Cultural Exchange Groups
CED Cultural Exchanges meet once or twice per month at the homes of volunteers throughout the Washington, DC metropolitan area. There are 16 Cultural Exchanges based on geographical areas, languages, and specific interest areas. Many volunteers and some diplomats from each group have planned wonderful events for 2026-2027. Join the groups that are best for you, make new friends, see old friends, and learn about each other’s cultures and customs.
CED monthly newsletters feature photos of recent gatherings. Most CED activities begin in September and end in May or June each year. CED Cultural Exchanges welcome both new and returning members. Join a CED Cultural Exchange today by contacting the Cultural Exchange chairs found below.
Activity Based Cultural Exchange Groups
Book Discussion: This group meets on the last Friday of every month from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm to discuss books selected by the group. Volunteers host and lead discussions.
Mah Jongg: This group meets on the 1st and 3rd Fridays of every month from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm.
Bridge: Duplicate Bridge meets in the informal setting of volunteers’ homes on the 2nd and 3rd Mondays from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. Participants should be at an intermediate level of play.
Walking with a Purpose: The walking group meets on the 1st Thursday of each month at various locations in Northern Virginia and the DC area.
Geographic Cultural Exchange Groups
These informal gatherings are hosted by volunteers and provide a welcoming space to discuss topics of mutual interest.
NoVA Cultural Exchange – 1st and 3rd Wednesdays, 11:00 am - 1:00 pm
Montgomery County Cultural Exchange – 2nd Thursday, 11:00 am - 1:00 pm
Washington, DC Cultural Exchange – 4th Thursday, 10:30 am - 12:30 pm
Culture-Specific Exchange Groups
These groups meet informally to explore cultures and, in some cases, practice languages. The groups identified by asterisks (*) are conducted in the referenced language.
1) African, conducted in English – 3rd Tuesday every other month, 11:30 am - 1:30 pm
2) Arabic and Southern Asian, conducted in English – 4th Wednesday, 11:00 am - 1:00 pm
3) English Pronunciation and Conversation for Diplomats – 3rd Tuesday and 3rd Thursday, 10:30 am - 12:30 pm on both days
4) French, conducted in English – 4th Tuesday, 11:30 am - 1:30 pm
5) German* – 2nd Friday, 10:30 am - 12:30 pm
6) Italian* – 3rd Friday, 10:30 am - 12:30 pm
7) Japanese, conducted in English – 2nd Friday, 10:30 am - 12:30 pm
8) Korean Cultural Exchange, conducted in English – 2nd Monday, 11:00 am - 1:00 pm
9) Spanish – 1st Monday, 11:00 am - 1:00 pm
