Pen pal sites are popping up all over the Internet, connecting millions of people from all corners of the globe. With one of these sites, you too can join the fun. Best of all, most major sites are free!

Here are the best pen pal sites, rated by number of users, variety, and overall quality:

1. PenPal World
www.penpalworld.com
This is a good site all around. Nearly half a million users from every country in the world, and variety is plentiful. Several included features:
* Your own profile with photo and real time updating
* 8 search engines to find a pen pal by country, language, age etc.
* Block any countries you don't want
* Commenting on any profile
* 66 free online games

2. Interpals Penpals
www.interpals.net
Interpals is smaller than some of the larger sites, but it offers great features, like a language exchange which matches pen pals based on languages that you speak and those you want to learn. This is the best choice for students and younger people. Benefits include:
* Language Exchange
* Random pen pal generator
* Highly customizable profile with photo
* Wall to wall communication (similar to Facebook)
* Satellite map showing where in the world each profile is located

3. PenPal Party
www.penpalparty.com
This site emphasizes privacy and is a good choice for those who want to maintain confidentiality. Profiles are all-text, brief, and to the point. Email addresses aren't revealed unless you reply to a message from someone. Features include:
* A/S/L format, minimal personal info
* All pages translatable into 8 major languages through Babel Fish
* Easy to use search engine with native and target language, occupation and more
* Teachers can set up a class-to-class correspondence with international students

Whichever site you choose for finding a pen pal, it will almost always be a great experience. Millions of people, of every place, age, and interest imaginable, are searching for someone to meet. You might learn a language, get to know a country better, and make new friends along the way.

Have fun!

Learn more about this author, Joshua Carpenter.
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