Seeking international video chat "penpals"

July 9, 2010 7:32 PM

I used to love corresponding with overseas penpals that I'd been matched up with at school, or whatever. Do people do this via video chat these days? Where and how?

I just got a brand-new laptop with a built-in webcam, and I think it would be cool to use this new toy as a way to meet and chat with new friends, particularly in parts of the world I've never had the chance to visit. (Side question: Do other people even do this at all, without looking for anything creepy or sexual, or am I being overly optimistic?)

What sites or resources would you recommend for finding online penpals?

I'm pretty sure Chatroulette isn't the right thing.

posted by AngerBoy to computers & internet (3 answers total)

Where do you live? I bet there are some mefites who would be interested in video chatting with you.
posted by kylej at 8:11 PM on July 9, 2010

Just google penpals and you'll find lots of sites where you can find penpals. Put up a profile, say you're into video chat (and not chatroulette) with your new gadgets and go from there.
posted by foxjacket at 9:02 PM on July 9, 2010

Chatroulette is the right thing. Keep trying. I've had hour-long conversations, which were interesting and challenging.
posted by oxit at 1:38 AM on July 10, 2010