Language Tandems for Staff: A year of informal language pratice while connecting with international colleagues
What is a Language Tandem?
This initiative contributes to promoting multilingualism and international mobility in our universities, while providing a relaxed way to practice languages with peers. Two staff members from two EUniWell universities are paired together to practice a foreign language they are learning. They meet regularly via videoconference to engage in informal discussions in the language(s) they wish to practice. They are completely autonomous in organising their tandem learning.
A practical and alternative way to practice languages
Many participants joined the programme to revitalise a language they were no longer using regularly. For Christine (Nantes Université), her tandem in English and French became a rewarding exercise:
“I was able to regain confidence in English and improve my vocabulary. We talk about work, but also about our weekends, holidays, political values. I am happy and grateful to be part of such a programme.”
Her partner Martina (University of Florence), found the tandem to be the perfect complement to her formal class:
“I had started a French class this year, so joining the tandem was the perfect opportunity to practise outside of class hours. We meet weekly or biweekly, half the session in English and half in French.”
For Elena (University of Cologne), the format fit seamlessly into a demanding professional and personal schedule:
“Working full time and having a toddler made following French classes impossible for now, so I felt the tandem was perfect for me. It’s such an easy way to get some language practice into your day-to-day and we learned so many interesting things from each other.”
Beyond language practice: intercultural exchange
Through informal and regular conversations, tandem partners were able to gain a better understanding of daily life, work culture, and societal issues in another country. Lola (Inalco) explains:
“The intercultural exchange is the most beautiful part of the tandem. We discussed topics as varied as the job market in France and Germany, multicultural families, childcare systems, relations between administrative and academic staff, humour as a cultural marker or academic mediation in scientific conferences.”
These conversations often went beyond professional matters, enabling participants to discover new perspectives shaped by different cultural backgrounds, generations, and personal experiences. Elena noted how enriching it was to exchange with someone at a different life stage:
“My partner is quite a lot younger than me, and I don’t often get the chance to hear perspectives from that age group. Hopefully, she also found it useful to hear mine from a more senior point of view.”
A gateway to collaboration and international networking
Participants also emphasised how the tandems encouraged professional exchange and networking across EUniWell by allowing them to discuss institutional practices, shared challenges, and potential collaborations. For Simon (Nantes Université), the tandem was an opportunity to expand his network:
“What I found most useful was the regularity of the practice, but also the opportunity to genuine connections and a professional network.”
Some participants even had the opportunity to turn their virtual exchanges into in-person encounters. This was the case for Daniel (University of Murcia), whose tandem partner visited his institution:
“The programme allowed me to practise languages, discover different cultural and professional realities, and expand my network. My partner even joined our Erasmus Staff Week, so we met in person during that visit.”
Interested in joining?
If you are a staff member at a EUniWell member university and would like to practice a language with a colleague from another university, consider applying to the next edition of the Language Tandems for Staff programme through the EUniWell website.
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