mix language groups at a multilingual event?
Give people a reason to find someone outside their language group, like a prompt that can only be answered by someone from another country, and keep the first conversation short and easy.
How do you write icebreaker questions for non-native speakers?
Use short sentences, common words, and no slang or idioms. 'What food do you miss from home?' works better than 'What's your go-to comfort grub?'
Can a networking game show prompts in two languages?
You can write bilingual prompts. With Jam Bingo, you write each prompt in two languages (like English and French), so everyone understands the question even if they answer in English.