When foreign language exchanges work, the benefits – educational, cultural and social – are huge. All too often they are disasters and you end up stuck with someone with whom you have absolutely nothing in common, dreading the fact this is only the first half of a two-way thing. Here is where Lingualinks comes in. Set up by two ‘godmothers’ (one English living in France and one Italian living in London), you complete a detailed registration form and chat to (and if appropriate meet) your godmother to arrange an exchange that really works. Many placements are found by word of mouth, through family and friends, and last year (their first) was a huge success.

Best suited to ages 11+. www.ingua-links.com Tel: 7243 4611 Registration: £50 (1st child),  £25 (siblings). Introduction fee: £230 per family.