Meetup.com is an excellent resource to meet members of your community with similar interests. Create a quick profile, find the groups that interest you and get out there and meet people. I have been attending Spanish and German language meetup groups in Vancouver for the last five years and have had a very positive experience.
The Vancouver Spanish Language Meetup and Vancouver Spanish Meetup (VSM) are two groups that offer the opportunity for learners to get together with other speakers of Spanish. The speaking ability of those attending ranges from beginner through to native speakers but anyone who can hold a basic conversation in Spanish is welcome. Common events include informal conversations in pubs, cafés and restaurants, movie screenings for Spanish-language films, potlucks and cultural events.
The Greater Vancouver German Language Meetup regularly holds events around the Lower Mainland for members to meet and speak German. This group also has events for children to help parents pass on their heritage language. The speaking ability of those attending is generally in the upper intermediate or advanced level with many native speakers participating as well. A large number of members have either lived in a German-speaking country or have moved from German-speaking countries to Canada. Common events include informal conversations in pubs, cafés and restaurants, movie screenings for German-language films and cultural events.
